I used to be a shop-a-holic. Constantly in the stores scouring for bargains. Spending 
money on clothes and junk was my forte. With clothes and jewelry especially – I was a fanatic.
When I became a “recording artist” per se, I sacrificed shopping for the cost of studio time. Because I had also stopped performing in bands, there was no longer a need to scour the world for unique, flashy clothes to wear.
In the years that I have not been a shopper, I realize that I don’t miss it. It was an addictive sport or function of my life. I have since trimmed down my ownings, totally de-cluttering my house and especially my closet. My computer and my music equipment is the most important stuff to me.
Now I only buy basic necessities like food, soap, light bulbs – the bare basics needed to live. If I do need to go to the store, I have my list, I stick to my list and I am in and out of the store in no time. No more mindless milling about looking at anything and everything and buying things that I really don’t need.
I don’t accept catalogues that are mailed to me. I call or email and have my name taken off their mailing list. This is going to save trees.
I always use my own reusable bags for grocery shopping. I try so hard not to use plastic. Even with the food I buy, I try to stay away from packaging that his harmful to the environment.
On another level, I don’t want to support those greedy corporations who control everything and consider all things to be merchandise. I am shopping with this attitude now – where does it come from, how is it made, how are the people treated who make it, what else does this corporation own and how do they behave as planet citizens?
Lessening footprints is important to me. Our planet will be better off when we realize that more new stuff is not the answer for whatever ails us.
