Honestly

There's a new theme in the media: Survival Strategies.
(see: nytimes.com/survivalstrategies)
Newspapers and magazines are filled with chipper articles on "how to make do with less, how to get through these hard economic times, what to do when your retirement fund has disappeared." I could go on, "the joys of camping when you have lost your house, dinner by candlelight when the power has been shut off, biking for fun, recreation and transportation..."

I actually like finding ways to beat the system, so I have to admit that I am drawn to these articles.
What is a clothesline but a way to be off the grid?

Shopping at Whole Foods yesterday I noticed there was a sale on iced tea. Old habits draw me to the small glass bottles of tea which are displayed in such a way that I could not walk by without seeing them (Honest Tea: 5 for 5 dollars!) The clever marketing strategy promises serenity, centeredness, balance, and nirvana. In a trance state, I place them in my cart.

Waking this morning, I went to my computer and read "Survival Strategies" at the NYT online. A reader wrote in about the joys and cost savings of brewing your own iced tea. Of course!! It almost seems TOO easy!

This afternoon as the sun blazed down, I placed a glass pitcher full of water and two tea bags on my back porch. Two hours later I wandered out to find a pitcher of golden tea! Add ice cubes, a squeeze of lemon and some sugar or honey and there is a refreshing drink.

It is not just money that is saved. A lot of energy went into getting those little bottles to the store and energy will be used to recycle them should the buyer choose to do that. Trucks barreled down many a highway so I could have my single serving of Honest Tea.

I will miss the serenity, though, now that I will be making my iced tea at home. But I'll save the bottle cap with it's thoughtful directive. Maybe I CAN relax now that I don't have to get in my car to get a cool drink! Cheers!