PARENTING WITHOUT PURCHASING
Simplicity Program Launches Resources for Children/Parents/Teachers

Is more necessarily better? In these times of economic tensions and environmental concerns, is the consumer-driven lifestyle a good choice for most children? As the school year begins for many, Seeds of Simplicity announces a new curriculum series and parenting resource that address these questions and more from the perspective of the growing voluntary simplicity movement. The New York-based Trends Research Institute has named simplified living as one of the top ten national trends of the 90s.

Seeds of Simplicity, a new nonprofit program of the Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy at Cornell University, is the first national group to specialize in simplicity-themed learning materials for children and the families, educators and others who care about their future. Developed under the guidance of an eighteen-member professional Advisory Board, the initial resources now available include:

• Preschool/Kindergarten Elementary, and Secondary Level Core Curriculum Packets, No Purchase Necessary.
• Parents Build Consumer Willpower Through Voluntary Simplicity;
• Tales of Simplicity;
• Raising Children in a Complex World.

The voluntary simplicity movement is based on the growing number of people who are choosing to want less and enjoy life more. According to The Washington Post, "Some experts say the turn toward the simplified lifestyle nationwide is starting to reach proportions that foretell a fundamental shift in American society and its consumer culture." Until now, few resources have existed for the parents, teachers and others striving to help children find more happiness with fewer material goods. Reducing disproportionate consumption of earth's resources also benefits the many who are in need. More Americans are discovering the joy of working toward a peaceful, just and sustainable future for all children. Contact Seeds of Simplicity at P.O. Box 9955, Glendale, CA 91226, phone/fax (818) 247-4332.