Comments on: Capitalism Simplified – Shopping For The Sake Of Shopping.

By: jason

jason — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:45:04 +0000

I stopped the buying spree a few years ago and it feels great. My only crutch is clothing but i’m careful.

Lately I refuse to buy stuff made in china. Canada and USA only when it comes to plastics (which i avoid altogether), silicon, cookware, utensils etc. Yes it gets expensive but i’d rather buy an Alclad pan made in the USA that will last forever than a Chinese one at 1/4 the price not knowing what the metals could have been mixed with.

We need to start helping ourselves a little as apposed to relying on other countries for goods.

By: nan fischer

nan fischer — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:28:18 +0000

Thanks, Karen! Yes, items from yesteryear WERE made to last! People were farmers and did not have time to be dashing into town to buy something new. They created what they needed out of what they had, or bartered for it.

Life was much more solid then. Today, it is fleeting, as are our things. So sad, but we CAN change! More than telling people what to do, we need to show by example of our own lifestyles. Let people into your home, let them see how you live. Talk about what you do and why, and they (hopefully) will follow suit. Or at least make an attempt, which is better than nothing. ONE change makes a huge difference.

Holly, The Story of Stuff is great. Ironically, they made it into a book – more stuff.

By: Holly

Holly — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:34:12 +0000

Great post! I know everyone’s seen this video by now, but what really drove this message home for me was http://www.storyofstuff.com/. It’s a quick 20 minute video that really makes it clear. Thanks!!

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:48:56 +0000

GR8 post.
Years ago people bought a piece of furniture that would behand made and quality.
These were things that were built to last and to serve a particular function for years on end.
This also included clothes. Quality buys or home mades … were respected and looked after.

NOW… its fast fashion throwaway clothes shoes and bags…and fast fashion disposable furnishings. Where did it all go wrong?

OK lots goes to charity shops and may be reclycled… but lots and lots and lots goes into landfill.

I was watching a tv show the other day… you know the type.. DIY fix it up NOW…
They were ripping out kitchens and sinks which were still useable and piling them into skips. No time for reycling these. Just pile them in the skip and throw tons of rubble on top. It’s easy for people to do isn’t it?
And it’s very painful to watch too.

Re energy efficient machines etc.. I agree keep the old one as long as possible because it it wont be long before that breaks down. Why? I’m sure these machines are built for short lives. That’s why the manufacturers keep making big bucks on more sales… and insurances.

Re food shopping.. it’s amazing how much money can be saved by sticking to a list. And by buying just the right amount too. No food waste or over consumption necessary. Use your local butchers who will sell the amount you want and avoid the supermarkets with all the packaging and wrong amounts.

Over and out.. buy less, use less and live longer whilst saving the planet!