Holly
Don't buy it
11 Feb 2009
I propose that the next time you need something you think of other ways you could acquire said thing. For example with an item of furniture/ a new jumper/ a tool of some kind -
Does your friend have one you could use? Can you find one second hand or on freecycle? Can you in fact make it from something else?
Purchasing something is the easiest, most instant way of having our desires answered promptly - which is what we're used to. You need something: satisfy the need. But often you end up with something that is poorly made and that you don't really need to own permanently. Thinking of a more creative solution means you have to use your brain. It stops you from being a passive consumer, it's more sociable, and might even involve learning a new skill.
Look around you and see what stuff you have that isn't being used, and think about how you could transform it into the stuff you need - or look for things on street corners that are being chucked out and just need a little fixing.
see this link http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?1327
for examples.
Comments
Comment 2
My Gosh Holly,
I have been thinking exactly the same thing. 6 years ago I stopped buying food related things I could make myself. Since that point not only does the house smell lovely with the whiff of freshly baking bread and lovely home made curries but I am trying to branch into new areas.
Now this year I thought I would stop buying anything new at all, from clothes, to furniture and a million and 1 things around the house! I love it, we have a little room upstairs in the attic which is packed full of our creative things and I delight at spending hours up there trying to come up with innovative new ideas for presents for people and activities to do with the kids. Not only is this helping slow mass production of the sorts of junk we fill our lives with but it teaches me new skills and also saves us a tonne of money!
I love the culture base, Keep up the great work!! xx
Written by FAYE on 03 Mar 2009, at 12:28 Report this comment
Comment 1
This is something we all need to do! I was flicking through a copy of country living the other day and they have several sections on eco ideas for the home....
Also antique markets are amazing places to pick up original items at a low price...and the best thing is that they are second hand. We need to put more effort into reusing and recycling than reproducing. Products that you need are out there...it just takes a little bit of looking.
Definately a supporter of this proposal!
Written by Tansy Baigent on 24 Feb 2011, at 17:48 Report this comment
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