The shopping and consumerism mentality is unfortunately so ingrained in our society that this action is A LOT harder than it sounds. I urge you to try it when you next go to buy anything. Stop and pause, and ask yourself, 'do I really need this?' 'can I live without it?' or 'can I wait a bit longer'?
Note: I am not suggesting point blank denial of purchase, but more due consideration and moderation of purchasing.
Someone told me recently that shopping is a daily referendum. By the choices we make, we are sending strong messages to the manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and marketers about what we want, what we don't want, and what we are prepared to tolerate.
When you think that every purchase is sending a message like that, it certainly makes you stiop and think!
in August 2009
Yea, as if your money is a vote, and every time you spend you are putting in a vote for child labour, rainforest depravation, carbon emission etc
in August 2009
I think 'NEED' is a strong word, which is vastly overused in modern society. I find it a great way to check what I am buying. Do I really need this, what exactly do I mean by that? Of course, you can still buy things just because you want them. But be honest and minimise it. Shopping is no substitute for living!
in August 2009
Any if you decide you need something, check the declaration and compare products. Don't buy grapes or oranges from California. Rather wait until they are harvested again in NZ. Buy local and seasonal. Check ingredients for GM content, Greenpeace has a list.
in September 2009
yes because they culd be starting to dig in to tere savings
in October 2009
People who do this are called conscious consumers: we're not just judging on price or brand but on ethical considerations, like who made it, under what conditions, what effect will it have not just on me but my family, my community, my environment. Good action
in May 2010
changing our tax system to one focused on high(er) consumption taxes like GST and lower income taxes (from the bottom earners then working up) will lead to a more virtuous cycle of lower needless consumerism and higher savings - or more money left over for insulation and electric push-bikes.
in May 2010
Just stop buying Stuff that you may not need
in June 2010
Susan W. 26° pledged to do this 848 days ago
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