Not Buying It

Just not buying this whole Consumerism-thing? Then maybe you want to go to your local public library to check out this book by Judith Levine. (To suggest that you purchase Not Buying It isn't in keeping with the premise of the book -- perhaps you steal the book, read it, and then pass it along to a friend....hmmm.)

Now seriously, Judith has done her research on this hot topic. Although much theory and data exists regarding both what people consume, and why -- very little data exists on why people choose not to purchase. Judith substantiates the premise with Thomas Princen, co-director of the Workshop on Consumption and Environment at the University of Michigan's belief, that this environment "makes the non-purchase decision a critical focus of inquiry."

With this info tucked safely in her back pocket, Judith and her live-in partner, Paul take a year-off from mass consumerism -- and purchase only life's necessities for an entire year -- chronically their experiences. It begs the question: Do you buy it? /m