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December 18, 2006
Radical Non-Consumption
I came across this fascinating article today about a group of people who have vowed not to buy anything new for a year, with very few exceptions.
"Nothing New Here – and That's the Point"
It's an interesting counter-point to the rampant consumerism in our culture, especially during in the holiday season.
One person put the "don't buy" approach this way: "we're simply trying to bring less . . . into our house."
I like that. As someone who moved recently, I am all too aware of the amount of stuff we tend to accumulate. I don't think I have the dedication and strength of will for the "buy nothing new" plan, but I am at least going to try to buy less.
Truth is, I already buy less than most people. Most of my buying splurges are on dining out, which is allowed on the "buy nothing new" plan since it is food. But I could afford to cut back more. Just getting all my books at the library would help a lot. I have long since run out of space on my bookshelf. (Newer books are stacked in my closet next to T-shirts and sweaters. It's sad, I know.)
The article reminds me of a scifi book and movie, I think it is "Brave New World," where the workers constantly hear exhortations to buy. I wish I could remember the catch phrases that played repeatedly on the speakers, but they all boiled down to things like "Newer is Better," and "Don't mend, spend."
Does anyone remember the book/movie I'm talking about?
Let's see if I can get through today without buying anything.
Posted by Selena at December 18, 2006 10:24 AM