We all know about the 3 R's, right, REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE.
And while everyone is somewhat concerned about the environment, some people are simply more into it than others.
I have a friend, who is going through a personal green revolution. A earth lover, she is caring and concerned about the environment. Trying to do her part, recycling her left overs, her no longer wanted, and her not needed items.
She recently gave me some items that at one time she cherished. Now that she is finished with them, she has passed them onto me, and my problem is where do I put them?
And it was not as if I could refuse to take them, at least not without hurting her feelings. But it brings the question, why do we buy so much, if a little while later we will no longer want it.
How much responsibility do others have to take those items off of our hands when we no longer want them?
Or is it a case of "you bought it, you got it......... forever?
What if it was a gift?
I have made a concerted effort to give consumable gifts in the last few years. Many of my friends are downsizing, throwing out, and purging their decor and household items. I respect that, and give gifts that are services, or can be consumed.
Do we have a responsibility to think before we buy? Or is it perfectly fine to purchase a trendy decor item, and then pass it onto someone who may, or may not want it?
Are we really doing our part for the environment, even if we use it and then pass it on?
Who has the ultimate responsibility for decor items? What if you just can't make that purple silk pillow work, or do not need the chair that you fell in love with a decade ago? How about that lovely little vase you found on vacation, and now can't stand?
These are my musings today, and I would love to hear what you think.
I agree with your comments Jen!
ReplyDeleteThis Christmas we bought people gifts from Oxfam, Christian Aid and other big charities - people got toilets in Africa, pigs in South America, school books in Ghana, water defences in Bangladesh, wells and clean water treatments in India etc, etc. The recipients here got an appropriate fridge magnet to keep and the charities spent the money on the things that we'd chosen. It was very successful all ways round!
I've really tried to curb my spending as far as "items for the home" go -- do we NEED it, or do I just WANT it? :) That helps a lot. As for other things, I've donated extra blankets, sheets and towels to the SCPA and Humane Society to use as new bedding; clothing gets bundled and put in a Salvation Army bin. Mostly, I've just tried not to buy unless it's something we need, or something special we want and have saved for.
ReplyDeleteI had a big purchase of fabric on a website yesterday. I was called away from the computer (diapers) and while I was changing baby boy I began to think...do I really need more fabric? Is it responsible to spend the money at this time? When I was done I went up and deleted my order...I will miss the fabric but felt good not to have to find yet more shelf space for it! Yes I have begun to think before I purchase...both for the sake of the bank account but also for the sake of the enviroment. I do have a 20 year old couch I would like to get rid of though!!!
ReplyDeleteWonerful pics! Kim
I have fought kicking and screaming to keep my many sisters and mom from over decorating my home. If I want it, I want it forever. I have never understood the throw it away so you can get new attitude. Right now I am thinking of recovering some furniture that looks a little worn not get a whole new set, gesh. Sorry for the ranting, you hit a nerve:)
ReplyDeleteOur whole society is based on consumerism... that's what adverts are all about - convincing us that we need more stuff that we don't really need!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, with the environment in focus, people are having second thoughts. Lots of stuff can be recycled or given to charity shops and then sold and the money used for worthy purposes.
Having said that, our house is full of stuff - books that I can't seem to stop buying, and toys that I've inherited from my sister's kids.
Help!
Jen:
ReplyDeleteA very thought provoking post. I have been without a vehicle for the past month and a half.... sure it can be fixed, but I am making an effort to walk wherever I may need to go -- the gardens you miss whizzing by in a car --
Its true, we are living in a society where we need instant gratification, but at the same time our attention span is diminishing.... buy today to toss tomorrow! I am going to make a more concerted effort to be more 'aware' and 'responsible' of the three R's this year..... of course when it comes to plants.... that's a totally different story.... not a case of NEED, more like LUSTFUL WANTINGS (CRAVINGS)
Beautiful flower pictures! You should join us tomorrow for Bloomin' Tuesday. Jean
ReplyDeleteI have been working hard in the last few years,weeding out all the unneeded 'stuff' that is cluttering up our little house.
ReplyDeleteMost of the 'stuff' went to places like Goodwill where they would hopefully find a new home.
Anything that comes into the house now has to pass the 'do we really need this' test.
It's amazing how little we 'really need' isn't it?
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI get most of my decorating items from the thrift store. I actually prefer used items to new. I have donated unwanted possessions to my local thrift store, which benefits a hospital/school for children with severe disabilities.
I try to donate to Goodwill and am trying to cut back on buying stuff I really don't need.Sometimes I put stuff in the buggy and before I check out I have put some of the thngs back. Just don't want to spend the money is a big part of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, The orchids are beautiful! I am so against changeing decor, I love what I have, I simply don't want to dust anything that I just don't love anymore. I send many things to the local Thrift Shop for the disabled. I will have another garage sale next spring..to purge some more of the "stuff" out of here. I am with you, only buy stuff you can use up..or eat:)
ReplyDeleteMy personal feeling is that if you are going to "release" something it's new home may not be with someone you personally know. That's why I utilize charities that take donations. It seems that things will find better homes that way than if I try to just give my stuff away to my network of friends.
ReplyDeleteCindy
I think it is our responsobility to think before we buy. If we all did that the earth would be a better place.
ReplyDeleteI think it is our responsobility to think before we buy. If we all did that the earth would be a better place.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, We have been trying to cut back on buying and have tried to share what we no longer need with those who need it. The item that was the most appreciated was my old upright piano. A 12 yr old girl spotted it at our yard sale and sat down and played a church hymn. My eyes filled with tears because I used to play piano at church before developing essential tremor. I offered her the piano with the promise that she practice hard and invite me to her first concert!
ReplyDeleteMuch to think about. I'll admit I'm not very good at this, but I am trying harder. Everyone, including myself, that I know is in conservation mode these days. We're holding our change just a little tighter and considering our purchases a little more carefully. As always you have an enlightening post.
ReplyDeleteOh those are gorgeous, orchids! I too don't buy alot of things, even if I need them, I tend to say, maybe next week. I also take our good used items to a helping hand or goodwill. I never though to give anything to friends? Oh amd could you send your addie again,I Can't find your email? I am sorry I haven't sent you your prize...I am a bad mailer. I have it boxed and ready!? Have a wonderful evening.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I am so not into the trends of decorating. I want clean, functional things, not much on knick knacks either. Have some, I didn't buy them though! I can't breathe in clutter.
ReplyDeleteI think my grandma is the most earth-friendly person around. She lived through the great depression, and still reuses aluminum foil and bread bags and everything else. She reduces/reuses/recycles not because it's the PC thing to do but because she' so thrifty. Perhaps I was more earth-friendly when I didn't have a budget to buy nonessential things. It's hard to find a good balance between overbuying and missing out on something you would have used and loved. So we should take a moment now and then to review our habits - as you've reminded us to do with this post - thanks! VW
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