What are some things I can do to stop promoting an consumerism based lifestyle?

Question

Sick of rubbish. Sick of buying stuff to feel wholer, would like to feel better and have a lifestyle that is generally more positive and better for myself, my community and environment.

Answer 1

You could stop using a computer for starters.

Answer 2

Check this out for inspiration...

www.storyofstuff.com

There are a lot of people who feel the same way you do. It is possible to change.

I'm working on it myself. I'm trying to be more concious about what I'm buying, asking myself whether I really need an item or not, or whether I'm just "lusting" after something. It's hard to undue a lifetime of consumeristic training, but many of us are working on it.

I take my used paper bags with me to the supermarket instead of getting new ones. My household is pretty good about recycling. Of course there's more that I could do, I'm sure, but if we all took small steps, imagine where we could end up. I recently lost a lot of weight and I'm sending my old clothes to friends who need them - and happily have found another friend who's lost even more weight than I have and so is giving me her old "fat" clothes. So I've avoided having to buy new pants, etc...

For Christmas this year, I dramatically cut my shopping. I bought just one gift for each of my children and my three nieces. Everyone else got things that would be used up, not stored - luxury food items for most folks, and some flower bulbs for my mom the gardener. I didn't want to buy anything that would end up stuck in a drawer or closet somewhere.

Also check out the freecycle programs. Check out freecycle.org. This is where you can give away stuff or look for free stuff in your area. If there isn't one near you, you could start one.

Answer 3

Keep the money out of the pockets of Global Corporations. Buy seasonal and local or better still plant some fruit trees and grow some vegetables.

Then buy yourself this book and each week try to change a bad habit to an eco friendly one. You will be amazed how easy it is and how much better you will feel about life.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Go-M-D-Daily-Pla...

Answer 4

recycle

Answer 5

Exactly who tied you up, put a gun to your head and forced you to buy stuff? This is a personal choice, so make it.

Answer 6

Are you really PROMOTING consumerism? Promoting would be more than just being a consumer yourself out of necessity and against your will; it would be encouraging others to consume, which I suspect you are not doing. So as long as you don't START promoting it, you are not promoting it and do not need to stop; because you never started.