Friends of the earth aim to tackle our ‘mindless consumerism’

• Nov. 30 by Rebekah Douglas (0)

Last Monday saw a group of people gather for the Birmingham Friends of the earth weekly meeting, which consisted of members, volunteers and those who just wanted to get in on the action.

Host Andy Pryke got the group talking and sharing their opinions on the main topic of discussion – consumerism and the negative effect it has on society and the environment.

The group was made up of ten eager participants including member Joe Peacock, as well as myself.

Andy, who has been an organiser for ‘Buy nothing day’ for ten years, triggered the discussion, saying: ‘We are the richest people of our time, we have everything we need and we just want more.’

The topic discussion was chosen in relation to the lead up to ‘Buy nothing day,’ which took place on Saturday. It is a cause which aims to get the public to take a break from shopping and spending and enjoy the earth for what it is.

Andy and the gang shared different views on how they think consumerism effects society and how reducing ‘mindless consumerism’ may be a start to its improvement.

Pictures and cartoons were passed around with anecdotes of what consumerism in Britain does to us. One cartoon represented the circulation of consumerism which suggested our routine of life is based on ‘work harder, earn more money, keep going, buy more things.’

Surveys and statistics show that 20% of the population consume 80% of retail based products, which allowed me to consider to what extent we live in a country which consists of ‘an entire economy based on endless consumption’

From an environmental perspective it is the excess packaging and imports form all over the world that are having a negative impact. Andy’s aim behind the discussion and ‘Buy nothing day’ is to create awareness of what we buy and how buying more local, essential products will have such a positive impact.

Andy said: “It’s not just about buying nothing; it’s about thinking what you buy.”

Joe Peacock shared with the group: “I get my ink cartridges refilled to save packaging.

“Choice is one of the worst things environmentally. People are uninformed. A choice that is uninformed is not a choice.”

The group discussed how advertising is a large factor in increasing and continuing the circulation of consumption.

Andy said: “Advertising was a tax on products. If a product is so good we wouldn’t need to advertise it.”

Surveys suggest that people value Christmas gifts 20% less than gifts we buy for ourselves. It does pose a question of whether we should bother buying someone something that they may just return or put at the back of their wardrobe never to look at it again.

Andy said: “People do understand that they are buying tat and giving it away and getting in debt. They are aware of it but they keep doing it.”

I have to say it was a discussion worth hearing. It made me want to go through all my clothes that I don’t wear and give them to Oxfam. It’s easy in today’s society to forget what is important and get sucked in by advertising and ‘quality of life’ goods, especially this close to Christmas.

However in Western society, which is so highly built on quality of life and material possessions, how easy could it be to try and make everyone stop and tell the difference between what they need and what they want?

It’s not an easy task as consuming anything is all part of the routine and everyday life, but this doesn’t mean that things can’t begin to change.

Friends of the earth aim to make us realise that there is more to life than constant spending, a tough thing to do while we are all currently composing our Christmas lists!

There’s nothing wrong with treating the people who you love to a sentimental gift, after all it is the thought that counts. Maybe what is important to remember when your Christmas shopping is how a certain product will benefit somebody’s lifestyle and is it worth your hard earned cash?

Don’t stop the ‘necessary’ consumption just stop the ‘mindless’ consumption.

To find out more about how ‘Buy Nothing Day’ went and Birmingham Friends of the Earth visit: http://birminghamfoe.blogspot.com/