Ginta — To have, to have more and to go beyond – but is it worth it?

Daniela Ginta writes for the Armchair Mayor News on Fridays.

COLUMN —  The newspaper this morning came plumped up with flyers. A tome of some sort, except that it delivers nothing of value, but rather selling the illusion of perpetual abundance, which we already have too much of.

Touching on the topic makes one look like the Grinch, yet I have always been of the opinion that the real Grinch is the one handing out the illusion and the associated consequences, which we might have glimpses of but are reluctant to admit and quickly brush off the to-do list, because they are the least fun thing as the holidays approach.

Having just moved recently I am plagued by many thoughts about said impending holidays. In our family, we take pride in buying what we need, when we need it, and save for the occasional treat that still addresses ethical concerns, we rely on the non-material goods to keep us going and fill those soul gaps humans experience as a collective.

Returning to the cradle-to-grave mindset might not be a bad idea after all, as it leaves room for what really matters. The consignment and thrift stores saw us taking donations through their doors periodically, and yet, come moving day, we still went through numerous boxes of this and that. The boys have loads of books to delight themselves with, and so do we. When done, and it should be a while, there’s always the library.

Toy-wise, they have enough Lego to pave a decent yard with, and no, it was not bought incessantly. Lots of it was passed on to us from my husband’s family. We will pass it on when the time comes as well. Sturdiness oblige. Same goes for many a wooden toy that will hopefully see a few generations before breaking down.

The point is, we have enough. And judging by the amount of stuff we see in thrift stores alone, we’re not just imagining stuff. So it only seems logical to ask why would we want more and what is the price of wanting more? If the recent reports on the environment, grimmer than usual, have it right (yes, many are still shaking their heads saying it cannot be) then we’re already paying the price. Or a percentage of it, but the tab keeps growing with every Black Friday and Boxing Day sale. And all the sales before, in between and after.

If so much stuff can be sold for half the price or even cheaper, what is the real price after all? If you could trace back the path of how a product came to be, what would you find at the other end? Cheap labour, cheap resources that are in fact costlier than we want to admit, and, closer to our end, truck-fulls of items that dazzle the eye but once you take them off or use them a couple of times, the charm has worn off and more is needed.

That climate change is real we need no more proof of. As of recently, a few wealthy nations (Canada has yet to pitch in but is expected to do so) have opened a fund to help poor countries deal with the effects of climate change mostly caused by… yes, wealthy nations.

If your mind points its imaginary finger at the above-mentioned flyers with plenty of stuff to buy, or at the non-renewable resources (fossil fuels) we rely on for energy, you’re on the right track. You cannot hurt with one hand and have the other prepare a Band-Aid to dress the wound. While putting funds aside to help those who were already struggling with survival is commendable, addressing the issue and reducing consumption is where we should start.

Environmental scientists point to irreversible changes to be seen more and more, but there is still time to act for better outcomes. It starts with each of us making decisions that count. Collective action evolves from individual ones, and, truth be told, individuals like you and I can influence big decisions affecting our world, if only they use the leverage they have as educated consumers.

If a gift is still to be given, need or want, why not make it one that would last long enough to be passed on at some point, and why not buy it refurbished, made from renewable resources or at least not wrapped in more packaging than a mummy’s coffin?

Children for one are being given more when we buy them less. Take it outside this year. Head for the hills, find some trails to trek on, trees to shake the snow off, and leave the flyers be. Better yet, ask for newspaper and no flyer and head to the store only when you need to buy. Make a stop by a second-hand store first, you never know… Feel free to use the extra time and resources as you see fit.

If you’re so inclined, pass some of each to a needy group in your community. There are plenty of, and approaching holidays are always a good time to do so.

Daniela Ginta is a mother, scientist, writer and blogger. She can be reached at daniela.ginta@gmail.com, or through her blog at http://www.thinkofclouds.com.