Note: The first four questions in this Appendix were taken from the book Taking Charge, written by the Simple Living Collective of San Francisco, New York: Bantam Books, 1977. They are based on principles formulated by the Quakers and cited in Elgin and Mitchell, "Voluntary Simplicity" (p. 203) and in Shrader-Frechette's "Voluntary Simplicity and the Duty to Limit Consumption" (p. 170).

1. Does what you own or buy promote activity, self-reliance and involvement, or does it induce passivity and dependence?
   
2. Are your consumption patterns basically satisfying, or do you buy things that serve no real need?
   
3. How tied is your present job and lifestyle to installment payments, maintenance and repair costs, and the expectations of others?
   
4. Do you consider the impact of your consumption patterns on other people and on the earth?
   
5. Would you like to buy a new/different boat/car? What kind? Why?
   
6. Are you able to define what you need? What's enough? And what's waste?
   
7. What differences do you perceive between life ashore and life aboard?
   

We buy things that promote our lifestyle. Our lifestyle drives the types of things we buy - things for entertainment while at sea/on the anchor; things that promote going to sea, existing self-sufficiently; things to entertain us in a small space; things to further emotional support, such as birds, puppies, small animals; things to keep the mind busy. In other words, we feel our lifestyle drives the behavior and we buy things that accommodate the behavior. (A.K.)

What we buy definitely promotes activity and self-reliance. We seem to be the "do-it-yourself" family. (M.Z.)

We don't buy much, and most of that goes in our mouths. (M.V.)

Both. Some purchases are made to enhance performance of the vessel under sailing conditions, others are made to provide amenities for daily living and tend to induce some passivity and dependence. (J.R.)

It is geared more towards activity, self-reliance and involvement. (R.C.)

We tend to acquire material possessions that are directed toward outdoor activities. Boating, skiing and camping are high priorities in our budget. When we have "extra money" we usually put it toward perfecting systems on our boat which will make it a better cruising vessel, thus promoting the attributes of activity, self-reliance, involvement. We still think we spend too much on clothing but other than that our expenditures are good choices for us. (J.M)

Some of each. (B.B.)

I suppose our purchases fall under both categories. We are currently buying equipment for our boat that will make sailing easier, and allow us to be more self-sufficient. (We are trying to get away from depending on shore-power, for instance.) However, we also buy items for entertainment, like our VCR, that encourages more "sitting" than activity! (K.S.)

Self-reliance - if there's ever an earthquake, I know I could survive on the boat for weeks without outside help. (I.R.)

Our goal is to become as self-sufficient as possible. We try to buy 1^st class items for longevity and making any operation less laborious, due to having to possibly depend on the children in major assistance, i.e. electric windlass, roller furling, etc. (M.S.)

Very few (if any) are passive - unless the tape deck/radio counts. We have no TV, no VCR. We play cards, read, or do craft projects for evening pleasure, or socialize. Play musical instruments. (Are books passive?) (T.L.)

What we have/own allows us to be independent and to actively pursue our hobbies and life goals. (K.W.)

Don't have room for unneeded items. (M.V.)

When I had my house I used to stock up on everything on sale. Now I don't have anywhere to put it, and I also find I didn't really need it anyway. (I.R.)

Basically satisfying. Major purchase patterns show a gradual acquisition of boat accessories to (A) maximize independence during future cruises and (B) provide comfort while we are still living aboard in anticipation of cruising. (J.R.)

We don't have room for things that don't serve a definite purpose! (R.C.)

Haven't space in my life or on the boat for things that do not function - must be useful. The only place for non-functional would be a space for a few photographs or pictures on bulkheads - using space that way rather than to mount shelves or equipment. (G.L.)

You show me someone who doesn't buy something he doesn't need, on occasion and as an impulse, and I'll show you a rigid individual with little or no imagination, creativity, and flexibility. Not a cruiser-type! (A.K.)

