E Waste & The future

For all of you who were able to watch Episode 2 of the Second Series of War On Waste, how eye opening was it about Australia and our addiction to technology!!??

For those of you who know me, I’m one of “those people” who dislike technology – ironic that I’m using my phone to type this blog I know.. but that comes out of the fact that it’s the ONLY piece of technology I personally own… Now, my home has a Tv (it came with hubby when we got married) He owns an IT company (yes, you read right, insert hysterical laughter here) so he owns a Pc to which he makes his livelihood off of and a Tablet for his meetings. Our Miss 9 owns an IPad for school as it’s now a requirement – what’s wrong with books by the way!? Mister 6 owns nothing! He will also require an IPad next year (grr) but for now, nothing.

Now, I am guilty of changing my phone every couple of years when the contract runs out, UP UNTIL NOW – this will not be happening until it physically does not work anymore this time round…

How do we “get away” with such little tech in our home you ask – simple – I say No to anything else – seriously, the kids have only asked a couple of times for a PlayStation4 because they own one at their fathers place & I sat down with them and explained that because we only get a certain amount of days together per week, I’d much rather spend time with them playing or drawing or exploring than in front of the tv. It took them a few weeks to get over it & a lot of patience on my behalf because of their winging & griping – but you know what? They rarely even ask for tv anymore & have forgotten the whole PlayStation thing… Now, this way of living takes more effort, more organisation & more thought, BUT it is SO WORTH IT! The kids & I cook, bake, play cards, play board games, they practice their skateboarding tricks & scooter skills, their homework is always done on time. We go for walks, in the summer they swim at the local pool, in winter we build forts inside & play imaginative games etc… This means I don’t get as many “breaks” as some parents would like & I’m ok with that. I understand that this way of life is not for everyone & I know that technology is here to stay & will eventually be running our world – but my little home does not have to be run by it & I’m going to do my best to keep it that way for as long as I can. I do not want us opening contributing to the tonnes of E Waste our country produces on a daily basis & I want to show my kids & anyone else that will listen, that there is a low-tech was of life that still exists and is fun to live.

Please, clean out your cupboards, drawers, desks & shelves of broken, outdated or otherwise useless E Waste, google where your local recycling points are for it all & feel the weight lifted from your clutter as another space opens in your world for Imagination, Re-Connection & creativity in your family life.