I believe in Globalization as a powerful force for positive change, but it is important to remember your community and become more involved locally. Since I started KurtisMcCartney.com many things have changed - mostly stepping away from entities that consumed my time and my money.

Social Networks - I know who my friends are, and I know which people think they are my friends, and I know who is trying to sell me something by pretending to be my friend. These relationships are persistent across all people - we've become slightly better at categorizing and documenting them which is only partially good. The downfall is when points of information are missing, or when automated systems change friends into fans or acquaintances into very close friends (which they are not).

I quit social networking to spend more time getting to know the people I have real relationships with.

Cable/Satellite Television - These major corporations have been fueling the explosion of televised media and without them all of the actors and studio workers would be out of business right? Wrong. Since ditching the bills I've also enjoyed local events, cinema, music, and food (yes, food is a form of entertainment in my world). I haven't given up on television completely - the Super Bowl, Local Weather, and PBS Weekends are still good and are all accessible with my antenna.

I quit cable TV to keep my money to spend locally, get out with family and friends, and save on electricity by watching less television.

Hoarding Processed Food - You probably know one of those people that tries to live their life in bulk, and I cannot endorse changing them - you can only change yourself. This change works well even at discount supermarkets in southern Ontario,

• Choose fresh produce, breads, and meat
  
• Visit your local grocer regularily
  
• Vote with your dollars, if that fails bargain with the produce manager
  
• Embrace a DIY mentality at any level

I quit the box rush as much as possible to enjoy food, find new experiences, support extremely local business, live healthier, and save money.