How to reject brand names
It made me
Free 
"I realized that living small means that you help others who also live small. Though it's interesting to keep up with trends in the design world, I do not feel as if I must follow them or support them with my dollars."
How I did it: I started thinking about how I could replace most if not all of the brand name stuff I used to buy with equal or better handmade, homegrown, or small-company solutions. Some things are just not going to get replaced - like laundry detergent. However, if you try to come up with ways to reinvent, reuse, recycle, upcycle, buy used, etc., it becomes a way of living eventually. I would rather spend my money supporting people and companies who have ethical values that match my own.
Lessons & tips: Go to indie craft fairs, buy handmade, high-quality products, and make or grow what you need if you can. You'll feel better.
Resources: Etsy.com, eHow.com, DIY books, blogging
