Fairly early on, I began to scorn the over-feminization wrought upon me by society, and grew tired of dolls and playing house in favour of my brothers more action-packed playthings.
As my life continues, I have become more and more interested in sustainability, the environment and Do-It-Yourself culture. As we look at an unsustainable, unjust, and oppressive society, the solutions I see are mostly hands on. Change begins at the individual level, and we will never see radical change until we change the way we live and interact with the world.
When taking a critical look at the modern industrial complex, it is fraught with problems. We see environmental pillaging and polluting, social inequality, shady production, manipulative marketing, short-term uses and non-reycylable endings. The best way to combat these injustices, aside from supporting ethical and sustainable buisnesses, is to do it yourself, taking accountability for the production process.
Looking back, I know that my great-grandmother Anastasia, who came to Canada from the Ukraine, was a master of DIY. She and my grandmother, Olga, would cultivate a huge garden with fruit trees in the backyard. The would preserve food every season, and buy local animal products at the market. Anastasia was an excellent seamstress, making clothing and repairs for the household, while Olga crocheted dozens of afghans to keep everyone warm.
My mother, intrigued by city life, moved from the country and became accustomed to the Its-from-the-store mentality of modern culture. While she is an amazing cook, and knows basic sewing, she has lost so much of what Anastasia and Olga had to share. For her, modern living means not struggling to produce that which can be 'easily obtained' and keeping time free for the pursuit of career and entertainment.
It`s funny how we can go from a place of being basic, frugal, independent and empowered, and through the rise of feminism, those things changed and were re-defined. In modern times, feminists reclaim the domestic, re-seeking that empowerment of household know-how, again seeing the inherent value in DIY.
In my life, I began to follow the same path of modern convenience, but in my teens I came to the abrupt conclusion that our convenience is killing us. These is such inherent value in doing things for ourselves and cherishing skill and craftwork. Revel in grandma style!
Sewing
The best way to start sewing is to get a basic sewing kit, watch a youtube video, read a book, or attend a workshop. Start off by repairing holes in your clothing, sewing buttons and making little gift bags. From there, you can make bags, tablecloths, pillow cases, curtains, clothes and tons of other useful stuff. All free of charge!
http://montrealsethicalfactory.weebly.com/private-sewing-lessons.html
Knitting
Knitting has been making a come-back in young and hip culture for almost a decade now. Stitch and Bitch nights are great opportunities to connect with community, learn how to knit, and share techniques. You can make your own hats, scarves, mitts and more. DIY gifts are always heartfelt. Plus, yarn bombing takes knitting to the street, by jazzing up this boring old concrete jungle.
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2011/11/yarnbombing.html
Cleaning
My friend Dan recently started making a line of natural cosmetics and cleaning products. He hooked me up with samples of the deoderant and laundry soap, and they smell really great and work well. There are hundreds of recipes online you can fine, to make your cleaning inexpensive, natural and non-toxic. Keeping your space clean creates a calm and flowing environment to SMASH the state!
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2012/07/keeping-it-simple.html
Cooking
An old roomate exlaims to me "You`re cooking again?!?" a few days after I moved in, upon seeing me preparing a fresh dinner. Quizzical, I responded "Well, yeah, gotta eat to live!" After a few weeks I began to understand that as someone who ate either take-out or pre-made freezer meals for almost every meal, the daily preparation of food was not something in her universe.
My friend Randi has been a key inspiration. We cooked together for Food Not Bombs for a few years, and she has shown me how easy it can be to cook and bake so many previously "expert" dishes. She once told me that she does not believe in Expertism - anyone can become skilled at anything they approach with an eager attitude. Plus, freshly prepared meals taste amazing and impress your friends!
http://www.coopsurgenereux.org/actions/food-not-bombs
Growing Food
As I learned about genetic modification, toxic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as the high amount of gas used to transport food, I began to see the value in gardening. Local gardens are fresh, cheap, extra tasty, and have enormous potential for diversity. My own garden is an important part of my life. It`s one of the reasons I started the Urban Homestead Exchange project.
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/p/urban-homestead-exchange.html
Crafts
I hear a lot of people say "That`s cool. I wish I could do that, but I`m not creative." While it`s true that some people are more drawn to creative pursuits, anyone can learn a skill, and nurture the creative part of themselves. There are millions of tutorials online, with lots of ideas and methods for making decorative items, handmade gifts, useful creations and projects for creative resistance. There are so many ways to create beauty in the everyday.
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2012/03/sustainable-street-art.html
Home Brew
After years of talking about it, I`ve finally started learning how to brew beer and other lovely alcohol delights. By creating my own drinkables, I circumvent bullshit advertising, high costs, ensure good quality ingredients, and best of all, customize everything to my tastes. Always follow best practices for best results. Connect with community for learning resources and links to local supplies!
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2012/12/homebrew-my-first-pumpkin-ale.html
Menstruation
Ew! Blood? That`s right, bloodly blood blood. Everyone these days allows themselves to be shamed by stupid comments, and manipulative marketing. Moreover, it is the assumption that everyone should be using disposible virgin-white pads and tampons regardless of environmental and health impacts. In truth, menstruation is a huge part of life, and 'female sanitation' waste contributes to a huge chunk of non-biodegradable plastic in landfills across the globe. The good news? There are solutions if you can get over your squeamishness. =P
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2012/04/modern-menstruation.html
Birthing and Raising children
I was once at a crafternoon where a few feminists were discussing how they did not want children, and were very adamant in expressing they considered this a norm for those within our group. Throughout my journey with the domestic, I have always wanted kids, and I have spent a lot of time questioning the social norms that perhaps make it an undesirable thing for some. I think it starts with choosing good partners to raise children with, those who you have history, good communication and trust with. The pregnancy and birthing process can be done naturally, in an empowering way, challenging the modern birthing 'industry.' Raising children with gender norms and bad consumption habits leads to a life of complacency. By teaching children to think critically, you empower them. There are various homeschooling and un-schooling groups in Montreal to connect with for further conversation.
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2010/08/raising-children-without-gender.html
http://www.radicalmontreal.com/2010/05/homeschooling-and-free-schooling.html
