Submitted by Cath Gertz


Bio: A private teacher for ESL university and senior secondary school students. Graduate of the University of Windsor.

My take:

Since the economic downturn, I have considered implementing some of the things my friends and family have traditionally done, and are now beginning to do again during bad times. For many [younger] people these will be a real shock - even horrific - because they have never lived during 'scarce' times. But, there is a positive aspect to this and will help us come out the other side.

There can actually be a very nice upside to these economic downturns that older citizens may remember, and which skills and attitude they may want to 'teach' around the kitchen table. This is the time to consider divesting oneself of all — ALL — extra expenses (individual cell phones come to mind) not related to the very basics: keeping a roof permanently over your family and having healthy food on the table.

This 'roof and good food' will maintain a place of sanctuary and pleasure, a place for get-togethers, pot-luck suppers, board games, a place for community and neighbourhood planning and even a social place where you can get together to make plans to help each other out. Now is the time to get outside to walk along trails, bike or sled. Visit the library, or your local art gallery, plant a garden, heck meet up for engaging political discourse over coffee.

So many things we, as individuals, and communities just haven't had much — or any — time and/or energy for in a long while. We've all been too busy working 60-70 hours a week, dumping money into those ill-fated RRSP's and home-equity loans, SUV loans, house-renovation loans. Credit-card vacations. Paying our taxes.

This is certainly the time when it is foolish to spend impulsively, to casually eat out, to 'pick up extras' for the house or for your closet, to suddenly fly to Florida in February.

Now is time to remember, or to learn skills like sharing internet service, or phone lines and cars and public transit, even housing perhaps. A time to use as little electricity and energy as is reasonable and possible considering your circumstances. Perhaps even canning vegetables and fruits, special sauces and desserts, something you may even come to enjoy and be proud of. That you might give as a present when one is absolutely required.

We could consider re-visiting the notion of repairing one's clothing, shoes, household items — even constructing a few things to suit your own needs - not just according to pre-described and heavily advertised 'fashion'. And, most importantly, go back to exchanging useful items for other items through friends, neighbours and family. You can, in fact, repeatedly loan and borrow most everything you need. And, don't replace the things you have as they break down — if you can fix it — go ahead!

At all times, think personal relationship building, your time can now be 'spent' on family, neighbourhood, and community. This all may sound horrific, it may seem too difficult and not worth the effort at first, but this is where the real survivors go during tough times and they do eventually find out how resilient and strong they really are without all the artificial and transitory material props.

In the end, we all need a reminder that we are more than just a 'consumer' and a 'seller' of 'services and goods' in this oh-so-brief life on earth.

Good luck in the new Economy! And look for the enjoyment in it, wherever you might find it!