We are very aware, in our buying habits, of what we need as opposed to "what would be nice". There is simply less room on a boat to store seldom-used items. Also, because of our large family, we tend towards purchasing needed articles rather than extraneous ones, simply because of budget constraints. Our consumption patterns are satisfying completely with a bit of extravagance from time to time. (K.S.)

Satisfying. All purchases must serve at least two needs, and hopefully more. Example, one cannot have a baking pan reserved for only angel food cake! (T.P.)

Satisfaction in consumption patterns is psychic as well as economic; thus items that seem to serve an immediate need may be in next year's garage sale. However, we find that we are getting better at selecting what we need rather than just satisfying wants. (J.M.)

Satisfying. (B.B.)

We're about 95% practical, i.e. investing in the boat items for our cruise. About 5% into leisure of which most is spent on our children. I'm keeping a log of our consumption patterns for future reference in helping to outfit i.e. water, fuel, toothpaste, etc. Of course, things will increase as the kids get bigger. (M.S.)

Sally, if it didn't satisfy something, who would buy! As to serving needs, I hope so. (P.A.)

All purchases are evaluated with regard to our lifestyle and some are rejected if not necessary or functional. We are more likely to reject now than before (in condo). (K.W.)

Not at all. I work for a temporary help service because I need the flexibility of being able to get a job when I need it to make ends meet in any port I find us in. We've made every effort to rid ourselves of debt. This promotes freedom. (A.K.)

Our present jobs are definitely tied to our lifestyle and installment payments. We recently have been able to pay off most of our bills, other than large ticket items like our boat and car. Soon, we hope to get to where we can live on one salary and save or reinvest into our boat with the other. We are saving towards financing two years of cruising. (K.S.)

Installments: marginally - these are short term. Maintenance: None. We do it. Expectations: None. We've given up. (T.P.)

At this point, we are very dependent on a steady income to maintain our current lifestyle, as we have a number of monthly payments to make. Our current lifestyle, maintenance and repair costs are similar to someone owning and living in a house. As for the expectations of others, that doesn't really play a part. (R.C.)

No installment payments at all - maintenance of boat and old cars high but cheaper than payments. We do need to meet equipment and clothing standards at the work place. But we don't have to "keep up with the Jones's". (Though there are fads and crazes in marine equipment as well as anywhere else. Example, this year's over board system or Loran or Weatherfax, etc.) (G.L.)

Very tied to maintenance and repair, also installment payments. We're not very concerned with the expectations of others except to satisfy our customers' needs. (M.Z.)

Job and lifestyle are connected to owing a boat. Owning necessitates financing, maintenance and repair, but the goal is to at least be free of the necessity to work to finance the boat payments. If and when we achieve that, we can probably support maintenance and repair and cruising expenses with transient, non-full time jobs. Expectations of others have little bearing on what we select for job and lifestyle. (J.M.)

Tied heavily to payments and costs. (B.B.)

Installment payments: No. Maintenance and repair costs: No. Expectations of others: If you don't meet the expectations of your employer . . . no job!!! (P.A.)

Our only payment is the car; car and boat involve maintenance and repairs but we do most of our own work. I'd say we're the black sheep of our families and have never lived up to their expectations. (M.V.)

I'm very tied to my job. Working hard has allowed me my lifestyle. My boat wasn't always paid for. (I.R.)

Not so much in those terms, but in how little one really needs to be satisfied which in turn controls waste which in the end result prevents abuse to our planet. (M.S.)

Yes. (P.A.)

We try. We own one car which in today's society we are currently in is quite inconvenient. But we want to (1) keep costs down and (2) not be excessive consumers. (M.V.)

Yes, I'm very aware of our impact upon our planet. I pray for us all. (M.Z.)

Yes. Probably much more now that I dive than before. I'm much more careful with paint strippers and hazardous chemicals. (I.R.)

