Part of becoming a Postconsumer is integrating “consuming less and living more” into the big events of your life that are traditional events to other people. What that means is that when it comes to something like weddings and babies, your friends and family might be used to you and your own family creating registries for people to buy you stuff all on one convenient list. But what do you do when you’re finding the satisfaction of enough stuff in your life? Just ditch the registries! There are other ways that people can feel like they can celebrate your wedding or baby.
Stuff You Don’t Need
Most registries read like a list of random stuff people picked out, and especially when they’re online, they get a little click-happy. The registry can look infinite, filled with stuff that’s not really important. For couples sending out wedding or birth announcements, consider asking your friends to make their own unique gifts to fill your home with quirky reminders. You might also want to ask for gift certificates for environmentally-friendly businesses in lieu of actual gifts. You know what’s enough for you, whether it’s a little or a lot!
Make It About Charity
I’ve noticed more and more each year couples are asking their friends to give to charity in the couples’ name instead of making a registry. Now in the digital age, it’s becoming easier and easier to create a website for your wedding or upcoming birth that links to charities friends and family can contribute to instead of buying stuff. That way, money can go to helping instead of contributing to consumer culture. And it also saves friends and family from going out of their way to buy something for you. It’s simpler and easier just to send a check in the mail or donate online.
What are some other alternatives to a wedding or baby registry? Like us on Facebook and tell us!
Need more assistance in learning to let go of the consumer media’s impact on your life, take control of your finances and find the satisfaction of enough for today? The Get Satisfied Interactive Handbook is a 30-minute web course that walks you through a series of specific questions and then presents a personalized how-to plan for becoming a postconsumer. Launch your evaluation for free right now.
