Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping

In this koob, you will learn how spending money on only necessities for a year can affect not only your wallet, but also your sense of self.

You will also learn:

-The different viewpoints of consumerism;

-The psychological effects of consumer culture;

-Lifestyle approaches to sustainable living;

-How to begin your sustainable living experiment;

-The effects the experiment may have upon you and your relationships; and

-Helpful things to keep in mind while you are on this journey

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the United States relies on consumer spending. In fact, consumer spending makes up two-thirds of it. It’s what helps keep the economy strong, and it would not survive if everyone stopped shopping. However, the endless desire to want more is depleting the earth’s natural resources and is taking up more space than it can hold. The Earth Council has estimated that it would take 4.5 Earths to sustain human beings if everyone in the world consumed and discarded at the same rate as Americans. If there was a way that you could contribute to helping save the planet, would you do it? You could engage in an experiment in “sustainable living” in which you only buy the necessities for an entire year. Consider what you would write down as “essential” in your life if you had to make a list right now. The question is: What are you willing to give up?