Get On Board the Non-Consumption Train

I sat down at the keyboard this morning, all set to write up a new post when I found this note that I thought was worth sharing. I’ve had it on my computer for a while and, to be totally honest, have no idea where I found it, so I can’t really give credit where credit is due. My apologies to the original author but I assume that, given the nature in which it was written, they won’t mind me sharing it. As I recall, this was printed on a little card that the owner carried in his/her wallet. Every time they went to make a purchase, they were confronted with these questions–all of which spoke to the underlying wish: I want my money to support the environment, not destroy it.

1. Is this purchase something I need?

2. Do I already own something that will serve the same purpose?

3. Can I borrow one instead of buying new?

4. Can I make something that will serve the same purpose?

5. Can I buy a used one?

5. Would someone be willing to split the cost and share this with me?

6. Can I buy or commission one made locally?

7. Can I buy one that was made with environmentally responsible materials?

8. Can I buy one that serves more than one purpose?

9. Can I get something human powered instead of gas or electric?

10. Can I compost or recycle it when I’m done with it?

11. What is the impact on the environment of the full life cycle of it?

12. Does the manufacture or disposal of it damage the environment?

I love this because it’s simple, to the point, and a great “thought tree” if you will. I’m actually going to write it up on some used card stock and pop it in my wallet right now.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elizabeth P.

9:59AM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

Very good advice, People dont need a bunch of stuff to be happy or boost the economy its a lie,the goverment wonts you people who dont know any better,to fall in to,. the pit of know return. Thats not a life.

send a green star

Joshua G.

8:52AM PDT on Jun 18, 2011

Eva O.

2:12AM PST on Jan 2, 2011

A very nice set of questions! I will write 'em down on a little piece of paper (old paper?) and carry it in my wallet :)
Thank you very much for sharing!

Trish K.

6:13PM PDT on Sep 22, 2010

No more purchases. I don't like the crap that is being sold.

Jane W.

7:09PM PDT on Sep 17, 2010

But I don't buy much that's new. Although I suppose I could try harder ... and not buy as many used items. Yard sales and consignment shops are where I do most of my shopping. And I knit on a daily basis.

Elizabeth O.

6:29AM PDT on Sep 15, 2010

Great questions to consider before making a purchase.

M.E. W.

12:05PM PDT on Sep 13, 2010

I was cured of consumer madness by many years of living in extremely poor countries and befriending very poor people. Now it's hard for me to blow money on needless junk when I personally know so many people that could desperately use that money.

Jan C.

7:32AM PDT on Sep 13, 2010

This is a great list of questions! I think you should also add your last two questions to the list: "Why do we feel that buying things will make us happy? What is fundamentally missing that we are trying to fill with mass produced product?"

I was raised by children hit hard be the Great Depression. I learned about responsible savings and expense before the Reagan administration. And, I was fortunate enough to have an older brother who preached against materialism. I don't spend because someone else wants my money, and I don't buy just to add to my material wealth.

Some people think we need to start spending to save our country, and there may be some truth to that. However, my spending habits are really no different now than they were before the economic crisis.

Thanks for giving us something to be more aware about.

Amber T.

5:15AM PDT on Sep 13, 2010

Thank you. Great article. I, too, have found that once I give in to that BUY IT! urge, I actually feel more tired, more invested in a material thing with no deeper intrinsic worth, less happy with who I am. This university student will keep these questions in mind before she spends any more of her scant-enough cash!

Charles W.

7:15PM PDT on Sep 12, 2010

Actually this is bad advice. We need to spend it if we got it. The economy needs the boost, and we need jobs. Can't do that if we're not purchasing.