Is anyone an anti-consumer?

**mikandmari** · 11-06-2007, 09:53 PM

I think the anti-consumer movement does this mainly for environmental reasons. But I see 2 more good reasons: it's frugal, and it's a way to protest how cheaply crap is made these days!

I'm thinking of trying this for 2008. I'll only buy absolute necessities. I've been trying to identify wants vs. needs since I found this forum last winter, but looking back, there are more than a few purchases I could have done without. If I want to reach my financial goals, I HAVE to do better.

Today, my paper shredder broke. It lasted exactly 1 year and 2 weeks.

Two weeks out of warranty and it broke... it made a pop sound and started smoking, and my dh says it can't be fixed by him. I didn't use it that often, as I do most of my banking online. I'm not buying another one. I'll cut the personal info off of correspondence and put them in a basket by the fireplace. We'll use it to start our fires.

The shredder was the final straw for me. Rather than spend my hard-earned money on junk that falls apart, I'll use it to pay down my debts!

Is anyone else an anti-consumer? I'm sure it will be easier said than done, but I think it will be rewarding.

**Jaded** · 11-06-2007, 10:34 PM

I've been an anti-consumer for some time. I like to buy used, better made furniture rather than spend my money on crappy stuff that won't last. I choose better made, used clothes. I don't buy cheap stuff, unless it's something I know I won't be using long, and don't mind if it's cheap, for instance, hand clippers for the garden, trowels, and garden gloves, mainly because I lose them so often. LOL

I've gotten now to where every time I look at something and think "That's nice," or "I want that!" I also ask myself, "but do I need it?" If the answer is no, that I have no place for it, no use in mind, or have something that would work just as well, I don't buy it.

I drive my cars until they literally die. I've done that with three now, and will do it with more, I'm sure. I "make do" with what I have rather than buy more.

I have to buy a new pair of walking shoes for work this week. I hate doing that, because I literally cannot wear cheap shoes. So I will replace the pair I've been wearing for 2 years and get another. Hopefully, for under $50. I bought my last pair for $7 in a fluke find at a consignment shop. I doubt if that will happen again, so I'll have to go new this time. But I figure I'm due something new for a change.

**bikerscars** · 11-06-2007, 11:38 PM

anti-consumer...

yeah that's me

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 11-07-2007, 02:37 AM

I'd say I fall into this category... I don't like to spend $$...especially on crap that just breaks. It drives me up the wall. I think of all the manufacturing, packaging and shipping that goes into everything...for food, etc. I can agree with the need...but when it's mounds of plastic crap it just drives me up the wall.

**frugalfarmwife** · 11-07-2007, 07:01 AM

We buy the absolute minimum the majority of the time here. I also buy clothing at Goodwill and free gift certs for new socks and underwear, Kohls likes us enough they send me and my mother each a $10.00 card at least once a year.

I've just really concentrated on paying down the house, the wants are pretty much to the side (except for last weeks concert, lol, we WANTED AND NEEDED A GOOD TIME!)

kj

**pammy** · 11-07-2007, 07:38 AM

Yeah, the cheaply made stuff just gets under my skin!! So sick of how easy the stuff breaks on you. And have you noticed it's priced low enough that you 'normally' will just say 'oh well, I'll just go get another one, after all, it didn't cost that much'. grr... But the point was it was cheaply made to begin with. I'm fed up.

**powerfm1** · 11-07-2007, 07:51 AM

I've never been materialistic, but when I do buy new, I save up and buy good stuff. Just bought new living room furniture, brand new but I got it at the stores outlet store. Down filling, kiln dried wood tied springs. It's my last living room set and I'm really happy with it. I also buy good shoes..

Drive my cars until there is nothing left - but I take good care to make them last longer.

Pretty much everything else is used and it's nice (I've had a lot of practice).

I don't like giving my money away to big companies, I'd rather save and give to friends who are having it rough.

There's a reason why they call stuff, stuff; and junk, junk!

