Suddenly, Cheap Is Chic
Turmoil in the financial markets, declining consumer confidence, and a renewed interest in the environment have created a perfect storm for conservation. Suddenly, it’s chic to be cheap.
As the Wall Street Journal reports: “Retail and manufacturing clients are seeing almost an aversion to consumption,” says Todd Lavieri, chief executive of Archstone Consulting, which tracks retail spending patterns. “In previous downturns [such as in 1991 and 2001], we have often seen shopping as therapy.” Now, with credit conditions so tight, Mr. Lavieri says, “people aren’t shopping to feel better. They actually are not shopping to feel better.”
| Spendster invites you to share stories about stuff you don’t need. |
To aid in the catharsis, the new website Spendster.org invites consumers to record their former profligate ways and post videos to share. For anybody who has ever regretted purchase (that’s pretty much everybody), the site is a humorous relief. Take a walk through users’ homes and you’ll see closets bulging with seldom-worn purses and hats and never-used appliances–electric can openers, anyone?–and other next-to-useless items likely found in your home, too.
The idea, of course, is to be mindful of one’s purchases. Though Spendster focuses on the financial benefits of buying less, it’s easy to see the environmental benefits as well.
More:
“Luxury Consumers Scrimp for the Sake of the Planet, and Because It’s Cheaper,” Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2008:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122575617614495083.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
“Shoppers Turn to Consignment Stores,” Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2008: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122576228664895683.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Join these CTC members in their Cheap Is Chic goals:
Buy Less Stuff
Buy All My Clothes at Secondhand Stores
Create Less Waste
Have a “Green” Christmas
Purchase More Bulk Items = Less Packaging Waste
November 6th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I went around my house and was shocked to see all of my useless and unused stuff. At first the post buyers guilt makes you want to get rid of it all. Yet, disposing of your unused stuff can be just as bad. I want to make sure that I’m not just moving my stuff around. By putting in a landfill where I don’t have to look at it anymore. Out of site out of mind, right? No, that would be fooling myself, because all that stuff is still here. I’m going to have to find new homes for my stuff. Good homes where people need it and will use it. Some will need to go to GoodWill. Some will need to go to the recycling center. Other stuff may need to go the hazardous waste center. Or even list it under free on Craig’s List. I realize that all this is going to take more time and effort then if I just put in all in the landfill. And I’m willing to do it. Earth provides of me, it’s the least I can do.