Unconsumption

Warning:  there are no pretty pictures in this post. It's a short story.


I was explaining some of my repurposed projects to a group of friends one day when one of them piped up with, "When did you become so...thrifty?" The tone of judgement stopped me in my tracks. This was someone that has known me for several years now. At first I was quite taken aback and offended - but then I realized my creativity has been nearly non-existent in those years since we met (something I like to blame on my two kids,  bless them). So, that 'judgement' is forgiven and forgotten. After all, repurposing is not for everyone...and my purpose is not to convert the world (although that would be nice... along with world peace). No, my purpose is to make sure that I'm doing my part, and that I pass along my philosophy to my children. If my style is appreciated along the way, all the better. 


Repurposing and upcycling. I'm not being cheap...it's my way of life. Saving money is just icing on the cake!


On that note...here's another site that's dedicated to the cause. Check them out when you get a chance.  The excerpt below is taken from their page. See if you find yourself nodding your head as you read through their definition of 'unconsumption'.


unconsumption.tumblr.com


Unconsumption is a word used to describe everything that happens after an act of acquisition.

Unconsumption is an invisible badge.

Unconsumption means the accomplishment of properly recycling your old cellphone, rather than the guilt of letting it sit in a drawer.

Unconsumption means the thrill of finding a new use for something that you were about to throw away.

Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a service like Freecycle (or Craigslist, Goodwill, or Salvation Army) to find a new home for the functioning DVD player you just replaced, rather than throwing it in the garbage.

Unconsumption means enjoying the things you own to the fullest – not just at the moment of acquisition.

Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a pair of sneakers until they are truly worn out – as opposed to the nagging feeling of defeat when they simply go out of style.

Unconsumption means feeling good about the simple act of turning off the lights when you leave the room.

Unconsumption is not about the rejection of things, or the demonization of things. It’s not a bunch of rules.

Unconsumption is an idea, a set of behaviors, a way of thinking about consumption itself from a new perspective.

Unconsumption is free.