To Buy Or Not To Buy

In the context of trying to be a conscious consumer, sometimes that is the question.  Of course there are further, interrelated questions, which lead to weighing options, then making the decision To Buy or Not To Buy.

The first might be: Why?  Why would I buy something?  Is it necessary?  Food is necessary but do I want to stock up on groceries or grab take-out?  Would buying this good or service bring me enjoyment?  I’m not much for shopping as a pastime but have a friend who loves it (she comes in handy when I know what I need but have no idea where to get it) so I’ll add another question related to enjoyment: Would this purchase itself make me feel good or am I just shopping because it’s something to do?  Am I buying something as a reward or treat?  Do I think I should get something I didn't set out to buy just because it's on sale and a great deal?  And once I've figured out the why, do I feel comfortable with that reason?

Why would I not buy something?  Can I do without it?  Do I want to do without it?  Is there a newer version coming out soon that maybe I should wait for instead?  Would there be a way of accomplishing what I need or want with what I already have? -- not just things that are old yet still good or reusable, but using my skills or connections or imagination?

There are questions related to money.  Can I afford it?  Does it fit into my budget?  Should I save up for it or get it now on credit?  Is it worth it? Would it be better to pay more for something that will last longer?

And the area I probably most want to focus on in my attempt to become a more conscious consumer involves questions related to values.  What are my values and how do I put my money where my mouth is?  Personally, I would like to consider the effects my consumer choices have on the environment.  For example, I can choose to buy organic produce (no pesticides), locally-produced products (less energy used on transportation) and durable rather than disposable goods (reduce waste).  I could also consider packaging (is it recyclable? can I buy in bulk?), keep a cloth shopping bag handy (reduce and reuse), or not buy harmful or wasteful things at all.  I would also like to support the local economy (which can be a challenge when the market in inundated with chain stores and cheap imported goods.)  What other issues might come up that could challenge me as a consumer wanting to practise what she preaches?

These are some of the things I hope to consider more carefully and write about here related to the change To Be A Conscious Consumer.  (This is my first blog post!)  It may be kinda cheating by making this the first change I declare, as I already do this to some extent, but this looks to be a good forum for discussion. Future posts might focus on working through weighing options on particular purchases, sharing strategies or solutions, and investigating if and how consumers might effect social change with their spending habits.

And to really get the ball rolling -- tomorrow is Buy Nothing Day!  I am going to "participate by not participating."

If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
-- William Morris, British craftsman, designer, writer, typographer (1834-1896)