First of all, this is a personal theory.
And I haven't fully implemented this process yet.
Such is the impact of consumerism/marketing/commercialization in this day and age that it may take some time to get used to this journey properly.
Everything consumable/usable is available much quicker, much easier, with a lot of variety and options, than was ever available throughout human history.
Following is a thought, and I wish that by penning it down, it may become a part of my lifestyle, slowly, gradually, to any extent greater than 0%.
The idea is whenever I need anything, I will try to go through the below list in order, and see if it fits anywhere.
If all steps don't fit, the last step will definitely fit.
The idea is not to jump to the last step directly, which the consumerism around us has made me jump to directly almost all the time.
1. DIY/ Do It or Make it myself.
Examples I can think of right now:
Greeting Cards, Birthday wish videos, Shopping Bags from clothes, door-mats, cardboard drawers, temporary curtains, machine covers, etc.
Peanut butter, Granola, Cakes, Fruit Drinks, other food items.
Bike service, change car tires, cut my own hair, groom my beard, A.C service etc.
For the creative side of me, this is like a gift in disguise. I can use my hands to create some useful item out of wood and/or cardboard.
Or I can learn how to use a sewing machine from my Dad (would help me bond with him better) to make new stuff out of old clothes.
Food is something we in India make a lot of ourselves, though now Swiggy/Zomato are challenging that as well.
Making any item ourselves makes it very personal, very intimate, very customized.
Doing any servicing of any part of my home, or any machine (like A.C.) will help me do it with more love and intention than any outsider will do it.
If I could learn to service my bike myself, I could go anywhere without thinking 'what to do if my bike breaks down?'
Of course, there would be a need of experts for many things, and for that, I shall continue down the list.
2. Recycle items from the garage (or the attic):
I recently discovered a copper/brass base of my grandpa's hukka.
Looks beautiful as an antique flower vase.
A dart-board a friend gave to me when he was moving away, looks amazing in our living room (aesthetic purposes).
Maybe recycling old photo frames could bring back old memories.
Old stuff which can be refurbished, or upscaled, could become a good way to remember old times and people we love, like souvenirs, or memorabilia.
Of course many a time there would be a need for better-made items than I can find in the attic, and for that, I shall continue down the list.
3. Share with family/friends.
"Pass it down to younger kids" process works so well with clothes, toys, sports-gear, utensils, jewelry, home-decor items that it was done on an extensive scale until the last generation.
Sharing a pool among a few families who stay around, or sharing 1 barbecue among 10 friends, makes the bonds even deeper.
These could become excuses to talk to each other, connect frequently.
Sharing talents is also a part of this: maybe a friend knows how to cook well, and can create a special meal for the rest of the group.
Maybe a friend who can knit well, can design sweaters for others. We may have a hidden fashion designer among our friends.
Note to self: Power of community/friends - living with harmony and synergy of course - this could be a separate blog-post in itself.
Of course, there would be a lot of cases where my friends don't have what I need, and for that, I shall continue down the list.
4. Borrow it, or ask friends if they have an extra:
Borrowing a lawn-mover, or a board game, or even a Microwave for a few days could again give an excuse to visit each other.
It could spark up conversations, discussions, maybe we start helping each other in their pet projects, maybe we learn something new.
I recently needed a mobile charger, and asking around helped me get the same from a cousin.
This was the first time that cousin ever sent anything over the post, and we connected the first time over WhatsApp due to this incident.
Of course, there would be a lot of cases where friends don't have what I need, and for that, I shall continue down the list.
5. Rent it:
I read somewhere: 'Our breaths or our lives are given to us on rent, for 75-80 years'.
Now if I am going to need something for a longer time, there are options now available to rent it.
It makes sense to me that if there is something I can possess for some time, try it and see if it brings joy to me, renting it would be a good way to see exactly how much I want it, or for how long would I need it.
I am renting a home, and it brings joy to me. Maybe I can look for more things to rent.
Examples: furniture, a zoom SUV car, a tent for camping.
Of course, there would be a lot of items I would want to own for whatever time I shall need them, and for that, I shall continue down the list.
6. At last, buy it.
Underwear would come straight to this step, I think.
Or maybe if I can learn to use a sewing machine, and have the time and energy to make my own from old clothes. Okay, just kidding.
If nothing from the above 5 steps works, I shall buy it.
If I don't have the time/energy/talent to create/do it myself, I shall buy it.
If it isn't available for sharing or borrowing from my friends, I shall buy it.
If renting the item won't satisfy my needs, I shall buy it.
There's nothing money can't buy. And I am already aware of how to go about this step. The marketers and advertisers won't let me forget this in any case:)
The first 5 steps would also help in the idea of reducing waste - moving a little closer to zero waste living.
Signing off.
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