In terms of purchases, we are not driven by others' influence except in extremes - won't purchase goods made from alligator, for example. In terms of consumption as in "use", we are concerned with how it impacts others. We are careful to dispose properly of waste. Non-polluters. Non-litterers. (K.W.)

Yes, Awareness ranges from concern over the global effects of energy consumption on the environment to daily choices about use of plastics, paper products, etc. (J.R.)

Not in the least. I prefer to consider my disposal patterns. (Of course, that's a reversal, since I buy what I can dispose of easily, i.e. paper plates, no plastic). Like the Indians, consumption for need conserves the supply. (A.K.)

Yes. Our consumption patterns are modeled mostly after our children's needs, with some intermittent considerations for other family members. Regarding impact on the earth, we tend to purchase biodegradable products and are very aware of disposing of garbage, etc. in proper disposal units. We are lovers of the outdoors and hope to pass similar attitudes on to our children. (K.S.)

In the sense that we no longer participate in the disposable consumption habits of the American public, no. In the sense that we attempt to minimize damage to the earth, yes. (T.P.)

Yes, in respect to what we put in the Bay. (R.C.)

Very little impact since we are modest consumers - I personally use more plastic bags than I used to because paper garbage packs tend to lose their bottoms. But in general it is non-disposable and/or biodegradable for us. (T.L.)

Yes, however we do not delude ourselves into believing that living on a boat does anything other than to reduce our consumption and acquisition patterns. We, as North Americans, will always consume a greater share than most of the world's population, and we are selfish enough to not want to limit ourselves further . . . yet. (J.M.)

No. (B.B.)

Yes, but as a citizen of the world's most affluent country, my mind set does not really examine the effect of my consumption patterns on other people very tenaciously. I believe it is delusion to think of this boat as anything but a high consumption item: as it exists, it is extremely high tech and specialized. To think of the man hours of labor which researched, produced, and supplied the hull and equipment on board makes it seem highly consumptive. Hands from all over the planet made this boat and her parts (and probably largely for less than what I view as a living wage). However, personally, I try to minimize the impact of the abuse of the planet that I can control, i.e. by not using the ocean as a garbage dump. But that is a small mental step to take from seeing trash floating by to deciding that I will avoid contributing to that trash. The industries that built this vessel and her parts, I feel certain, place economic priorities above those relating to consumption and therefore disposal. (K.W.)

I'd like to buy a new/used car because mine has 130,000 plus miles and is not as reliable as it once was. I am quite content with our boat. Whenever we have weighed buying a larger boat, the realization of doubling our mortgage quickly convinces us to stay with what we have! (K.S.)

Like to get rid of the 20 plus year old truck and 15 plus year old car for - say a six to eight year old car. To lower operation costs. Happy with the paid for vehicles, though and would dislike using capital to buy the new one or payments either. Happy with the boat we've got. (T.L.)

No on the boat. I would like to gear down to not needing a car. (M.Z.)

No. I can't afford to own, maintain, or skipper a larger boat. I have a two year old car. (I.R.)

None are ideal. This one meets enough personal needs, economic needs, business needs, to make me want to avoid starting over. (K.M.)

Boat - a larger home would be nice. We spend much time trying to keep from having too much stuff aboard. Would like to carry a few more books and what we have now and more water and fuel. 34-38 footer would be ideal. (M.V.)

Cars - somewhat swayed by outside influence of status and comfort in new cars but prefer to keep old, spend money elsewhere. Boat - buy different only if in steel for added safety and security. Would like two private sleeping cabins. (K.W.)

To a greater extent than on shore where space limitations did not apply. Living on a smaller scale defines needs. (J.R.)

Parameters: 1) has to make cruising feasible and/or easier; 2) increase safety/enjoyment of sailing; 3) has to fit somewhere on the boat without being in the way or hard to find. (A.K.)

