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Across the Fence:  Rejecting consumerism movement  |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
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FarrarFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lynda
Frohna
Missouri
USA
330 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 4:31:45 PM
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That's the group that I mentioned on another thread that where you talked about your decisions to be much like them. They were on the today show a couple of weeks ago. And surprised Matt Lauer that they were all wearing second-hand clothing, I don't know what he expected but obviously not clothes that were not obviously used. :o)
Thanks for sharing the link to the article. Have a blessed Easter celebration.
In His hands,
Lynda L.
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt.
www.pamperedchef.biz/lorenzfamilycooks |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 7:33:09 PM
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| I didn't realize that was the same thing! Oops! I loved your description of the TV spot though. |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 04:46:08 AM
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Didn't see them on tv but will definitely check out the above mentioned website.
Thanks for the info!!
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 06:44:40 AM
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I notice that the group nearly unraveled when one participant needed a shower curtain, and it failed entirely for a time when someone else needed to buy drywall.
These experiments in rejecting consumerism are starting to sound to me like crash diets. They can't be sustained because they're too unrealistic.
I agree wholeheartedly with the principle, and I've been following it unintentionally all my life. But I think these people should loosen up a bit if they want to make this a way of life rather than a fad. It doesn't make such a dramatic statement, but it's just common sense to acknowledge that sometimes you need to purchase a few new items beyond food and medicine.
There was a point in my life when I was conscientiously trying not to buy any new clothing that I couldn't verify to be made with fair labor practices. It fell apart for me when I was about to start a new job, and my only clothes were 3 pairs of jeans (2 with holes) and assorted tee shirts. I drove from one thrift shop to another, but I couldn't find a pair of dress pants that looked good and fit properly. Finally, I realized that it wasn't worth it. I was wasting gas, and stressing myself out on the night before I started this new job. I went to the mall, and I was in and out with my "uniform" in less than an hour.
Just like a diet, you've got to have some flexibility or it won't work. |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 07:02:33 AM
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One thing to consider when you're building...if you want used supplies, there are Habitat for Humanity stores that have used home items from remodels and things like that. Just FYI! :) (Maybe not the used drywall, but a lot of other stuff that could be salvaged/used.)
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 08:44:19 AM
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it's really great thing, but I keep thinking as I read this - Hey, I go 6 months without buying new clothes and shoes and gadgets.. It's sad to me that there are so many people out there who are SO controlled that they feel pressured into buying and consumming..That they must go on these "crash diets" in order to feel free.. I don't think I really understand because I just don't live in that world..No wonder I feel so disconnected, I don't go to Walmart and malls and shop all the time.. I can't remember when I last bought new shoes and I dress nicely and I'm not out dated I just don't feel the need to have a constant supply of new stuff. But these people are doing something good here by showing people that they can do this, they don't have to be controlled by the media and told that they must have something new all the time to justify their existence.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com
www.smallsqrl.blogspot.com
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 09:22:12 AM
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What I like about the movement is the questioning. If I need a new washtub, and I'm following this way, then my first thought (after thinking I need one) is can I get it used or borrow it rather than buy new. I think that slows the mind down a bit and thinks ahead about resources and even into the question: do I really need this?
I don't think anyone has to go overboard (from where they are comfortable) and if they do because of some philosophy, they obviously don't feel they have much control over themselves and their lives as it is. Those are the kind of people who latch on to diets, boyfriends, etc. as their whole world.
But for the most part, it could help people question whether or not they really need an item and is there another way of having it besides buying it new. Honestly, I bought a brand new strainer/colander to learn to make yogurt cheese because the used options I found were too bent out of shape. I think it's about feeling like you're making an informed choice rather than blindling running to Wal-Mart or Target every 5 minutes.
It's hard to argue that point here though since so many of us prefer antique (grandma's) stuff anyway and would rather buy used in the first place!  I'd rather have an old quilt than a new one, you know! But I'd still rather buy the 1930's one I got for $6 at Salvation Army, than the similar one for $78 at a trendy vintage store. Still a good price but not in my budget!
Maybe Compact is really just "frugal-central" at heart! |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 10:02:16 AM
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Allison, I agree about the questioning. If you need it, you need it. Then you buy it. But it's smart to question if this is the only option.
I'm saddened by the some of the consumerism, and how superficial some lifestyles have become. And I don't think people are happier; they might feel a momentary relief, but things don't really fill us up. |
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almostidaho
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Tami
Richmond
Utah
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 5:09:25 PM
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| My favorite part about that story were the google shopping links at the bottom. |
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Across the Fence: Rejecting consumerism movement |
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Rejecting consumerism movement
