Hell is Probably Frozen Right Now…
recently, there’s been a phenomenon that has gained more and more exposure through websites, magazines & newspapers and tv. the name is freeganism and the idea is crazy - to me anyway. little did i know that one of these articles would plant a seed into maril’s brain (stick to wedding articles, woman!) and in a matter of minutes, i agreed to something that i thought i would never ever agree to…taking a break from my passion of shopping! the IM exchange went a little like this….
- M: did u read about the article about the group of people that didn’t buy anything new for a year?
- A: oh yeah, those hippies, they’re crazy.
- M: do u want to try this for a month with me?
- A: um, do you know who you’re talking to right now? do you even KNOW me?!?
- M: it’s just a month, and we can still buy food. and you can still shop at thrift stores…u just can’t buy anything new.
- A: hm, well when would we start? we can’t do it in february because ben’s, my sister’s birthdays are that month, and i have to go to rebecca’s bridal shower.
- M: ok, then how about the rest of jan?
- A: but now is when the best after xmas sales are!!! plus, i’m meeting my friend at my favorite mall on friday!!!
- M: fine. get your shopping out this weekend and we’ll start on sunday.
- A: ok, fine. but just until the end of january.
- M: hmph…that’s only 3 weeks!
- A: and your point is? you’re lucky i’m not just giving you 3 hours!
so here i am, day 2 of not buying anything new and living a freegan-esque kind of life. i’ll be the first to tell you that i will, under no circumstances, come out of this experience enlightened by the idea of living a simpler life and start spreading the ways of freeganism. i totally get the fact that no family needs a costco-sized jar of mayonaise or relish (except for maybe brangelina and madonna’s families PUT TOGETHER) and yes, america epitomizes living in excess. i admire those who are able to do this (although the idea of rummaging through trash to eat is a little disturbing) and i get the rationale behind it, but in a way i also think it goes against the ideals of america and capitalism. aren’t we supposed to spend more so our economy can thrive? doesn’t the employment rate rely on a robust world of manufacturing, production, and consumption so more jobs are available? doesn’t taking out my credit card at [enter any store name here] immediately bring smiles to retail executives around the world? well, i for one am up for this challenge as difficult as it may be. i’ll look on the bright side. doing this may just give me perspective on life…help me appreciate the joys i get from retail therapy and feel fortunate that i’m able to step into any store (louis vuitton and gucci don’t count) and buy anything i want. maybe, just maybe it won’t be THAT bad. now i have to go check if macy’s has a 3-week hold policy.
