Recently I finished a year long No Shopping Challenge. One of the outcomes from that challenge was a further commitment to shopping my values.
What are those values?
- A preference for buying American made products manufactured in the U.S. of A. whenever possible
- I want to actively support local businesses whenever I can
- If I can’t make my purchases following the first 2 criteria, then buying used.
The thing is, in some cases shopping my values is kind of expensive.
Some examples of that are:
- Sun Cups/Justin’s vs. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Reese’s are always cheaper.
- Frye Boots vs. Aldo-I bought Frye boots ON SALE and they were still $180. Aldo boots (on sale) would have been cheaper
- Smashburger/Lark Burger vs. McDonalds-choice is clear from a taste perspective. Local burgers rock.
- Ink Coffee vs. Starbucks-Yes, Starbucks is a teensy bit cheaper. But Ink is a Colorado Company.
All of the companies I mentioned (except Frye) are Colorado companies. I love the products that they produce and every time I purchase an item or use a service I know that I am helping to employ people in my state.
There are moments when I think about the importance of supporting local business and think why don’t people support local business more? The answer is pretty simple:
Goods manufactured in other countries are inherently cheaper and so it makes sense that for consumers who are looking at their bottom line would prefer to purchase cheaper goods and services. So the question becomes:
How much money do you have to have to shop your values?
Since I’m not rich, I purchase these things a lot more infrequently than I would if I were buying cheaper items. I’m ok with that! I’m trying to become a lot more deliberate and focused in how I spend my money.
As I listen to people talk about their concerns about unemployment I wonder if they have even considered buying locally? Or, has our addiction to cheap products blinded us to the value of our home grown products?
Each time I buy an inexpensive and poorly made product I just think to myself-why? After a year of no shopping I am a huge believer in quality before quantity and will now wait longer to purchase nicer items that will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as often. If I can help keep my fellow Americans employed then even better.
Why don’t our actions don’t connect with our complaints.
Why are we so inconsistent?
Frye-An American Company
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I’m transitioning from buying cheap to buying American or ethically-made items, and it’s not easy! I’m so money-oriented that it’s hard for me to spend $80 on a blouse when I can get something similar from TJMaxx for $15. However, the difference in quality is obvious. Plus, I feel like a better person — or perhaps more myself — when I purchase locally or from a store I believe in. I’m big into Everlane right now and hope to find more retailers like it in the future.
Buying better quality goods makes such a difference. I love not replacing things all of the time. I also thrift shop to help lower my overall costs. At this point I will be spending a lot less on things in the long-run which is huge for my bottom line. The initial investment is the most expensive and then I feel like the costs balance out over time.
I’m starting to realize the importance of shopping locally/American made. I just feel so much better doing so! Not only does it support entrepreneurs/businesses of the area, but it also forces me to consume less, but higher quality produces, since the prices of such products are naturally higher. I don’t mind paying for quality, especially for boots/purses/classic wardrobe items. I still shop at Forever 21/H&M for cheaper, trendy clothes though.
I’m not shopping as much as I used to so it has been much easier to shop my values-I just don’t shop that much anymore. I do still love the cheap jewelry at Forever21, but, I really try to avoid shopping unnecessarily. That helps!
I hear you. Luckily, I DO have the money to shop my values, and I try my best to do it. I think what you’re doing is admirable!
I’m totally over buying cheap sh$t! I am trying really hard to focus on quality and my values as much as I can.
Before, I go for quantity over than quality. I want to buy lots of things with a cheaper price. But when some of it only lasts up to a few days, then I stopped buying those things. Now, I would go quality over quantity, that I can use it longer period of time.
I’m on a big minimalist kick right now. I’m trying to downsize big time so I’m not as excited about shopping. Also, I’m on an experience kick vs. things. So, I’m focusing on saving money instead.
I don’t have money to shop period. But I think after this experience, I will be more prepared to shop my values, for sure.
I hear ya! I don’t have a lot of extra discretionary money so I’m working hard to keep it while shopping my values.
It’s not something I actively pursue but since travelling I’ve become a much pickier eater and I just can’t stomach crap (often the cheap shit). So yeah, buying local cheese, yoghurt, things like that…even if it costs more.
I am pretty picky about food. But, sometimes you just have to eat what’s in front of you! I love going to Farmer’s Markets during the Summer and Late Fall. The food has been delicious and it’s so worth it. I’m also growing a small garden this year so I will be harvesting the veggies soon.