Thoughts on Non-Consumerism
I've published 4,306 blog posts since 2008, which is kind of crazy. Everything from a love letter my cast iron skillet to a tutorial on how to remove demonic spirits from your thrifted finds. (My absolute favorite blog post!) Most of my blog posts center around how I get around buying new stuff and live my life outside of mainstream consumer culture.
Being unapologetically cheap most of the time, but also spending out on simple travel and helping my kids as they establish their adult lives. Utilizing everything my library has to offer and finding contentment in free and almost free activities.
It's coming up on twenty years since I read a short article about a small group of San Franciscans who made a one year pledge to stop buying anything new. They called themselves "The Compact" and I dove right into the deep end without hesitation.
Do I ever buy anything new? Occasionally, but mostly when it's something that actually needs to be new. Think toothbrushes, light bulbs, personal hygiene, household maintenance supplies and such. I figured out that eBay is an excellent source for open, (but new!) packages of underwear and that thrifted wool and a darning needle make socks pretty much immortal.
I've garbage picked everything from light bulbs to hair elastics to dishwasher detergent. I even garbage picked a toilet seat a few years ago, although I did go home to grab a pair of gloves.
There is already enough manufactured stuff to fulfill our needs for decades to come. Especially if we took the time to repair our belongings and recognized that something being "outdated" is a implanted idea from Madison Avenue. They'd love nothing more than for us to discard our perfectly good stuff, just so we can then buy their brand new products.
It's messed up that consumers just accept that idea that we need to rebuy our possessions every few years when they start to look outdated. Clothing, furniture, dishes, decor, colors schemes, even how our facial features are supposed to look.
It's called "Perceived Obsolescence" and it's explained well in The Story of Stuff.
I'm not immune to the appeal of Cool New Stuff, but I'd like to think that I take a critical eye to how I interact with consumer culture.
Buying used saves money, but also takes a stand against the environmental devastation created from unnecessary manufacturing. Neither reason is morally superior to the other.
Do you consider yourself a "Nonconsumer?" If so, why? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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I think I have read your blog since late 2009. I love the fact that I loathe my power company and you “get” the fact that I beat my rugs with a broom outside, do not own a hair dryer, wash my air conditioner filter and let it dry in the hot sun here, then reuse it. I refuse to get a tv and have not had one since 2010. I loathe Amazon bc of how they treated their temporary older workers during The Great Recession and refuse to buy from the! Most folks act like I am a bit “touched” in the head, which is a euphemism a friend used to describe me! I feel like you and your readers are my besties!
Oh, to answer your question, I feel like I am a low consumer. I occasionally get new socks, new suit for work, in an emergency ( like a house fire destroying most of my clothes and furniture and well, everything) but I generally do not buy much new, or buy much at all.
Oh, Cindy, a hair dryer! I am so many decades away from using one that I don't even realize it. Your post reminded me of things I have done and not done so often that they are habits now. (I also have short hair).
We still have my husband's probably 1980's ProSchick handheld hair dryer with multiple settings in the back of the linen closet. It might have been used twice in thirty years, and not necessarily for hair.
I own a hair dryer but mainly use it for drying damp bits of clothing before putting it away. Our longhaired dachshund who had arthritis loved having her hair dried after a bath because the heat felt good on her joints. She got far more use out of the hair dryer than I ever did.
I second your besties comment! My friends in real life are not frugal so it's wonderful to be in this corner of the Internet with all of you.
I consider myself a nonconsumer. At different periods in my life I have been forced into nonconsumerism by financial circumstances. At other times I've turned to it because I find it interesting to see how far my money can go. A huge part of nonconsumerism for me is doing my part, small as it may be, to try to aid our beautiful planet in getting back to and remaining healthy. This includes reusing things until they have arrived at the end of their useful life cycle, recycling by using my trash company's recycling system, selling or donating things I no longer have a use for and buying used for myself and my household. Also reducing commodities by using my car less and sharing that one car with DH, watching our water and oil use carefully (especially this year re the gas and oil with this crazy war ongoing). I find I not only need less to stay happy but I want less. It has produced a sense of calmness I didn't have before I embraced nonconsumerism and frugality. Also, these two things are very interchangeable in my life. One helps increase the other.
