International Downshifting Week (originally called National Downshifting Week) started back in 2005 and promotes the concept of downshifting. Writer and broadcaster Tracey Smith launched International Downshifting Week and has developed tips and information on downshifting for individuals/families, companies and schools.
The idea of downshifting as promoted in International Downshifting Week is to create a better work/life balance, which more often than not involves living a simpler, greener and hopefully happier life. Society often encourages us to go out and earn as much as possible in order to pay for ever more lavish lifestyles, but the downside of this is the lack of time we then get to enjoy life itself and to spend time with those we love. Downshifting does not, however, have to mean throwing away your career and becoming self sufficient. There are many levels of downshifting starting with simple changes such as working less overtime, recycling old clothes and cooking a meal from scratch from local produce.
International Downshifting Week looks at ways we can all downshift in order to get greater enjoyment out of our lives. In living a simpler life it is often par for the course that life will be greener too. Recycling is a great example, as is buying local produce. If you make a bigger move towards downshifting by cutting working hours or moving to a lower paid job nearer home, this can also mean a drop in income resulting in the need to make lifestyle cutbacks. Again, these often turn out to be environmentally friendly changes such as buying second hand products and travelling less for work.
For more information on International Downshifting Week and how you can downshift your life, follow the link to their website.
