There is a reason why, being already 25 years old, I still have not voted. I among those who struggle to have an opinion. I am among those that find the need to walk in everyone elses shoes but their own. Now, being here in southeast Asia, I am working to understand the lives of the foreign, the motivations, the desires. To make the foreign familiar, and delete the concept of the 'other' as we are all involved in the struggle for love.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Economic Interlude

Throughout my study at university in International Development Studies, I was often faced with the challenge to buy less. This based on the idea that resources are scarce and consumerism is one evil among many. However, thinking on my previous post, it seems that the more that is purchased, the more livelihoods are sustained. So then, what should I do? Buy more or buy less?

But perhaps that is not the right question to ask. Rather I should ask: What products should I invest in? and, at what price? Or, am I willing to have less, but pay more? It is not so much a matter of feeling guilty over ones first world spending power, but directing that power towards worthwhile products. Perhaps, I can still appreciate the beauty in life and purchase items that exist beyond my subsistence. I need to buy from the little guy, or the big guys that care about the little guys.

There is a website I was once directed to that aids in directing the worlds purchasing power towards ethical products. Its worth a check out!

http://www.ethicalocean.com/about-us

No comments:

Post a Comment