Category Archives: consumerism

Black Friday Thrift

Posted on November 29, 2013 by

Not sure if you’ve heard but there’s a sale on today. EVERYWHERE. Black Friday should be called Frenzy Friday, it’s the ultimate in consumption, the Olympics of shopping. I understand why people do it: people want to save money. There’s … Continue reading →

Posted in black friday, consumerism, fair trade, second hand, thrift, thrift lifetstyle, Thrift Shopping, thrift shops | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Parting Gift

Posted on October 2, 2013 by

Last week I finished working at a job that I’ve done and loved for 17 years, serving as Communications Writer for MCC BC. My colleagues held a potluck party for me, many of them bringing some of my favourite foods … Continue reading →

Posted in clothing, consumerism, generosity, gifts, scarves, thrift, thrift lifetstyle, Thrift Shopping, thrift shops | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Portland Pseudo-thrift

Posted on August 29, 2013 by

Last week I told you about our trip to Portland and promised that I’d share some more about “thrift” shops in that lovely city. A really helpful woman at the downtown info centre suggested two thrift shops: the Goodwill on … Continue reading →

Posted in clothing, consumerism, second hand, thrift, thrift lifetstyle, Thrift Shopping, thrift shops | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

To be and not to buy

Posted on July 15, 2013 by

A couple of months ago I blogged about a wedding. Anna-Marie and Daniel got married in May and I was struck by the care and thought that went into their day. Nothing was done “just because that’s how it’s done” … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy, Bangladesh, consumerism, generosity, peace, thrift lifetstyle | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Back to Bangladesh

Posted on June 23, 2013 by

So how much have you been thinking about the factory collapse in Bangladesh that happened in April? I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I was pleased to see this excellent cover story on this in last Saturday’s edition of … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy, Bangladesh, clothing, consumerism, peace, thrift, thrift lifetstyle | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Well, so much for that resolution

Posted on June 8, 2013 by

In January I decided to set myself a thrift spending limit and arbitrarily chose $20/month as that limit. Most of you immediately told me I was an idiot – well, not in those words exactly but the good-natured intent was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, CDs, clothing, consumerism, second hand, thrift, thrift lifetstyle, Thrift Shopping, thrift shops | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Bangladesh – what’s my responsibility?

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

A couple of weeks ago I got a great pair of Joe Fresh jeans at the MCC Abby East Thrift Shop where I volunteer. I hate buying jeans – I find them so hard to fit, so when I find … Continue reading →

Posted in Bangladesh, consumerism, thrift, Thrift Shopping | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

New Year’s Thrifty Resolutions

Posted on January 4, 2013 by

The best New Year’s resolution that I ever made – and the only one I’ve kept – was to volunteer at a local thrift shop. I’ve been going almost weekly to the MCC Abby East Thrift Shop in Abbotsford for… … Continue reading →

Posted in consumerism, environment, New Years REsolutions, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Tis the Season to …pause

Posted on November 30, 2012 by

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve already been bombarded with Christmas stuff. Christmas, muzak, Christmas advertising on TV, newspapers, online, and the fliers… how many trees die to produce those? And the message? BUY. Preferably LOTS. I LOVE Christmas. … Continue reading →

Posted in christmas, consumerism, sacred pause | Tagged , , | 6 Comments