Choking on Too Much Stuff?
    The Boston-based website www.consciousconsuming.org encourages people to throw off the usual identity of ‘consumer.’ Instead, we should think seriously about our deepest values, and then align our purchasing decisions with those values.Â
    Susan Donohoe of Dedham, Massachusetts, writes in Orion magazine (January-February 2008): “Somehow the ability to throw things away to buy bigger, better, newer models became a status symbol in our country, and buying secondhand or not buying at all became a vision of poverty rather than thrift or conservation. Yet most religious traditions advocate sharing over hoarding, community over commodities. Studies show that after the basics (food, shelter, clothing) are taken care of, human happiness ratings do no increase as wealth increases.”
    At www.consciousconsuming.org, you will find challenges to act in ways that will make our lives less of a strain on the planet, while likely increasing our satisfaction in the process. Just scroll down to the lower right portion of the site’s home page, to the section titled ‘Stuff.’–April MooreÂ
October 24th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Some years ago I discovered a great book by Charles Long, “How to Survive Without a Salary.” ISBN-10: 1895629683. I recommend it not so much to advocate anyone quitting their jobs (although that is what Long says is feasible), but because it is so full of real ideas that anyone can use to begin to move away from the consumer syndrome that ConsciousConsuming.org references. It also opens one’s eyes to alternatives somewhere in between the extremes of (a) an all-consuming job or profession that provides the means to buy all the stuff that anyone could ever desire, but leaves the individual/family with little of human value, and (b) being flat broke. There are so many other options!
October 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I will look for this book that Jim recommends. Sounds good. Thanks, Jim, for the reminder that being destitute is far from the only alternative to an all-consuming (so to speak!) job!
October 26th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Thanks so much for your post, April. We really appreciate it when people help us spread the word about voluntary simplicity. I will also look up the book Jim mentions, and add it to the resource list on our website. I would also recommend “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez for people are looking to put the relationship between time and money in perspective. When you work and earn less, you have time (and inspiration) to build community relationships, grow some of your own food, and enjoy life more. And especially in economic times like these, it’s really important to remember that “happiness is not having what you want; it’s wanting what you have.”
October 27th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I benefit from frequent reminders like Susan’s that working and earning less can indeed lead to a more fulfilling life. And I too recommend the book YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
It reminds me of my friend Earline who said, “The best way to conserve is just to buy less STUFF”!