As people have mentioned, it is very difficult to avoid evil corporations. My aim here was not to buy things exclusively from “good companies” but to reduce the amount of money I spend on things altogether. Most of my money now goes to experiences—shows, drinks or dinners with friends, movies. I am not a fan of chains so I hope by doing this most of my money goes to local businesses and back into the community. Plus by buying less things, maybe I helped reduce the toll that manufacturing and shipping takes on the environment, just a bit. Maybe? I don’t know. Now, I do still buy clothes and shoes, but not at the rate I used to. I feel I’ve made significant headway in changing my spending habits.
My hope is that my family will continue our new tradition of a present-free holiday as well.
Oct 11, 2005, 04:04PM PDT | 6 cheers | 1 comment
Woo! My goal this year was to have a corporate-free Christmas, and I’ve succeeded. I’m just about done with all my presents.
My family decided not to exchange presents this year, and instead donate the money we would have spent to designated charities. I gave $170 (!) in all to three different organizations.
I have two secret pals for gift exchanges, but I’m making everything for them.
I bought one pressie for my sis, but I got it from an independent designer who makes everything by hand.
The side benefit of all this is that I haven’t had to set foot in a mall or other large retail outfit. I can’t stand those places during the holidays. It’s been the least stressful Christmas “shopping” ever.
Yay!
Dec 14, 2004, 02:22PM PST | 1 cheer | 2 comments
