Are you a “good” consumer?

This short video is a thought-provoking look at consumerism. When do you say ‘enough’?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_ut93YYZu8

Test your consumerism:

1. Go one week without buying ANYTHING. Please remember to stock up on milk and toilet paper before you do this. Did not shopping free up time and energy?

2. Want vs. Need. Now go one month without buying anything you do not need. Before you buy, ask if it is a want or a need. At the end of the month, did you really miss what you did not buy?

3. Ongoing it is a good question to ask yourself every time you shop: Do I need or just want this? I think it is OK to buy some things you want but do not need, however honestly answering the need vs. want question can help you keep in check how much you are buying and eventually throwing into our waste stream.

I have found it to be very freeing when I go shopping to buy only the items I really, really want, and forgo all of those nice-to-haves, but will soon forget about items. My closets are less cluttered, I use less packaging, and I simply enjoy the experience of shopping more.

Thoughts on consuming less? Please comment!