I love words. I love their sounds, textures and layers of meaning.
I got hooked on Harry Potter in large part due to JK Rowling’s masterful use of the quality of words.
I read the word “Freegan” in an article and something resonated. I may well fit the definition.
According to their website, Freegans rescue perfectly usable products and put them to use. They are mindful of what it takes to produce and distribute products - and they care about the impact of voting with their pocketbooks. I just found a Freegan group in my local area, so I registered. This is not about dumpster-diving, although that may be part of the picture. I see it as a successful alternative to mindless conspicuous consumption.
I have no problem paying $2 for a never-worn Liz Claiborne garment at the thrift store. I’m willing to bet that there are more people shopping this way than would openly admit to it. But who makes the rules that we have to continue to buy new products? The folks trying to sell more of those products. Those folks don’t pay my bills, so I can ignore them.
I think the consumer-driven economy has destroyed more than our planet. It has destroyed our capacity for clear thinking. People are willing to sacrifice quality time for work, so they can buy more of what they didn’t need in the first place. Is there a better definition of insanity?
I don’t have much. I still have more than I need. But I am proud of my ability to keep my priorities straight. My true currency is time - once this day passes, I will have no opportunity to live it again. So if I miss the sunrise, the sight of a flock of wild turkeys, or the flight of an owl from a limb just over head - no amount of overtime is going to get that back.
I’m going to read more about Freegans - they may be as good at making effective use of free time as they are at effectively using free products.