Dear Editor:
What does it mean to be a citizen and a community member rather than just a consumer?
This time of year we’re pushed to increase our consumption of things that we usually don’t really need. Maybe you’ve been asking yourself whether you’re going to spend another holiday season rushing around buying more stuff and racking up debt. Or, how about just saying “No!” to a value system based on overconsumption and waste?
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The distribution of basic necessities requires many of the same resources as the overflowing consumer economy and travels the same shipping routes. Why not stop buying non-essentials and holiday gift items so more space is available for the shipping and handling of critical goods?
It’s well known that our lasting happiness and fulfillment doesn’t come from shopping. It’s often temporary relief from boredom, sadness, or trauma.
The people who have lost everything in disasters this year need our support. They are climate refugees. Consider opting out of programmed gift shopping and other non-essential shopping and opting in for donating to organizations helping people in desperate circumstances.
This holiday season, let’s reveal ourselves as caring citizens and not just robotic consumers.
Lynn Walford
Penticton
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