I aspire to be a non-consumer. I am trying to reduce my consumerism, but I do find it hard not to just order what I need, particularly because I dislike shopping. I do despair at the amount of consumer goods in the world, and appreciate your efforts and the model you are providing.
May I just say that your darned socks are a work of art!!!
I'm a non consumer. This is due to believing in saving- the planet/ Climate Crisis, the pocket/ frugal, and people/ currently the live-streamed genocide by Israel and the complicit countries U.S, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the likes. People/ planet will always come first before my pockets or preferences- I started saving up for a Chanel bag for a long time, and then gave it up after finding Coco Channel's Nazi connection. Your conscience is reflected through your consuming habits.
I am a work in progress on being a non-consumer. I've mostly been concerned with saving money, and that has led me to buying secondhand in many instances. I've also become a bit of a scavenger. I have been reusing plastic containers and bread bags. A friend and I always give each other gifts from Goodwill.
I feel I could do a lot better, but I am doing a lot better than I used to.
I'm a very low consumer. And a creator. I can grow food, sew, knit, cook, bake. We are also a one car family and prioritize riding push bike (an English term) or electric bike when at all possible.
The fact that I've been looking forward for months to the annual zero waste event says just about all there is to say about me. At the event, put on by our waste management company, in the morning residents can bring anything to be donated or disposed of (including mattresses). They have a small army of volunteers taking the good stuff into the fairground main hall, and many, many dumpsters to receive the things for disposal. We never get out of our car/truck. In the afternoon, they open the fairground main hall for residents to 'shop' from all of the donated stuff. And it's all free!
Kara, your community's annual zero waste event sounds fabulous.
Kara and MB, I'm envious too!
I’m a nonconsumer most of the time. The bulk of my furniture and home goods are thrifted or scavenged. My clothing is around 50% thrifted. I rarely eat out and grow some of my own food.
I sometimes worry about taking things too far. I’m reading a book by Kiran Desai, “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny”, and at one point in the book, there’s a description of a character who likes to be cheap and save his rupees. This quote made me think: “Savings lead to triumphant savings. Savings had impoverished their existence.”
I don’t want to take things so far that I forget to have some fun. Sometimes, I need to go ahead and eat at the swanky restaurant, and get my own entree, and maybe even a glass of wine and dessert. Sometimes, I need to go to a store and buy the outfit that fits and looks great and makes me feel special. Sometimes, I need to go to a salon and get a great haircut. Sometimes, I need to go ahead and run the air conditioner. I need to travel! I’ve saved enough that these things are possible!
I don’t want to look back on my life and feel that it was an impoverished existence.
What you said sort of describes me too. I have many non-consumer habits that I will never abandon. But I am also more willing to splurge on some things and experiences. I feel like I am in a race against time.
My dopamine hit is now getting rid of excess - gifting (with permission - I no longer assume), consigning and donating. I love garbage day too. I am trying to simplify and reduce my possessions. I have gotten over the emotional/sentimental hurdle of holding on to possessions that no longer serve me in my current chapter of life- but that was not easy. I love to pass things on to people who need, want or appreciate what I have to offer. My kids have little use for my “stuff”. I understand that because I was the recipient of lots of “stuff” from an older generation that I have worked hard to mostly eliminate.
It will only be an impoverished existence, if you feel excluded.
I feel happy saving money. Reusing old pillowcases, instead of buying new pillow covers. Fixing clothes, instead of buying new. Canning my vegetables, instead of spending $1.59 for a single can of green beans
I'm at the retirement age, so I want to not be improverished!
I'm glad I just found this blog. I have a serious shopping addiction & I am terrified at what I am contributing to the planet. I don't ever shop on temu or shien, but I love new clothing. I've just started this year buying sustainable clothing, but it is expensive.
Human, you found the right place to get support and inspiration on your path to less consumerism. We all learn from each other here. Also check out Katy's friend, Kristen, at thefrugalgirl.com blog.
Welcome! We are glad you are here.
