18 Mar Do you think actively participating in this type of personal dialog when we shop might help us consume less?
Discussion and Activity: The Unshopping Card
A decade ago, the Oregon State University Extension Service developed what they dubbed The Unshopping Card. It was a wallet-sized card that began with the question “Do I really need this?” the most important question in addressing responsible consumption. Then, assuming that the answer to the first question was “Yes” the would-be consumer was led through a series of additional questions:
Walk through this list of questions with an item you are going to buy or are considering buying. It can be anything at all. A new phone, an item at a grocery, a snow blower, some clothing… post your experience and your item in question to the discussion.
-Do I Really Need This?(the most important question)
-Could I borrow, rent, or buy it used?
-Is there a smaller model that might work just as well?
-Is it made of renewable or recycled materials?
-Is it recyclable or biodegradable?
-Is it energy efficient?
-Is it water efficient?
-Is it worth the time I worked to pay for it?
-Is it over-packaged?
-How long will it last?
-If it breaks, can it be fixed?
-How will I dispose of it?
-What is its environmental and social cost?
The last question in this list is often the most difficult to find answers to but it just might be the most important question to ask…
-Do I Really NEED this? and if the answer is YES- then please ask yourself again- How will I dispose of it?
Do you think actively participating in this type of personal dialog when we shop might help us consume less?
