I was actually a little surprised to find that some people are harshly against the whole Compact movement. This article gives a little more information about the attention that this has been getting: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16259064/
I can see how it might effect the economy if more people started living this way, but the fact is, that many people don't want to live this way. It does floor me how funny people are about this though. And what about those people who have no money, nor any other choice but to live most of their lives this way because they have no money?
The point is, these people living this way, are living like this because it makes them feel good about themselves, and they are living consciously. Like I said, I don't know if I could honestly live that way for an entire year. Shopping second hand can be a headache for me. BUT - I can (and have) joined a freecycle group (if just to pass stuff on to someone who can really use it). I can recycle my leftovers to compost, my cardboard, glass, etc. And I can take steps that I personally feel are making a difference in my life.
It's gotten me thinking about how we easily jump to judge others, because we feel we know what is best for them. Fact is, and we need to face it, unless you are in that person's shoes, walking their walk - you've really no right to pass judgement. Hmmm... a good topic for another post, me thinks.
Edited to add: Besides, what's going to happen to the economy if suddenly, everyone had to pay off all that credit card debt? Hmmm...
3 comments:
Ok, FREAKY! I just read that article today!
I was trying to figure out how, if possible, if I could do it... and realized, nope... not very easily. That and I couldn't get Sierra new toys?! Who buys second hand dog toys?!
But seriously... I can't recall the last time I bought clothes.
Oh, and what if someone buys you new stuff? Do you give it away?
I'll be perfectly honest, as a "starving student" (and practically living with someone who's in the same boat), living frugally is what it's all about for us - why burden ourselves?
We will literally pick up stuff left out in front of people's houses - usually around the end of the month when people are moving, and they're ridding themselves of unecessary things. This is similar to freecycle (which we've joined, thank you Otter!!), and everyone does it in the city.
And when we find the need to remove clutter from our lives, we place it out for others to parse through before the garbage dudes come and get it :)
- Canadian Penguin
Phil - That's too funny! I think if someone else buys you new stuff, that's okay. But then, I'm not sure! :)
Penguin - I guess I should check with you if you need stuff before I declutter then, eh?
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