Loved your summary of your reasons for non-consumerism Katy. Your daily blog (or amost daily ) is a delightful read! My husband & I live in a similar manner. We live in a 45 year old inherited home & repair as needed not just for the sake of updating. Plus, we feel contentment is a huge factor - reminding ourselves - we have enough, what we already have is good enough & if something breaks can we repair it ourselves? ️
a few things I forgot in my last post. We live in a small town in Northern ON that is mostly retirees. My husband & I host a group called Recycled Treasures on a photo sharing app for older friends looking to give away things or downsize (think FB Buy Nothing but not on social media). It's a great way for us or others to obtain free items or share unused ones.
We also use the Loblaws Flashfood app for our local No Frills grocery store. Items posted daily are 50% or more off because they are a few days away from their best before date. Often have large mixed veggie & fruit bags for $5!
I think a lot of folks are about to become non-consumers if the truckers go on strike and the merch in all the stores start dwindling down to nothing. Bare shelves will be the norm and a lot of folks won't be able to deal with it. I had a customer this weekend who filled her shopping cart to overflowing -- mostly things like food and toilet paper-- and said she was stocking up in case this becomes a long strike. Really, I think shoppers should go on strike against high prices.
There is a wonderful article in one of the Tightwad Gazette books that traces the shop-til-you-drop aspects of Christmas and it should be a must read for any family. Just as you mentioned, this trend was triggered by merchants once folks moved from farms to cities. Advertisers implied that you don't really love someone unless you buy them tons of gifts. The public has swallowed this hook, line and sinker, and so many people go into debt during Christmas that it is not even funny. I think the theme for the holidays should be "have yourself a merry LITTLE Christmas," ie, don't spend money, spend time with folks you love.
I try to shop secondhand. (I'm typing this on a refurbished secondhand laptop.) 90% of the clothes I wear are thrifted. (Like you, I buy new underwear, however.) Sometimes I buy new items if they are cheap enough. Not all of my thrifted purchases work out: couldn't get the $8 large screen TV from Goodwill to work, so I got
a bottom-of-the-line smart TV from Walmart, which I'm learning to use (and getting better at using). I rarely go into a mall; the last time I did, I almost had a heart attack looking at the prices of the clothing. But if I see something on clearance (usually at Walmart or our discount store) and it is a super good deal, I will buy from a "new" store.
Due to the mess the world is in, I suspect we're headed for hard times and more of us will, by necessity, become non-consumers.
Great post!
I consider myself a very low consumer. I hate waste of any kind - consumables, money, time, opportunities - so I like to get the most out of everything, give away what I don't use, and be as light on the planet as possible. Most of what I've acquired over the last couple years has come from Buy Nothing or generous friends. Part of my low consumerism comes from being 67 years old as I already have what I need and my wants are few. Multiples of anything, except for underwear and socks, make me twitchy. When I walk at the mall, or go into a large grocery store, it is overwhelming to see the number of choices and amount of stuff.
3 things have helped me be a low-consumer (except for gas, I suppose, as I have a very long commute 2x a week)...
1. I backpacked for almost a year some 30 years ago, and when you have to carry everying with you, you really learn how little you need to own.
2. Reading "The Year of Less," by Cait Flanders, really focused the issue and weight of overconsumption.
3. My partner and I live in a small(ish) condo [small by US standards, average elsewhere in the world!] and I much prefer a minimal aesthetic, and we have no kids, so there isn't much that I need or want.
-----------------
Additionally:
A. I am frugal by nature or by upbringing, so it pains me to spend money!
B. I don't buy or read "women's magazines" like Homes & Garden, etc. which are really just giant advertisements and point out more beautiful, aspirational rooms.
C. I don't shop as a leisure activity
D. I'm either of an age or inclination that I'm comfortable enough with myself to not put pressure to look a certain way or have possessions of a certain type.
E. In high school, I had a very powerful lesson about compound growth and interest and so investing has always been a priority.
F. For much of my life, I was fairly low income (graduate student for MANY years, living in a HCOL area) AND I love to travel, so after paying myself first for investing, all extra $ went toward travel, not things. In fact, for decades, I was proud that all of my earthly possessions could fit in the back of a small pick-up truck.
My partner, on the other hand......
