To Consume Less

In recent years, more has been written about consumer culture and its impact on the planet. It's hard, but I think one way to show our disdain for the incoming administration might just be to not spend. Everyone goes on about "we don't make things in America anymore" or "this is China's fault" and while both things are a concern, neither is the whole picture. The article I linked there makes a strong point about post-WWII spending as a means of showing national economic strength. But I think we have to change that. Not only does it send the message that we are not buying the status quo anymore, it also reduces (over time) the amount of garbage we put into the world. Not to mention the exploitive practices most large companies use to save money. U.S. manufacturing has dropped because we fought for better pay decades ago in the form of unions. Other countries haven't done that, for one reason or another, but U.S. companies have been exploiting that.

So, there are so many things that will be accomplished if we consume less, but way smarter people than me have talked exhaustively about that. But here's two reasons: First, it removes the incentive for sketchy AF companies to make garbage that will break in a week. Second, since consumer culture is so bad for the environment you'll be sending a message to manufacturers that they need to stop producing as much.

I have friends who shop for fun, and shop often. My mother's closet is almost unusable for all the clothing she's put in it. Our houses are completely packed with STUFF, and it's a burden to clean, move, and pass on to children. I'm sure there's a whole psychological component to it, but I can't help but tense up every time someone says "I bought this cute thing." Like, where did you buy it? Who was exploited in its making? I'm starting a ramble here, but the takeaway from my reading and watching about consumerism is that I do not really want to participate in the holiday buying spree today. Or really at all during the holiday season.

If you must gift, do it thoughtfully. Thrift where you can. Make it yourself if you want. Start a fight with your family about not buying 12 new toys for your kid when one well-made one will do. Heck, disappoint your own children by getting them fewer things. Anyway, I'm staying home this weekend, and not shopping online at all. Might be time you do the same.