Guide to Anticonsumption: Buy Less, Create More

What is anti-consumerism?

The definition of anti-consumerism.

The anti-consumerism movement, and what you CAN do.

History through generations of bargaining goods.

Why am I anti-consumerism?

Consumerism Kills.

Life is for living.

Live fully and be fulfilled.

Families that connect together in nature, treasure connections everywhere.

Adventure is out there!

What is anticonsumerism?

The things we consume are the things we use.

Head over to r/Anticonsumption and you’ll get an idea. 1.1m members “illegally boycotting”. R/Thrifty is a sister thread, cut from the same cloth.

Fire and Water

(Wants and Needs)

In 2020, everyone found out about “essential”. Years before COVID, way before internet, before paper towels and plastic bags.. Our ancestors essentially lived.

Natural Elements

Earth, Wind, Water, Fire

Human Habitats

Food. Water. Shelter.

For basic survival: that is/was the necessity. In today’s society there are more things deemed essential: Electricity, running water, medications. Clothing. Identification. Telecommunications.

The old way or “the better way”: The path from simplicity to modern convenience.

Every generation is different?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. America has been through a revolution. I enjoy the history books. I take the time to listen to old folks talking about the bygone days. Even as a millennial; I can remember things being different.

The silent and boomer generation loves sharing stories about the good old days. Things were much simpler. At the end of the day, they mostly gathered in front of the radio.

Before the invention of radio into modern homes; folks entertained themselves. By books, music instruments, dancing, art, outdoor activities or by keeping company of others.

Generation Alpha Statistics and Facts (2025)

In today’s society entertainment is everywhere. Most people carry a device. The digital age is upon us, and our hands can barely keep up. Our minds have been trained by “information”. In the era of “smart technology” and instant gratification. Some days my brain relies on too much.

Livelihood is not for LIFE

We’re all employed in some way. Day to day life requires us to do something. In our time on Earth, we’ve all gotta earn our keep. Each creature needs a habitat. Environment is elemental to dwelling. Simply put; without food, water, and shelter.. We wouldn’t survive.

What do you do?

Our purpose is to live, in order to live, we must survive. The modern American civilian would say “get up and go to work”. The “normal” 40 hour work week was considered full time.

Ford factory workers get 40-hour week

What is your purpose?

In the land of plenty, some of us are living in abundance. “If you want it, you gotta work for it”. Sure, that’s a true statement. However, take a step back and examine your life. What’s necessary? What’s essential? What has a purpose?

Love the Connection
It is our responsibility to *care.*

What’s in your wallet?

(Capitol ONE?)

In today’s society, it would be difficult to get by without money. Before currency, bartering was the way. Trading this, for that. Furs for spices. Glass for tea. Silk for horses.

The Silk Road: 8 Goods Traded Along the Ancient Network

What’s in your house?

(Everything you have, and everything you need)

In history, people owned less. Commodities have gotten cheaper and easier to produce. In the current year, in the land of plenty; “click, click, add to cart“. It’s so easy and the selection is endless.

Guide to Decluttering:
The Timeline of Clutter

Anticaptilism VS Anticonsumption

Is anticonsumerism the same thing?

Capitalism thrives on “more mentality”. Profit over everything. Uncommon goods over common sense. It’s a dangerous mindset (like, the Old Mindset). It feels like, never enough. Bigger and better is always becoming. The power trip of greed is never satisfied. The path is to the top is lonely and empty; but you ~~exploit~~ need people.

Anticonsumption may feel like a “boycott” to these mega-billion dollar corporations. By not supporting them, a few of us are going without. Ultimately it’s the perspective that we are hurting them, and their stock prices.

Is Nationwide Walmart Boycott Working? Stock Update

Why am I anti-consumerism?

For me, anti-consumerism is a few things, in this particular order:

I do not want to work ALL THE TIME
My time is valuable and I make an effort to enjoy my life
I’d rather spend time doing things, than money on purchases
I am satisfied with what I have, I don’t need anything
I do not want to purchase “clutter”
I am making an effort to use less plastic and throw away less waste
I do my part in reducing my intake, for the world’s landfills
I do not want to support mega-billion dollar corporations

Just as I grew up thinking a certain way, I grew out of thinking in a specific way. I’ve never liked letting anything go to waste. These days I’m paying attention.. and wasting very little.

Waste not, Want not

In my weight loss journey; I found the truth of being wasteful. Whether or not, I eat something or throw it away; The money was already spent. If it goes in the trash, I wouldn’t (technically) lose anymore money. If it goes into my belly, I won’t lose anymore weight.

Work hard, Play hard

The definition of the American dream:

“… :a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful.

With good jobs, a nice house, two children, and plenty of money, they believed they were living the American dream.”

Dream on

I was living the American dream. In my twenties, I made almost a six figure income. Working 70+ hours a week. I could buy anything I wanted on impulse. Because it’s fun and I deserved it.

Anything is Possible

In the land of plenty, opportunities are everywhere. But where do these opportunities lead to? Day to day, human life is fascinating. We’ve all got something to do. In the end, we’re all the same. We’re born, we live, then we die. Through life there’s so many hats and outfits for all of us. Then we’re buried in our best garments.

The Race against Time