In new york, a couple spent a year in a way that had no negative impact on the environment. Being in the most prosperous and ecologically damaged area in the world, their families are changing their lifestyles to minimize their "ecological footprint".

At the end of 2006, a couple living in an apartment in the center of new york turned off the light and never turned on the light switch again in the following year. Not only that, although they live on the ninth floor, they have never taken the elevator or used electricity, and their home appliances have been put in the cold. They don't use disposable diapers for their two-year-old daughter, they don't eat food grown more than 250 miles away, they don't take out food, they don't have cosmetics, they don't have a washing machine, they don't have clothes ... They record their environmental protection experience and call it a "zero impact" life on the environment, that is, a carbon-free life. Start by changing high consumption habits.

The idea was first put forward by the writer's husband Colin Bevan. Bevan was once famous for writing historical works, but at the end of 2006, he planned to write an article about global warming. "Just doing a little is not enough. If we want to save the earth fundamentally, we must consider changing our way of life, "said Bevan.

Bevan decided to live in the center of new york for one year without affecting the environment. His wife Michelle sang with the women and readily agreed. Laura Gabbert, Michelle's childhood friend and filmmaker, was very interested and asked to film the whole process. After she promised to film as low as possible, Bi Wancai reluctantly agreed.

Bevan's new book about this year's life was put on the shelves on September 1 this year, entitled "People Without Influence". The whole book is made of recycled paper and chlorine-free cardboard, and the energy needed in the process is completely provided by biogas. The documentary of the same name has also been shown in the United States since September 1 1.

In the film, people can see several silly people who are full of charm and wisdom, hoping to change the world seriously with their own actions and make up for people's increasingly indifferent sense of personal responsibility and environmental protection in this impetuous society of arbitrary waste.

Compared with Wan, the new carbon-free life is not difficult, because in the past 10 years, he only bought himself three things: a second-hand mobile phone, an old computer and a folding bike. But for Michelle, who has been addicted to credit cards, it is not easy to adapt to this new life of 360-degree turn. At first, shops were very attractive, because they were always rich, so spending money and enjoying life had already become a habit. "I must break this habit," Michelle said.

Michelle and his wife cut most expenses, and the gas bill dropped to zero, so the idea of eating out was forgotten. Of course, coffee is also banned.

They even participated in the anti-consumption lifestyle of "free people" for a time. Frigan people realize that in a big city like new york, many people throw away things that can still be used as garbage, causing a lot of waste. They pick up these things in order to reduce the harm of these rubbish to the earth, reduce consumption and keep themselves away from the increasingly out-of-control "consumerism". They will look for slightly damaged goods in the garbage of the supermarket, take back the food that has just passed the shelf life, and ask some leftover food from some pleasant shops and restaurants.

Three months later, Michelle was able to spend tea time without coffee and cake. The love of cake and the shame of eating waste food are gone forever. Saving money is the most direct result.

As a result of getting rid of some bad habits of spending money, Michelle paid off all her previous card accounts within one month. Their discretionary spending has been reduced by at least 50% or more. "To tell you the truth, it really tickles me to see the checkbook sitting there doing nothing." Michelle said with a smile.

Before you know it, Michelle and Bevan have developed a new habit of saving money. Not only are they no longer in debt, but they can also spend 65,438+00% of their income on charity.

The "carbon-free life" project also provided Michelle with an opportunity to redesign her lifestyle. Michelle only takes 20 minutes by subway from home to the office. But she still gave up all carbon-related modes of transportation. Not because of opposing public transportation, but the focus of the "carbon-free life" plan is to get rid of the power grid completely! At first, Michelle walked 40 blocks back and forth. But she sacrificed too much time with her daughter. So, she began to use a scooter. This scooter has become the darling of her office. Her colleagues can't help sneaking around the office. For a long time, Michelle went to the gym by fishing for three days and drying the net for two days, but with little effect. By changing the time on the subway to scooter time, she lost 10.

It is impossible to live a freegan lifestyle, and the Michelle family has joined the "aborigines." In 2007, the New Oxford American Dictionary selected local diet as its word of the year. Refers to people who are keen on eating locally produced food, that is, "native foodies." It is generally believed that eating locally produced food can reduce greenhouse gas emissions without long-distance transportation. Although the variety of food is limited, this eating habit did not harm Michelle's family. On the contrary, she is full of energy. Her insomnia disappeared without a trace-the scooter became her "carbon-free sleeping pill". Her prediabetic symptoms disappeared.

Michelle said that it is more difficult to be an "environmental mother". Adults can tolerate some lifestyles and find pleasure in them, but for children, it may mean staying away from the fun of life. But Michelle didn't give up, and let the children form a basic accomplishment from the dribs and drabs of life-knowing not to hurt the world. "Isn't this the best thing I can give my child?" Michelle asked.

The one-year carbon-free plan has ended, and Bevan and Michelle still enjoy it. "Work is my fast life and family is my slow life." No lights, no cell phone, no TV, it sounds like something in life has been deprived, but Michelle doesn't think so. She said: "When I opened the door of the' carbon-free' home at night, I felt like I was strolling into the holiday."

Michelle realized that so much red tape is actually harmful to health, to bank accounts, to family time lost because she is keen on shopping and to the environment. Michelle said: "In the days of high consumption, I have been looking for something. And now, in my own home, I found it! "