As a very poor kid raised in utter chaos, I feel the insidious role the specter of scarcity plays in my life strongly even now that I have plenty. Thank you so much for this, it has given me a lot to think about.
When I was a teenager, our house was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, and my bedroom, which was in the walk-up attic, caught fire. I lost all my furniture, TV, clothing, record albums, first guitar, photos (there was no internet then), journals, and other items that meant a lot to me. Granted some of these items were purchased for me as gifts or were hand-me-downs, so maybe didn’t hold quite the importance as items I’d purchased myself with my hard-earned part-time job money. I still miss certain items to this day and the fire happened 40-some years ago. For much of my adult life, I didn’t make much money and I did have to buy cheaply made goods, clothing, etc., and most of my furniture and housewares were given to me by my parents or others who no longer needed them. These days, I can afford to spend the money on quality items and so I buy quality items that I hope will last years. I try to buy from reputable companies that I hope treat their employees well but I can’t say for sure. Your essay has given me some things to think about in regard to my own consumption. Thanks!
P.S. I did opt to not update our iPhones, which my husband and I usually do every two years. Our 8+ phones still work just fine even though the technology is behind but it’s always going to be behind because Apple keeps coming up with new technology to keep their customers happy and interested in buying their products.
I spent HOURS this week researching a bed. I want one that will be comfortable and gentle on the environment... I've never bought a bed because most of my life has been a financial juggle as a single white mother and not I actually have enough money to buy a "good bed". It has been exhausting and exhilarating. Your writing, as usual, hit spot on and made me reflect on the few things (very few really) that actually matter to me in my home. I've been purging and sorting over the last few weeks. I am so glad that I am part of this community here!
Love this, thank you - untangled a few things for me. I really appreciate your writing, and your commitment to sharing your growing in ways that help me and many others grow, too.
Very good as usual ! I love this particularily : "If our ethical shopping has been capitalized upon in such a way that only we can afford it, then it is exploitative and we are active participants in that exploitation." All is said, people have no choice but to work hard to produce and consume cheap goods, wich happens to be in fact cheap "bads" if we consider the environmental impact. Paradoxically they all worship "do nothing" gods, I think notably of the reclining Budha ;-)
What we stand for in our project Tuvalu 51 is part time job for ALL. Part time job produce and artificially induced labor shortage, thus an increase in HOURLY wage. Part time job also allow more time for education and training. A higher level of education and training is a prerequisite to bring the working class to middle class, and improve the overall impact of human activity. I hope you understand how crucial it is. Keep safe, and feel free to join us ! https://pop.xprize.org/teams/9100/overview
As a very poor kid raised in utter chaos, I feel the insidious role the specter of scarcity plays in my life strongly even now that I have plenty. Thank you so much for this, it has given me a lot to think about.
When I was a teenager, our house was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, and my bedroom, which was in the walk-up attic, caught fire. I lost all my furniture, TV, clothing, record albums, first guitar, photos (there was no internet then), journals, and other items that meant a lot to me. Granted some of these items were purchased for me as gifts or were hand-me-downs, so maybe didn’t hold quite the importance as items I’d purchased myself with my hard-earned part-time job money. I still miss certain items to this day and the fire happened 40-some years ago. For much of my adult life, I didn’t make much money and I did have to buy cheaply made goods, clothing, etc., and most of my furniture and housewares were given to me by my parents or others who no longer needed them. These days, I can afford to spend the money on quality items and so I buy quality items that I hope will last years. I try to buy from reputable companies that I hope treat their employees well but I can’t say for sure. Your essay has given me some things to think about in regard to my own consumption. Thanks!
P.S. I did opt to not update our iPhones, which my husband and I usually do every two years. Our 8+ phones still work just fine even though the technology is behind but it’s always going to be behind because Apple keeps coming up with new technology to keep their customers happy and interested in buying their products.
I spent HOURS this week researching a bed. I want one that will be comfortable and gentle on the environment... I've never bought a bed because most of my life has been a financial juggle as a single white mother and not I actually have enough money to buy a "good bed". It has been exhausting and exhilarating. Your writing, as usual, hit spot on and made me reflect on the few things (very few really) that actually matter to me in my home. I've been purging and sorting over the last few weeks. I am so glad that I am part of this community here!
Thank you. You've explained this conundrum (one I also experience) well (no fire!). I appreciate your thoughtfulness and asking the questions.
Love this, thank you - untangled a few things for me. I really appreciate your writing, and your commitment to sharing your growing in ways that help me and many others grow, too.
All of this is exactly what I needed to hear - always - and especially during the frenzy of holiday shopping. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
Because of your writing, I am forever aware of my privileges, and the opportunities for growth that they reveal.
Very good as usual ! I love this particularily : "If our ethical shopping has been capitalized upon in such a way that only we can afford it, then it is exploitative and we are active participants in that exploitation." All is said, people have no choice but to work hard to produce and consume cheap goods, wich happens to be in fact cheap "bads" if we consider the environmental impact. Paradoxically they all worship "do nothing" gods, I think notably of the reclining Budha ;-)
What we stand for in our project Tuvalu 51 is part time job for ALL. Part time job produce and artificially induced labor shortage, thus an increase in HOURLY wage. Part time job also allow more time for education and training. A higher level of education and training is a prerequisite to bring the working class to middle class, and improve the overall impact of human activity. I hope you understand how crucial it is. Keep safe, and feel free to join us ! https://pop.xprize.org/teams/9100/overview
This is excellent. Thank you for writing it.