I also lived out of a backpack for a year, and I limited myself to 10 kilos. Often, I’d see cool stuff at markets, and it was easy to resist, knowing that I’d have to carry the cool stuff on my back for the next several months. My backpack was considerably smaller than what my fellow travelers were carrying, and I had more freedom because I was carrying less weight. Most of my time was in poor countries, and I saw that people can be resourceful and that they can live with so much less than we do. These were all great lessons that shaped how I live now!
Bit of a mixed bag here.
Almost all my clothes are thrifted or from second hand sites, and I don't own a vast wardrobe. The house is about 20 - 40% second hand. Food is an area where we do well. Newly discovered community fridge, occasional TGTG, lots of yellow sticker shopping and sharing extras with friends. Almost all meals cooked at home.
I have been reviewing our store cupboard and preps for the winter, and this has involved buying some items new.
We always have a rolling list of things to look for at the charity (thrift) shops, but it's pretty empty at the moment after the perfect teapot was found!
Influenced by this blog, I do now collect street hair ties, and pick up dropped clothing from parking lots etc to be laundered and donated.
I certainly strive to be a low-consumer. My family is focused on being frugal and thoughtful with our purchases but try not to beat ourselves up about things. I grew up without good examples for financial decisions and struggled when I moved out on my own. I try to teach my own children that just because something is more expensive (or has a cartoon character on it) doesn't mean that it's better, or something cheap isn't always the best value. They still get new things from us (and a lot of stuff from grandparents) but we also use thrift stores and consignment shops when it makes sense.
We make almost everything we eat from home and last year I crocheted or thrifted all of the gifts we gave for Christmas and birthdays (and most of a baby shower gift!). We also realize that our time is valuable and limited and we'd rather spend a little more on a small convenience than taking excessive time away from our kids. Frugality isn't all or nothing, and there is so much nuance for every family and season and situation. We're doing much better at this than we were even just a few years ago! Small changes can make a big impact and I love having this place to see how others are doing things!
I've had frugal/nonconsumer leanings since I was a teenager, and they intensified once I got hold of The Tightwad Gazette--but I really got on the bandwagon once I started following this blog. Once again, thank you, Katy.
Most of my reasons are similar to reasons others have mentioned, so I won't repeat them. I'll emphasize only that (a) along with others who are 70-ish, I find frugality and nonconsumerism to be among the best tools for navigating our so-called "golden years" (hah!) in the US; and (b) we may all need to do a lot more frugal/nonconsumer things when tough economic times get tougher, as Fru-gal Lisa has pointed out.
Finally, those of you who either have subscriptions to The New Yorker (mine's a holiday gift from the Bestest Neighbors) or can access it through Libby or other means will want to read the article by David Owen titled "To Have and To Hold" in the Sept. 21 issue. It's an expose of the self-storage industry. Mind-boggling!
I watch a YouTube series called The SpaceMaker Method” & they are currently helping a woman who had 2 storage units fill to the ceiling with stuff. The show has helpful tidbits to offer for decluttering, but this one really makes me twitchy with the amt of her stuff!!!
Interesting article, A. Marie! I found it by google searching for New Yorker, and that author, and title. I don't generally read it, so perhaps was in on a free few articles a month.
The statistics at the start about the sheer numbers of facilities are mind-boggling.
I just spied that article in the New Yorker, can't wait to read it. My sister is the exact opposite of me in terms of possessions, and we were just talking about her storage space. I'm sure there are times when they are useful, but I'm guessing that the vast majority is overconsumption. Looking forward to the article (which I get through my library on the Libby App)
I always leaned frugal -- my parents grew up on farms during the Great Depression and WWII, so certain aspects of that upbringing stayed with them and were passed down to me. In the very spendy early 90s I read about the Tightwad Gazette in a magazine at the dentist's office and subscribed. It was a great antidote to the high-consuming attitude of the time and made it possible for me to be at home with DS, who is on the autism spectrum. I don't know how we would have done all the therapy and extra help he needed if I had been working.
I think frugal living blogs are part of the Tightwad Gazette's radical movement for more sustainable living. Thank you, Katy, for your long support of a better path.
I agree. My dad grew up during the depression. In the late sixties, he would buy cases of vegetables with no label. He always had a sharpie, to label them! For a preteen, very disappointing, but set my way to adulthood
I would say I am a non-consumer because I know how to say "Enough." We have enough of enough things that we don't need more.
