Since you all seem to enjoy answering my calls for help, I am going to put another request out there.
(Also, because my computer is in the shop (wail!) and it is hard for me to do "real" posts from work.)
I have been thinking alot about my personal consumption habits, and my constant wanting of things. And, I don't like it. I want to cut back. I could try the 3 or 6 month spending ban as I have seen many of you do, but I think I need something more though provoking.
If, when at the age of 13 I decided to become vegetarian, my step mom hadn't suggested that we go and get a book on the matter (as she did) then I am afraid it wouldn't have stuck. More important than the tools it provided me with was the never ending motivation.
Rationally, I think I know a lot of the reasons I need to curb my consuming. But I need to pound myself over the head with it a little bit. Y'know?
So, do you have a favorite book (or?) that you recomend?
Thanks kiddos.
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Hello! I am available for birth, family, and elopement photography in San Diego (and all of California, really). I also photograph weddings as part of a dream team!
Email me at desertfete (at) gmail (dot) com!
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I think Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a good one for thinking about wants v. needs.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 month ban was awesome for me, because it ended up being thought provoking in and of itself. I was amazed by how much more I knew about my spending habits afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI haven't made time to watch What Would Jesus Buy? yet, but I'm dying to. Maybe that would be fun/helpful?
you MUST watch The Story of Stuff. if that doesn't give you motivation i don't know what will.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thestoryofstuff.com
other resources:
Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping
http://www.revbilly.com/about-us
The Compact
huge group of ppl who took a yearlong "compact" not to buy anything new
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/
Books:
Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Buying-Year-Without-Shopping/dp/0743269357
Bloggers:
My Year Without Spending
http://myyearwithoutspending.blogspot.com/
Arduous
http://arduousblog.blogspot.com/search/label/JuPseuFreeMo
Fix
http://fixproject.squarespace.com/
How to Go Further (Woody Harrelson). Quick, easy, a pleasant balance of inspiration and guilt trip, plus there's a killer vegan mousse recipe at the very beginning.
ReplyDeleteGarbage Land: On the Secret Trail of Trash (Elizabeth Royte). You will never think about what you purchase the same way again.
This reminds me that I need to get back in the habit of not being such an avid consumer. At least, I hope, I've started to make purchases that will last a really, really long time so I'm not constantly consuming. Thank you for the gentle nudge.
I've been reading It's All Too Much, which is about living a life without clutter and mess, but it was also full of reasons to buy less stuff in the first place and it's now my bible.
ReplyDeleteI knew I could count on you guys! I did realize that, Rachel. That the process itself would be thought provoking. I am going to start with nothing new for 3 months.
ReplyDeleteI also am thinking about a more long term balanced strategy; I often make lists of possible purchases, maybe it will be beneficial to put a strict waiting period in place. If I want to purchase something it goes on the list and waits 30 or 60 or 90 days- relative to the items cost.
I also remembered that I have been meaning to read The How of Happiness, which should be a good follow up to the anti consumer stuff.http://www.chass.ucr.edu/faculty_book/lyubomirsky/
i totally second rev billy & "what would jesus buy." really amazing doc & work he's doing...
ReplyDeletelove all the other suggestions, too!
i always try to buy things i "need" second hand...for example, we're trying to cook more at home & my accupuncturist said i should make more soup...so i purchased a food processor on craigslist...yes, an investment, but worth it for the $ i save by not eating out?
so totally agree about "balanced strategy"...especially since those items usually take longer to buy...since i'm looking on craigslist, thrifting etc, i don't just go out to store & buy it...