Thoughts on the Rat Race (11/13)

Unfortunately, there are very few solutions that really work to get out of this system. From a consumption point of view, we need to get back to basics, namely eating seasonal food, with local products, sold at the market. Ultimately, it is cheaper than in a supermarket, better for your health and for our planet.

Similarly, when it comes to non-food items, we need to think about the real usefulness of the products we are being shown, and not the image that advertising wants us to see. Car, smartphone, PC, television, smart watch, robot vacuum cleaner, coffee machine, washing machine, dishwasher, sunglasses, clothes, etc. Are all these goods really necessary? If so, in what quantity? Is it necessary to always buy new things? How many items do we own that we never or rarely use? Can't we do things differently?

Very often we proceed by habit, without asking too many questions. By changing just a few of these habits, we could do without a lot of trivialities in our lives, without really depriving ourselves. A car instead of two, or even not at all by using public transport and/or a bicycle.

Prioritize quality over quantity. If you really have to buy something, then it should be well made and last as long as possible. Don't buy new every time a new model comes out. You can also buy second-hand. Or not buy at all.

Ultimately, among this opulence of goods around you, how many are really useful to you, that is to say, do they give you pleasure and really improve your quality of life? Or is it just to be "like everyone else"?