My kitchen has honey oak cabinets, here when we bought the house, probably at least thirty years old. I think they are pretty and they are in good shape. Why on earth would I want to rip them out and put in that sterile operating room white and black look when I like these and they hold everything just fine?
We recently (3 years ago) moved from a 4-bedroom colonial to a 1950's 3- bedroom ranch. The first thing people say is "when are you remodeling the kitchen?" We are not. It is so well made it would be terrible to gut the place. SMH
Not sure what category I would fall in to or that I would assign myself a classification at all. I'm a child of the farm crisis. My parents are boomers raised by children of the great depression. We have been farming since we stepped off the boat. So, the idea of stewarding what you've been entrusted with has always been a theme in my life. The home I grew up in had no rural water or heat/air. Our heat came from wood that Dad cut and split by hand from our land. Our water was hauled 1000 gallon per trip in the back of our old grain truck. We also hauled water to the sows and pigs that were pastured in our woodlots. The 80's were hard, the heat, draught, stress, unending work, and the loss of our playmates to bankruptcies that I didn't understand colored my perspective on money and risk. I am not alone in this reaction by any means. In times of great candor, my contemporaries that still farm, reveal the same feelings. Our off-farm classmates were spared from this type of reality; we carried it silently. We learned to wear old clothes, play in hay lofts, build great inventions out of cast-off junk, fish, garden, enjoy nature immensely, and devote ourselves entirely to a craft that we feel is still very worthwhile and noble.
I took a sustainable living class in college where we read, "Your money or Your life". I put myself through school with scholarships, work, and a small market garden. I was taught to cook from a young age. Mom canned extensively and sewed and patched (I hated that!!!) our clothes. We ate mostly pork, beef, and venison. Chicken was for Sunday dinner or bought on sale. Lunch meat was a treat. I wore my brother's hand me down chore cloths that were too small and very uncomfortable. I was aware of environmental issues early on and the forced frugality of my upbringing naturally meshed with my environmental concerns.
When I graduated college, the job market in agriculture was dim. I was determined to raise everything we ate and cheap out to the max. I was some sort of liberal, feminist homesteader nut! It was a reaction to being totally broke and completely pissed at the corporations and power structure running our world. I have since relaxed, quite considerably. I've come to the conclusion that stockmen need vegetable growers and vice versa and it's better to trade money with each other and not work ourselves into an early grave! Tah-Dah a revelation! About that time, thrifting became more accessible and practical. Nowadays, maybe 90% of what we buy is used, eBay, or thrifted (household goods/clothes). The things we most commonly buy new are parts to repair vehicles/machinery, supplies (welding wire, caulk, nails), and toiletries. We recycle metal whenever possible. I strive to build or repurpose items I have to fill needs around the farm. I compost whenever possible and use gray water or rainwater instead of municipal water. When I worked off farm, I kept an eye on the dumpsters and brought home goodies that would be useful around the farm. We have a good stash of used lumber in our barn.
I would describe our current situation as "richly cheap". Our retirement is in good shape, we've paid down our farm mortgage considerably, own our vehicles, and our small home (500 ft2) is paid for. We have goals and dreams that require funds and that is what we are focused on. Our pork, chicken, and beef is home raised. We have a garden and freeze, can, and store veg. The fruit trees are too small to produce, yet. I am careful with our grocery budget and buy most of our clothes second hand. I take care not to shop just to fill time. Most everything is repurposed or donated when we no longer need it. We strive to create very little waste. I tithe and it's important to me to do so. I also want to build a larger home (1500 ft2) with a basement (tornadoes!) in the future. I would like the farm paid for asap.
Materially, we want for nothing and because of my upbringing, it doesn't take much to suit me. I want to raise a son that values people and not things. Enjoys his life and makes the most out of his talents. Intentionality is more important to me than a multitude of stuff. I used to refer to myself a a sophista-neck. I love NPR and PBS, good food, a great pair of pumps, and a fancy purse. Nowadays, it's more a cold beer in a dumpster dove lawn chair watching the sun set and listening to the frogs under a thousand stars. I still have a plush purse but it's not who I am!
I love this site for the camaraderie, the tips, and inspiration.
Better said, than I could! Agree 100%
Laura, I enjoyed learning more about your life!
