Do you ever buy something just because it is inexpensive? Like a shirt that you may never wear, but that’s marked-down to 7$ so why not? Or a 2$ pair of shamrock-shaped novelty sunglasses for St. Patrick’s Day that will end up who knows where? Or yet another purse or pair of flip flops or that souvenir glowwand from the theme park that your child does not need but is so tempting to buy because it is just so cheap or sparkly or fun? Well, it is these kinds of purchases- these almost unconscious, impulse buys that are arguably unnecessary- that I challenge you to become aware of.
You might say “I hate clutter,” “I don’t buy stuff I don’t need,” or “I really don’t buy junk,” but you might be surprised how this stuff seeps into your life anyway. So the next time you see what you think to be a great deal, consider what the true price of that item is: the natural resources taken from the planet, the toxins released into the atmosphere and water to make (and eventually dispose of) the item, and the underpaid people who lost their land and are forced to work in factories.
Instead of a closet-full of marked-down clothes that you never wear, how about several high-quality basics that you will get a lot of use out of. Instead of a plastic toy or novelty item, how about treating yourself or your child to special edible treat like a lollipop or ice pop (sure it’s sugary, but it will biodegrade!).
And the reward for this consideration will be a less-cluttered life and a fatter wallet- full of money which you can use in sync with your values!
