tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642807619836239233.post8602951874426925148..comments2023-05-01T11:57:53.201-04:00Comments on Just Off the One-Lane Road: How Much is Enough?Elorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579555623060708938noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642807619836239233.post-3382611659961358392010-01-27T06:15:56.887-05:002010-01-27T06:15:56.887-05:00Well said Elora. As you said in an earlier post, ...Well said Elora. As you said in an earlier post, consumerism is important, but it should not be such a huge chunk of our economy – around 70% the last I heard. I could not agree more. Another fact that really irritates me is that it is very difficult to find durable alternatives for something you do need because of planned obsolescence, which is the manufacturer’s way of hiding the true cost per use of the product. If folks knew this cost, they would not be willing to buy the product. Like burying your checkbook deep, one of my methods to curb my consumer impulse is to make lists of the things I think I need, and then leave it laying around for a month or so. In the meantime, I do a little research and thinking and almost always accomplish the task at hand without buying the product. The question I ask myself is “How did my ancestors do this before all these nifty products were available?” The really fun part is when I find these lists later in the year and get a little chuckle knowing I am doing my part to help bring about the change we so desperately need (not to mention the fact that my bank account is fatter).<br />This is a very timely post for me. I’m currently reading a book by Naomi Klein titled No Logo – 10th Anniversary Edition, which is and an updated release of her international best-seller. In it she clearly explains the power of corporate branding, and how this practice is furthering corporate power over our lives and that of the millions of less fortunate people in developing countries who are exploited via sweatshops, labor, submerged identity, and subversive actions – all to provide the North with cheap goods and services. It is definitely an eye opening book and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to fight back against the system.Thomashttp://www.oohf.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642807619836239233.post-7769663241900469662010-01-26T17:37:57.123-05:002010-01-26T17:37:57.123-05:00Great post, Elora, and it's where I've bee...Great post, Elora, and it's where I've been heading for quite some time now. There are so many, many ways this country needs to scale back. Unnecessary diagnostic tests ordered by doctors covering their asses, new and improved drugs that cost an arm and a leg when older drugs worked very well, thankyouverymuch. The money spent on political advertising would feed millions of hungry people here and abroad, and of course that money will be ballooning thanks to our Supreme Court. I could go on, but I don't want to hijack your blog. Thanks, as always, for making me think, and thanks for your friendship.Debbihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17727115174070254910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642807619836239233.post-72880068750105642042010-01-26T14:16:48.317-05:002010-01-26T14:16:48.317-05:00We've had some very lean times in our lives an...We've had some very lean times in our lives and I've learn't to shop wisely for the things we need. Even now when things are not bad I really enjoy finding bargains and I do enjoy shopping. I'm quite proud of the fact that I rarely buy anything (from food to furniture) full price.First there is Freecycle and I have given away and recieved stuff through that. Then there is the recycling centre (dump), bits of building materials and furniture can be bought there very cheaply. Then we have at least 10 charity shops in town, not so cheap but at least the money is going to a good cause. I know when the local supermarkets mark down food and often drop in after work and buy fresh produce at 50% or 70% off.I check out the sales for bargains especially when they mark down the sale items. In the summer there are regular car boot sales locally where things are sooo cheap and of course there is eBay. I've bought a lot of stuff from ebay from wetsuits to books to leather sofas and I even sold my rusting too expensive to repair Landrover for £500 through eBay. This might all sound like I'm a real over-consumer but I'm the one who has to organise buying presents for about 15 friends and family members for Christmas and birthdays each year and it gives me great pleasure to do so. And of course I never buy on credit. If I want something (like my eyes), I save up or do without. Ruta MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com