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unplug
unplug magazine asks you to unplug from your current modes of thought and look at life in a new way, whether this means unplugging from our toxic consumer culture, mainstream society, the tv, or a limiting mindset. author megan prusynski explores life's alternatives and discusses activism, progressive thinking, and moving towards a "green" & sustainable life.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Consumerism Season and a few links
The holiday madness has begun: advertising is pumped out, the malls are crowded, and people are maxing out their credit cards left & right. It's the season of spending, shopping, and generally going overboard while corporations rake in the profits. Meanwhile, there are people at organizations like Adbusters that are calling for the opposite, a Buy Nothing Christmas involving simply opting out of consumer culture and creating a new meaning for the holidays. Their efforts begin on Black Friday, dubbed "Buy Nothing Day" - a stark contrast to the busiest shopping day of the year.
I've been trying to simplify the holidays a bit the last few years, and I often give gifts of charity donations or home-made goodies. But consumerism can be hard to avoid, especially in my family. So I'm trying to make my gift dollars count by shopping locally and supporting activist organizations and sustainable companies. I've already put in an order on the PETA Catalog (there are great gifts for pets, vegetarians, animal lovers, and you can sponsor an animal in need in someone's name for a truly meaningful gift). I also came across a post on Sustainable Shopping on the blog of a fellow designer. Check out some of her very useful insights on sustainable living at SmallFailures.com.
Money is power, and how we spend our money, especially in the commercially-driven holiday season, sends a message. I advocate putting your money where your mouth is and supporting causes, organizations, and companies you believe in as you shop for holiday gifts. Other ideas include starting new holiday traditions that are less wasteful or commercial, like a recycled gift exchange or volunteering at a soup kitchen with the family on Christmas Eve. You can make homemade gifts (I'm making herbal soaps & oils, necklaces, and vegan holiday treats this year). Let's put more meaning into the season and a little less padding in the pockets of the greedy & already fortunate. Gifts of spirit, thoughtfulness, and compassion mean a lot more than any material or manufactured gift!
Just a little food for thought during the holiday season...
Labels: corpo-consumerism, environment/sustainability, lifestyle
Hi Megan!
One of my favorite things to do for Christmas—family in particular, but friends as well—is to make calendars. I just scan in photos, get a little designy, and print them out on recycled paper. Kinko's will coil bind them, and voila!
People love 'em because they're totally personal and actually useful. And I can use recycled materials and forgo all the excess packaging that goes with buying store-bought gifts. AND it's cheaper!
Just a thought, since I also hate the idea of just buying a bunch of STUFF.
-Jessie