**ms. frugal kugel** · 11-07-2007, 10:22 AM

I would say I qualify too. I really feel cheated buying poorly made products, and I hate the idea of adding non-biodegradable waste, when there is so much already, and there are thrift stores and curbsides full of perfectly fine items. Most of our furniture is used, except for the mattresses, children's bunkbeds (gift from MIL) and the sofa. We try not to have a lot of objects cluttering up the house (I did say "try" LOL).

The toy gifts are getting a little out of hand, but I've noticed my children seem to really enjoy and treasure gifts that are hand made from us, so we're gonna try a lot of that this Christmas. I already hand painted a T-shirt and made YankeeMom's no sew fleece blanket. Had to buy the fleece and shirt and paint, but it's still better, and unique.

My weakness is paying for services though. Love going out to eat, seeing a show, movies with the kids. Our library has museum passes you can reserve so that is a big $ saver. Right now the only one I wrestle with is the going out to eat - sometimes it seems worth it. No cleaning, no cooking, leftovers...

**bamber** · 11-07-2007, 10:30 AM

I am not anti-consumer. I am a smart consumer (or I try to be).

I want to pay off my debts and save money, but I want to live in the meantime. To me, that means spending a little on 'little' things. And that is just something you have to decide for yourself which is more valuable to yourself at a certain point in your life.

I don't think I am hurting myself by spending money here and there, because I am young and my situation will change drastically in the next few years.

**frugalandsimple** · 11-07-2007, 12:46 PM

Besides basic neccessities, I don't buy much.

**Bethany** · 11-07-2007, 01:46 PM

I ALWAYS buy second hand when possible (except undies/socks.) I always search out used furniture first. ALWAYS buy second hand clothing when possible, which is 99% of the time. I haven't been good in the past about buying used cars, but I will from now on. I don't buy junk/knickknacks,etc. However, just spending the money I have to spend on bills, kids activities, I'm pretty spent!!

**peanut** · 11-07-2007, 11:10 PM

Hmm...I don't know that I'm anti-consumer, but I do abhor the waste of buying things new, and the cost. You can find just as good quality used, and I often do. I also think it's just plain bad practice to buy something new when you can recycle or reuse something old. Mind you, you're talking someone who got a 17 year old sofa and chair for free, and then kept them for another 17 years before cutting them up and throwing them in the garbage (the charities wouldn't take them!).

That said, I do like to use the money saved for little treats, like tea out with friends, etc. More experience type things. So I guess I'd say I'm anti-consumer when it comes to actual goods. But when it comes to experiences, well, I'll gladly pay for those.

Jean

**rachelMcK** · 11-08-2007, 01:05 PM

I think I'm starting to become anti-consumerism, but I've still got a long way to go. I was actually kind of appalled today. In Canada we have Rememberance day, where we honour the veternas who fought in the wars. I know in the US they have veterans day, but I saw a Macy's commercial that was advertising the "veterans day sale". I don't think we have anything like that in Canada, but it made me kind of sick to think that a solemn day has been turned into an excuse to shop. I guess honour the vets has gone down with christmas and easter as consumer holidays...

**shoiji** · 11-08-2007, 01:55 PM

I have been going through a change in mind as far as what I buy. I only try to buy what I really need.

Today I was at the mall to get my glasses fixed.

Thought I would price things. Was happy to be able to walk out of the mall with nothing bought. One item was a pair of boots for $30 that was guaranteed to be waterproof for 6 months after date of purchase. Atleast they told you in advance so you don't end up buying them.

**Jaded** · 11-08-2007, 03:33 PM

Talking about the cheaply made stuff, we live in a disposable society, and personally, I'm getting sick of it. Our landfills are being filled with crap stuff that nobody wants, and that won't ever be reused. I just want simple and quality stuff. I'm one who will save forever until I can afford what I really want, instead of settling for less.

BTW, I still haven't replaced my coffee maker. I'm drooling over a side-by-side, where you can brew a whole pot, or just one cup. It's a BUNN, so I know it would last.