Why and disclosures

Michelle suggested this the other day, seemingly out of nowhere, but I liked the idea right away. We both consider ourselves to be environmentally conscious, and studied environmental issues in school. I try to be aware as to how I live and the impact that lifestyle has on the world.

I also try to buy locally, in part for the environmental benefits, but also to support the local economy. I understand people need jobs, and much of the economy is based on peopling buying the things we won't be buying for the next year.

I am not anti-capitalist, nor even anti-consumerist. But I don't believe that even my modest lifestyle is sustainable if it were the standard of living for everyone on earth. I think a lot of the "stuff" that is bought today is not really necessary, and if looked at in light of the resource depletion and pollution it accounts for, would not fit into a sustainable system.*

We are not giving up everything (and we have not finalized all the details) - we will still use computers, have internet access at home, watch TV, drive cars - essentially do the things we do everyday already. But we will not be buying any new clothes, shoes, computers, kitchen gadgets and what not. We are fortunate to already have everything we really need.

In the interest of full disclosure: I actually sell one of the things we won't be buying (photographic prints), and we will have exceptions to allow for business expenses. I also own stock in companies that make and sell the very things we won't be buying.



* I am not a scientist; I don't actually know how many people this planet can sustain.