tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153097254228494185.post7964965021186454667..comments2023-03-21T16:15:02.369-07:00Comments on One year, a Family of 6..and nothing purchased NEW: Does Fair Trade count as Retail?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317504231108964171noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153097254228494185.post-36303475091954825182011-06-07T21:28:04.157-07:002011-06-07T21:28:04.157-07:00This is completely my shopping/consumption philoso...This is completely my shopping/consumption philosophy so I support your choice! We impact others with how we spend our dollars, and what better way than a win/win purchase where someone's creativity and personal sense of artistry/confidence are supported and we get a beautiful, quality, unique 'product'? It may cost more of our dollars, but isn't that the point? <br /><br />See Raj Patel's 'The Value of Nothing' - a brilliant take on global consumption. (you might also be interested in his other book - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuffed_and_Starved<br /><br />I would argue that this is a much more ethical and integrous way of consuming resources than even shopping at thrift stores and re-using Walmart-type products... <br /><br />You don't necessarily need to look overseas for these kind of merchants either - see ten thousand villages, twice shy clothing, etc. We just need to do the research (as you have!), and be willing to part with the almighty dollars. I think we can afford it though - it makes us much more mindful about our choices, and we value our products that much more.<br /><br />Kudos!<br />xoyogajenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07035498914295000203noreply@blogger.com