QUESTIONS OF CONSUMPTION

m o r e (mindful buying)

With Black Friday just around the corner, the holiday shopping season will have officially arrived (albeit with this economy, one can't be sure how robust it will be). So while I'm not against buying in general (it's an impossible feat to never buy again, I believe in supporting good companies, and gifts can bring much joy and connection), I do advocate bringing awareness to buying by asking questions and considering our relationships to and practices surrounding the dollar, the wallet, and the ribbon. Of course, acknowledging, that many people now and over the past year or so have had to consider their consumption not by choice.

To that end, here are some questions that could be useful (feel free to answer them in the comments!) as we enter the holiday season:

What were some of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received?

How would I like to spend vacation time?

What kinds of gifts do I want to give?

What would happen if I took a year off from buying gifts?

Is there a gift tradition my family/community could create?

Are there gifts I can seek out that I'd feel good about?

For me, a few things come to mind. One, that I'd like to go for a walk in nature on Friday if possible. Another, that my favorite presents of late have been the necklaces my husband has made me, Letters to a Young Poet, which a friend gave me for my birthday, organic port (for my husband) and natural bath salts, a sun jar, and the farmers' market fruit another friend left on my doorstep a few years ago during a rough time. A great handmade belt buckle and ring come to mind as well. Lastly, that I always felt uncomfortable with the holiday giftathon my family participated in. First it was because I didn't have the money to really pull my weight and then because I wanted to gift gifts that were handmade, quirky, and eco, ones that took a little more time and space to take in and sit with.

This year my plan is to take the year off of holiday gifts. Usually we make something for everyone and purchase a couple of special things for special someones. But this last year has been full of crises, so we're letting ourselves off the hook--no official gifts even for one another. (That said, we'll probably buy an unofficial one here or there.) We may try a soap recipe during our vacation and pass out soaps in the new year if we can swing it.

Here are some resources on the notion of buying (or not buying or buying better):

What Would Jesus Buy? because it's hilarious and frightening at the same time.

Buy Nothing Day because it wants to get consumerism to come to a halt for one day, the one that usually worships it.

The Story of Stuff because it tells just that--how typical, mass-made stuff is made and gets to us and what that means. (It's a free download!)

Kids and Money (a short doc) because it explores how material mayhem can affect teenagers.

The David Report's "I Shop  Therefore I am" [via better living through design] because it's a compilation of articles and interviews (including thoughts from a marketer and a monk) that predicts the movement from consumption at all costs to a more conscious kind. 

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