Now that the holidays are over, we’re dealing with a major case of the “I wants” from our pre-schooler. He got so much for Christmas, and he’s already making his list for next year. And it’s a long one. Most of the stuff he wants, he doesn’t need or would even use.

But he still wants everything he sees — on TV, in the newspaper, in magazines, etc. He sees stuff and he wants it.  The ads target him, and he needs whatever they are shilling.

Those Pillow Pets were everywhere before Christmas, and if he saw one, then he would tell me just how much he needed and wanted one. This is from a child who does not do stuffed animals. He doesn’t need one, and it would just gather dust next to all of the other stuffed animals we’ve accumulated in our house.

How do you teach a child that he doesn’t need everything he wants?

Consumerism has come up in several different instances recently. In this month’s cover story in the National Geographic, the writer discusses how people in developing nations see the “American way of life” and want to emulate it, but the Earth can’t handle that many people producing that much waste.

We were talking about this with some friends, and we discussed how one of the biggest obstacles we face is the resistance to change. Even though we realize that our consumerism is bad for the planet, it’s comfortable and it’s easy. We are familiar with it. And it’s easy to justify — wouldn’t people lose their jobs if we stopped buying everything that we’re told we must have?

The easiest way to keep our son from wanting everything is to stop him from watching commercials. And for right now, we’re ignoring his constant dialogue of wants. Thankfully he is young enough that he forgets most of his demands shortly after he makes them.

Are you wearing green? I have to admit that I forgot to intentionally wear green this morning. Luckily, I had a small green paint stain on the bottom of my shoe. It worked.

My sons are both wearing green shirts. We didn’t go out and buy them anything with “Saint Patrick’s Day” on it, although there was a huge selection at our grocery stores.

It seems like stores have huge selections of gear for every holiday now. Instead of just wearing green, I could have bought my sons socks, four-leaf clover antenna headbands, leprechaun hats, etc. I can even hang four-leaf clovers all over our house.

We probably notice consumerism more now since our 3-year-old is a very eager consumer. He wants everything that he sees, especially if it’s shiny and flashing. He’s not quite sure what Saint Patrick’s Day is, but will gladly ask for me to buy him stuff so he can properly celebrate the holiday.

The stores are of no help in such situations. They obviously want me to buy all the holiday gear they are shilling, even though it will be used on one day and then forgotten and stuck in a closet.

It’s frustrating. I’m sure most of the Saint Patrick’s Day decor and accessories are just green, not eco-friendly. And once bought, and possibly used, they will be pitched into the trash.

I have no solution other than not to buy these products. Most of us have green items of clothing. Why can’t we just wear a green shirt? If you have to decorate, then why not have your kids draw and cut out four-leaf clovers to hang around the house? (It’s a bonus if you use newspaper from the recycling bin!)

I’m just wondering what type of one-use-only decorations they will be shilling for April Fool’s Day and Earth Day?

The time has finally come when my husband and I will be consolidating to just one car and I can hardly wait! While car shopping is certainly not my favorite pastime, the prospect of getting to vote with my wallet for the cars that should be on the road is exhilarating.

Considering that in the United States, the largest group among American’s owning at least one car, actually own three, it’s no small feat to go from two cars to one. We live close to a metro train stop and usually take public transportation to work. We rarely are using two cars at the same time, these days, so it make this transition to stepping down to one car that much easier.

We currently lease a small, but efficient 2007 Honda Civic and own a small, but as efficient as she can be 2001 Toyota Rav4. The Rav4 is my baby, surviving the worst car crash I have ever been in, experiencing Vermont winters (she’s only a 2×4), and seeing me through my tumultuous 20s. While she may not have been the most fuel efficient cars of her time, she has been a dear friend. Replacing her towing capacity, reliance, and comfort while maintaining top notch fuel efficiency is our number goal in finding the perfect vehicle – the question is: are there any new automobiles on the market up to the challenge?

The simple answer right now is: we just aren’t sure yet. We have looked at the obvious choices like all the hybrid models currently available to the U.S. market. We have researched the conventional engine models which have “good” gas mileage, and we have begun the investigation into new diesel technologies which are not only cleaner than your father’s diesel engines but more efficient too. But there are other aspects to consider too – do they have the room we need? Are they something I want to be in for a long ride half way across the country when we visit the family? Will they last and have excellent resale value five to eight years from now? And sadly, will the manufacturer even exist by year’s end let alone for the life of the vehicle?

We are both professional environmentalists, who both even advocate for strong climate legislation for a living, so it is important to us to make the right decision in a time when consumers can really make a statement just by their purchase.

Over the next few days and weeks, I will be chronicling our efforts to find the perfect auto and hopefully making it easier for you to follow suit when you are ready to look for your next four wheel best friend. Have a question or have advice, comment below!