When we realise we are responsible for over-using many of the world's resources we can go on a personal campaign to reduce our 'ecological footprint', trying to be more responsible and becoming terribly serious about what we eat and where it's produced, how we travel and play, what we wear and the goods we buy. We might think of ourselves as a 'green' consumer. But are we kidding ourselves? I purchased a series of presents last week (yes, made from recycled lolly papers) and the shopkeeper immediately produced a beautiful (calico) gift carry bag as a sure way to seal the deal. No, I don't want a bag. But it's calico. Nooo, thank you. She was amazed. How could I not want something that is obviously a perfect wrapping for such a 'feel good' item, and it's free? How hard it is for us, even as 'conscious' consumers not to want the free stuff. We all do it - enter the competitions, buy the raffle tickets, rush for the giveaways at the promotion stands, grab the leaflets at the Show and so on. Maybe the real test is whether we will use all these items again.... and again and again. I have many calico bags and use them continuously for individual fruit and vege shopping, carrying 'stuff' and keeping in a handbag for emergencies. But do we need more? Someone has grown the cotton to make calico to sew the bag, to send it to me, to make me feel like a 'good consumer'. Am I being overly defensive or is 'green buying' a subtle way to coax us into guilt free consuming? Are you a 'free stuff' victim? 30 May 2011 1:37 PM / Peg Davies / bags, calico, conscious, consumer, free, green, reusable, reuse / 3 comments
Kathleen Free consuming? now there's one I haven't heard before, however we have to congratulate the shopkeeper for offering the calico instead of the plastic bag? And remember the growing, making and selling of the calico bag keeps people in work which is good for their families and their economy. 3/08/2011 1:24 PM
James Ciantar You're on the ball Peg. Over consumption is the problem for the world - both causing pollution and overuse of resources, especially energy and clean water. 11/06/2011 9:38 AM