The Bought Environment is Killing Us
Zero waste isn’t just about making as little to no waste as possible. It’s about thoughtful buying: How much of what you now buy is recyclable or reusable? Chances are, not much, unless you’re a dedicated zero waster and crafter who can turn fabric scraps and short pieces of ribbons into cat toys or ornaments. Which means that getting to zero waste is fundamentally all about buying less. The benefits of that are immense. Stuff (excluding food, medical devices and such) is bad for the world and living things. Having so much stuff that there are people who can make a living organizing it is absurd and maybe even obscene, really. We’re all part of the problem. We’re trained to become good consumers really early. The pressures to buy don’t relent over time – they get worse. I’m as vulnerable as the next person: I try to resist buying on impulse and buying only when necessary. But fast fashion and tchotchkes call to all of us. And I played an active part: Way back in Dallas, I worked as a copywriter; a store that sold organizers of all types, from tiny boxes to closet racks, was one of my first accounts. We implied that house perfection was just a few pretty plastic boxes or baskets away, and that such perfection was an admirable goal The store’s Christmas catalog was gorgeous and really effective at reeling people in. Mea culpa.
I was a copywriter pre–social media, but we had Martha Stewart back then, the original “influencer” who merchandised a lifestyle of perfection and helped fuel constant consumption.
Let’s be honest with ourselves when we shop. Before you buy, conduct an assessment. Is this something you actually need? Or are you just bored? Has shopping become a hobby for you? Do you suffer from the “Target” effect? That’s when shopping becomes a pleasant experience in and of itself, not a means to an end, due to the influence of attractive merchandising. Which can lead you to cross from “need” to “want.”
Things can become a reflection of our identity. There’s nothing wrong with creating a comfortable environment, but “meaning” in this context ideally should be derived from things like photos and cherished things like your grandma’s antique bowl, not a mass-produced macrame wall hanging.
I also offer an additional caution: Have a plan for what to do with the thing you’re buying at the end of its useful life: Can you repurpose or donate it? If not, say “no” to buying it. It’s the responsible thing to do.
Check it out: The Story of Stuff is a short, animated documentary about the lifecycle of stuff and impacts of consumerism. Though “old” by our standards (2007) its message still resonates.