We have long conversations about what is needed, how to assign priority to wants, where to put our time and money resources and when to be satisfied with enough. Enough is a most elusive quality. Enough to live with is different than enough to cruise; where adequate machinery may suffice with access to alternate systems, excellence, reliability and ease of repair may determine what is adequate for crossing oceans. We have found that we need to revise our standards of satisfaction or be doomed to never ending projects. At times we have adopted an "80% is good enough" philosophy in order to get on with what's next. Waste can be managed by selective acquisition, recycling, and reducing one's requirements. We're working on this and waste less than we used to. One way to differentiate between wants and needs is not to buy on the first impulse. By coming back to the store a second time to buy an item; if you really need it you'll come back. (J.M.)

Does anyone ever have enough? (B.B.)

These are things to work on - and something that keeps changing. As for daily needs, it's rather simple - I buy plenty and don't buy anymore until it's all used up - if there's any waste, I buy less next time. (M.Z.)

Living aboard creates more direct contact and awareness of environment, helps define extent of one's "needs" versus "wants" and is a beginning to train one's self in self-reliance. (J.R.)

I find life aboard to have fewer disadvantages than life ashore. I like the relative anonymity of having neighbors who are sometimes or never here, my business is mine; unless I invite others aboard, they will never invite themselves, I have no salesmen or missionaries calling, no one knows (or cares) when I come or go. In short, the opposite of a small town atmosphere where everyone gossips about others. But with the knowledge that my fellow live-aboards will help in an instant if I really need to call on them. It is very satisfying to have a wife and kids who can handle "man's work" like carpentry, navigation, refueling, maintenance, and seamanlike duties. We never had a division of responsibilities and labor similar to this when we lived ashore. Lastly, I think living aboard cultivates a civilized attitude and behavior to everyone in the family. You cannot be pushy, rude, extremely noisy or disregard others' rights for any length of time without suffering mutiny from other crew members. The attributes we wish to cultivate in our kids (and ourselves) come with the territory. Allowing, therefore, each of us to be ourselves, independent and growing but with regard for each other. (J.M.)

Life aboard: Satisfiers - simplicity of life; freedom of movement; control over our lives (in that we choose to do this). Consumption for survival and needs. Not wants, needs. Life ashore: Consumption for consumption's sake. (A.K.)

The water seems to insulate and at the same time soothe. The spaces are very defined - yet open in a way that a house isn't. The feeling of mobility and taking your home with you is very free and satisfying. (M.Z.)

More independence, less keeping up with the Joneses? Maybe. Interesting people, more a feeling of community, whether stationary or cruising. (M.V.)

Living on a boat has allowed us more freedom. We are not spending every weekend working on yard work. We can spend much less time cleaning. We already have a time-constrained lifestyle with two incomes and 3 plus children. Having the time on weekends to take day trips (or whatever) keeps us a close-knit family. There are some inconveniences with boat living, such as taking showers in a public facility and not having a dishwasher or freezer. But, frankly these are so minor they hardly warrant mentioning. My biggest problem with boat living was combating mildew during the winter. But our new heating system has helped that problem immensely. There are really only two things I miss - decorating a house at Christmas time, and being able to have a group of friends over. There isn't enough room for non-boat people to feel at ease during their visits. Also, I miss having a cat but we have enough "animals" crawling about as it is! (K.S.)

Life ashore is hectic keeping up with the Joneses. (I.R.)

The main difference between living ashore and living on a boat, as I see it, is the amount of involvement and concern over material things. Also, there seems to be more interaction with your neighbors - you have one thing in common to talk about right away - boats! (And of course, all those "boating" stories, adventures, problems, etc.) (R.C.)

More social activity and friends on board - satisfying. Limited storage space, nice to have only essentials on board, but means more trips to storage. (B.B.)

Living on the boat is a simplification of our lifestyle. One less set of bills, one less piece of property to maintain, one set of purchases for food per week, no packing and loading and unloading. And, we now have more time to spend on our avocation and life's goals. We miss some of the creature comforts of a house but are satisfied with our choice and its limitations since it provides other benefits. (K.W.)