TEXTO:
Downshifting means working towards simple living
by making conscious choices to leave materialism behind
and move on to a more sustainable lifestyle. It does not
mean simply cutting back and trying to live the same life
[5] only with less money. Downshifting requires prioritizing,
an adjustment ∈ values, and a totally different mindset…
not just a change to a more frugal way of living.
People decide to downshift for a variety of reasons.
Many want to get away from “living competitively”… job
[10] stress, consumerism, and feeling they have to live up to
someone else’s expectations. Other people downshift
because of a life changing experience, health reasons,
or a crisis ∈ the family. Often downshifting comes out of
a wish to conserve natural resources. Whatever the
[15] reason, downshifting isn’t limited to any age or income
level.
Once the decision to downshift has been made,
then comes the question of how. Usually the first step is
to create more free time for yourself by working fewer
[20] hours. This may involve something as simple as cutting
down on overtime, or it may involve changing jobs
or deciding to work at home. There is no one solution that
fits every circumstance because everyone’s situation and
needs are different. Taking your time to analyze your
[25] own options will prevent you from making any hasty spur
of the moment decisions that you might later regret.
Hand ∈ hand with a change ∈ the number of hours
worked is the need to consume less and therefore spend
less. As you prioritize your true needs and wants, you
[30] will find that many of the “things” you used to spend
money on no longer seem important.
Here are some downshifting ideas to get you started,
but keep ∈ mind that living a simple life is not about selfdenial…
you should not give up something that is really
[35] important to you.
•Limit the number of services you purchase. Anytime
you can do something for yourself instead of paying
someone to do it for you, you can save considerable
amounts of money.
[40] •Eat out infrequently, if at all. It is easy to get ∈ the
habit of stopping for a quick meal instead of taking the
time to cook dinner, but this is one area where there can
be really big savings, plus the real food you cook at home
is always much healthier.
[45] •Change the way you shop for groceries.
Comparison shopping and buying to restock your pantry
and your refrigerator when items you use regularly are
on sale results ∈ huge savings.
•Live green. Recycle, start composting, and limit
[50] what you throw away. Conserve fuel, electricity and other
resources to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Over the last several years there has been a huge
change ∈ attitudes and values. For many people, personal
growth, an enjoyment of life and feeling a real connection
[55] to family while keeping a healthy balance between work
and free time have become more important than titles
and big incomes.
Disponível em: <www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/downshifting-toa- simpler-life/>. Acesso em: 12 out. 2015.
is always much healthier.
[45] •Change the way you shop for groceries.
Comparison shopping and buying to restock your pantry
and your refrigerator when items you use regularly are
on sale results ∈ huge savings.
•Live green. Recycle, start composting, and limit
[50] what you throw away. Conserve fuel, electricity and other
resources to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Over the last several years there has been a huge
change ∈ attitudes and values. For many people, personal
growth, an enjoyment of life and feeling a real connection
[55] to family while keeping a healthy balance between work
and free time have become more important than titles
and big incomes.
Disponível em: <www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/downshifting-toa- simpler-life/>. Acesso em: 12 out. 2015.
Among the pieces of advice to future downshifters, the only one that disagrees with the text is:
