The consumption challenge

The consumption challenge
Basically the consumption challenge is a challenge to see how much we really need or even want our stuff. I challenge anyone out there who is sick of the way we are running this world to stop buying stuff. That's right nothing new for at least one full year. Gimmie comments and feedback pls.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• story
• of
• stuff
• commercialism
• consumerism
• excess
• environmentalism
• sustainable
• living

[388Penguin388]

Great idea - no problem for me, I've been an anti-shopper since age 18. But it's hard to do when you have a kid!

[radicalford]

I bet it is. I actually work with kids so i understand. Can i ask you what you find difficult more specifically?

[inakid]

Great idea.

I am doing months at a time. I did almost 3 months from before Christmas til I moved house (the main reason why I did it) in early March.

Now doing it for a month for the Not Buying It challenge for April. Though that is for all things and not just new.

I believe I can do it for a year.

[radicalford]

thats the spirit!:)

[shake118118]

good idea in concept, but I think a full year is not necessary and, in fact, may throw many potential volunteers of taking the challenge off. One month is a more realistic and equally effective challenge. We buy so much on an almost daily basis that after one good month, many people will notice that they no longer crave what they wanted to buy. Plus, chances are they'll see that what they wanted to buy already is proving to have defects or will be out of style soon, etc.Anyway, that's my take

[radicalford]

I'm gonna disagree with you on the "not necessary" portion of your comment. I think that dramatic change is needed in the way we think and consume. One month may slow people down for a while but a year forces you to turn to other options for things you actually need and therefore hopefully would leave you thinking in a very different way. I guess my point is it may turn people away but the month wouldn't have as much of an impact as a full year.

[katandp1]

quite a while ago now, wondering how it all went.

[grapegem]

Excellent challenge. I would love to do this too. I will try my best but I have two teenagers that will test me. I also know I need a lawn mower in 2009 and our couch is literally broken beyond repair. I will have to work hard at getting those big ticket items replaced w/out buying new but I don't want to contribute to a landfill somewhere either so Ill do it!

How is it going for you so far? I would love to hear an update!

[MaZEEZaM]

ive been living this sort of life for a few years now, people will find it saves a great deal of money, only thing i now find it actually hard to spend my money i kind of talk myself out of the need :D now i am looking at getting into growing my own veggies and clean energies:D btw your video is REALLY quiet

[MaZEEZaM]

its often called "USE YOUR BRAIN" dont buy consumer goods like clothes tvs.

[ctangeraas]

How is this coming up?

The challenge really needs to be more specific, can I pay fees, can i buy practical things I need. As you said, of course it's up to me how to play the game, but sometimes it is easier to follow rules if they're not you're own, but general rules. How are you doing on the project by the way? I'm really considering to give it a try...

[ncreda]

I would have liked to link to this, but it's very hard to hear! I've got the volume up on youtube, my computer and my monitor, and I can still barely hear you!

I like the challenge though and will take you up on it.