Cool New Stuff is always my guide to refashion. How can I appear almost in fashion, if you look at me with squinty eyes. My niece loves to go thru my closet and trunks for putting together outfits for me and she gets to document it on her Insta reels. Lol.
I get my cleaning stuff at estate sales for .25 - .50¢. Same goes for light bulbs, car wax, furniture restorer.
Last year I picked up French soap bars for .25¢ each. I vacuum packed and put them in the root cellar.
I even picked up a remnant of quartzite to redo my antique hoosier.
I garden, can, freeze, dehydrate, Compost, fish and hunt. Sew, paint and maintain the house mostly myself or my handy man.
I can crochet, but need more practice.
Non consumerism takes patience and thinking outside the box with a strong make do attitude. We have a strong sense of community and likemindedness. So helpful!
I would describe myself as an aspiring non-consumer who seeks balance in her life. Approaching 70, I have little interest in acquiring anything and am trying to pawn off our stuff to the younger generation. If I do need something, I try to find it in the thrift store first. Wish we could transition to a carless lifestyle but alas our public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. So, when I can, I bike or walk to run errands. I enjoy giving gifts to those close to me, and when I do they are cash, consumables or experiences. I try to live environmentally—have been hanging out laundry for 40 years, recycle what I can, compost food, and stay away from packaged foods, cooking mostly from scratch. I am the beneficiary of a public pension program (that I paid into for 35 years) so fortunately I can afford to support local artists by attending concerts, make donations to organizations that are doing important work, and pay to support our local synagogue. Our favorite past times are simple: inviting friends over for a homemade meal, volunteering at the botanic garden, and taking a stroll along the beach. One can live a good life without being focused on deriving gratification from consuming. I am grateful to Katy and all my fellow nonconsumers for inspiring me with your creative ideas and commitment to this important movement. Let’s continue to spread the word!
Love your blogs, admire your eye for quality finds and envy your energy. One small editorial point: Things “center on” never “around” … otherwise they wouldn’t be centered.
I'm definitely a nonconsumer. Forever. I remember when I was ten--my Mom was excited to buy silverware and I asked why we'd want two sets of eating utensils. As a Boomer ahead of the curve I declined to pick a china pattern when marrying and have never had a TV. It helps that I hate to shop for anything except food and fabric. In high school a friend thought it would be fun to go as a group and try on clothes. I was bored. I've always loved moving things on while others wight still find them useful.
I'm a low consumer in progress. I have been actively decluttering/refusing/reusing for at least 6 or 7 years, but can always do more. I do buy shoes new as I have temperamental feet and stand a lot at work so good shoes are important. Always trying to learn new tips and tricks!
I consider myself an underconsumer. I do buy things new that my family has preferences for like sneakers and underclothing. However, I will take things for free from people and trash piles that have helped clothe, mostly me, and food that has helped preserve our food budget on tight months. My motivation is more financial than it is environmental. While I care about the environment, my budget constraints have been very unforgiving for the last several years and I'm not sure if that will change anytime in the future. I also do things like buy in bulk, eat left overs, avoid food waste, cook at home, and pack a lunch. Nothing I do is deeply amazing, but the overall effect is money saving.
The Compact is actually how I "met" you! I also used to follow Nancy in OR but lost track of her. Do YahooGroups even still exist anymore? It was so convenient but oh, boy, were there some email battles.
I took some useful tips from it although will fully admit I never went as hard core as some participants. I also learned that pre-owned foot wear is apparently bad for my hip - not something you want a doctor telling you in your 20's (then) so my philosophy has morphed and dialed back but healthy long term is better than cheap short term.
Wow, I joined that Yahoo group in January of 2007. Do you remember how the producers from the reality TV show "Wife Swap" tried to get one of us to be in an episode and nobody would? We had good instincts.
That's digging deep but for some reason I thought someone took the offer? I didn't recall the show name, it's been too long and wasn't my niche. I do remember it screamed irony though since I'm pretty sure the show was only on cable at the time. Nothing says non consumerism like a $200 cable package with the obscure channels!
The old mod - I think her name was something like Mariana(?) was a saint to put up with everything.
Yeah, I was Facebook friends with her, but forget her name.