https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/dec/10/on-12th-day-christmas-present-junk
Click on the link above for George’s article in the Guardian on the real cost of Christmas, and the inheritance we are creating for our children and those yet to come.
“…of the materials flowing through the consumer economy, only 1% remain in use six months after sale…”
“…manufacturing and consumption are responsible for more than half of our carbon dioxide production. We are screwing the planet to make solar-powered bath thermometers and desktop crazy golfers..”
Anyone not have an issue with this?
Gabor Maté – and the writer – define addiction in terms of any behaviour that is self-harming/destructive, which we continue to do anyway. Consumerism is the collective face of this, cultural shadow writ large.
In the writer’s home and heart circle, gifts are created and offered with love, mostly homemade, always low cost and always needed/consumable. Objects in our household are bought second hand where feasible, used until they wear out, and then recycled or re-purposed where that can be done. That was not always the case….we learn and change…
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
Maya Angelou
Here’s George’s website:-
www.monbiot.com
Palace Gate Counselling Service, Exeter
Counselling in Exeter since 1994