Why I Coined the Words “Strawbagger” and “Strawbagger Revolution”

A Personal Turning Point

In late 2023, after a long period of research and contemplation, I decided to take the plunge and build a website devoted to promoting a sustainable lifestyle for all. I had come to a fork in the road: would I participate in the movement to save our planet and its people, or remain on the sidelines?

I jumped in.

A Careless Attitude Toward the Planet

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve observed that people around the world, to varying degrees, have been indifferent to the slow but steady degradation of our physical and social environments. Many of us are focused on enjoying the planet's resources and living life to the fullest (myself included). But over time, I began to see the cracks forming.

I realized we must be more thoughtful about how we dispose of our waste, more concerned with the purity of the air we breathe and the water we drink, and more caring toward each other. Our behavior, unchecked, threatens the delicate balance of life on Earth. What a situation we face!

Naming the Movement

I thought that the best way to join the sustainability conversation was to build a website dedicated to the cause. When it came time to name my website, I found myself frustrated: every “good name” related to sustainability seemed to be taken. I wanted a name that was distinctive yet immediately recognizable as sustainability-related. Then I had a thought: “What if I coin a new word?”

The Word “Strawbagger” is Born

As I explored natural imagery for inspiration, the idea of “straw” caught my attention. Straw and hay are as natural as it gets. Then, while searching for relevant photos, I came across a young woman wearing a straw hat on the beach. Later, I found another carrying a stylish straw bag.

These images stuck with me. After a few days of letting the ideas swirl, a new word emerged: strawbagger. Not "straw bagger" but "strawbagger"!

I’ll admit, I hesitated at first. Could such an unfamiliar term represent a growing movement of eco-conscious living? But something about it felt right. It was available as a URL (because it had never existed before), and I seized the moment. I registered the domain through Hostinger.com and began to build the vision around it.

Here’s the definition I crafted:

strawbagger
noun

A StrawBagger is someone who is mindful that the way we live can either benefit or harm the Earth and its inhabitants, and who genuinely tries to minimize the negative impact of their behavior on the planet.

I hope that "strawbagger" becomes a widely accepted label for people who intentionally live in harmony with the environment. I hope that more and more individuals around the world will proudly adopt the title, "strawbagger".

The Strawbagger Revolution

As this idea grew, I felt the need to describe the shift I envisioned: an awakening to a more sustainable way of life. I called this shift The Strawbagger Revolution.

The Strawbagger Revolution is a movement for everyone who believes that small, mindful choices can lead to big, positive changes for our planet.

Rooted in the idea of being a strawbagger (someone who lives with intention, reduces waste, and carries their values into every aspect of life), it is about rejecting the throwaway culture and embracing a sustainable, thoughtful way of living.

Conclusion: From Coined Words to Collective Action

The words “Strawbagger,” “The Strawbagger Revolution,” and “The Way of the Strawbagger” may have started with me, but their meaning grows with each person who resonates with the message. These words now serve as anchors for a broader conversation about how we live, how we consume, and how we care.

This isn’t just about language; it is about lifestyle. It is about cultivating awareness, embracing change, and choosing to do better, even in small ways.

If any part of this journey speaks to you, I invite you to join the movement. Adopt the name! Live the way! Be part of the revolution. Visit www.strawbagger.com for more information.

The Way of the Strawbagger

Naturally, this led to another evolution of the idea: The Way of the Strawbagger (a phrase that describes the everyday actions and choices made by those who wish to live lightly and kindly on the Earth).

Living sustainably isn’t about being perfect; it is about being intentional.

The Way of the Strawbagger is a path of mindful living, rooted in small, everyday actions that collectively make a meaningful difference for the planet. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or deepening your commitment, here are ways to walk the Strawbagger path:

1. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (in that order)

• Refuse what you don’t need: single-use plastics, excessive packaging, fast fashion.

• Reduce your consumption: buy less, choose quality over quantity.

• Reuse items: bags, containers, clothes, and furniture can all have second lives.

• Recycle properly: clean and sort materials to keep recycling streams effective.

2. Switch to Sustainable Alternatives

• Carry a reusable straw, bag, and water bottle: a hallmark of a true Strawbagger.

• Use compostable or biodegradable items when disposables are unavoidable.

• Choose rechargeable batteries, LED bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances.

3. Support Ethical and Eco-Friendly Brands

• Shop from businesses that value sustainability, fair trade, and ethical sourcing.

• Prefer local and handmade products to reduce your carbon footprint and support local communities.

• Consider socially responsible companies such as: ZeroWaste Store, Patagonia, Allbirds, Eileen Fisher, Levi Strauss & Co., Adidas, Bombas, Mill.

4. Reduce Food Waste and Eat More Plants

• Plan meals and store food mindfully to minimize waste.

• Compost food scraps when possible.

• Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet (they have a lower environmental impact).

5. Travel Thoughtfully

• Walk, bike, or use public transport when you can.

• Carpool or choose hybrid/electric vehicles if driving is necessary.

• Offset your travel emissions when flying.

6. Conserve Resources

• Shorten your showers and turn off taps when not in use.

• Unplug electronics when not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.

• Collect rainwater or use native plants in landscaping to reduce water usage.

7. Get Involved and Stay Informed

• Vote for policies and leaders who prioritize the environment.

• Join local cleanups, sustainability clubs, or conservation efforts.

• Share your journey and encourage others (change is contagious).

Being a Strawbagger means embracing progress over perfection. It is a way of life that honors the Earth, uplifts the community, and inspires thoughtful change: one reusable item, mindful decision, and eco-conscious choice at a time.