Some Thoughts on Stuff

This past week we went through a moving frenzy. Packing up boxes and loading a truck, driving to New Haven, CT, and, through a unique confluence of events, subletting from an old high school friend.

This packing experience has made me reflect on American consumerism and the glut of "things" that inhabit and, in some cases, control our lives. I also pondered how much stuff people own and how little stuff other people own. As we packed Cassidy and I made lists of things to sell, give away, and donate. Some items started in the "sell" category and then made there way to the donations box. These were things we did not need anymore, things that were superfluous, things that were too bulky to move, etc. The first thing that struck me was how difficult it is to get rid of perfectly good items. Certainly it is equally if not more difficult than going to the store and buying an item. (After moving, I am at least temporarily convinced that I don't need a single new thing!)

After posting stuff on Craigslist, we would wait for people to show up to look at the stuff, and sometimes they would come, but more often they would not. Freecyle, the yahoo group that promotes courtesy, community, and recycling, was better, and many of our things were taken through freecycle (for free, of course!).

Still, I ponder how in a society of such riches, there are so many people who are lacking in material resources. I would hope for the day when goods could go to those who need it most. While freecyle is wonderful in helping people get things for free, it is also for those who are internet saavy enough to know how to use the yahoo group. Craigslist is also available for those who know how to use a computer and have access to a computer.

The Baltimore Free Store (www.freestorebaltimore.org) is one organization that collects used goods and then holds markets in different neighborhoods to allow different communities to have access to the excess that some of us produce. This is an attempt to bring the goods to the communities that need them the most.

Even with all these tools to get rid of the excess, probably the primary message is to buy less in the first place--and to allow space in one's life that is uncluttered by "stuff". The second thing is to give away your belongings and try to do it in a meaningful way to those who need it most. This will make your life lighter, make you happy in giving, and is good for the environment, too!