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Urban downward mobility

One of my favorite publications is Geez Magazine. It is a great swamp of thought from those who don't fit into a "normal" church setting and yet are still drawn to this crazy religion we call Christianity. One topic that frequently comes up is that of downward mobility. Many of the contributors are Mennonites, a group which is especially good at simple living. So there are many practical suggestions on how to go about simplifying your life in order to share more of the world's resources with others.

Now Geez and the Mennonites are inspiring (see the More-with-Less cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre for an introductory manifesto) but they also advocate moving away from the city and getting back to the land. There is nothing wrong with getting back to the land, but it is not for everyone. Moreover, I find that the city is an ideal place for some good old-fashioned gospel-inspired helping out the poor. There are poor people in the country too; it's just that poverty looks different in the two places. So how can we practice downward mobility in the city?

Vegetarianism is one idea. So is buying second-hand or going on buy nothing sprees. Eating as locally as possible is another idea, although it can get expensive if you are not careful. Giving up your car for transit or bicycle is something you can do if you are lucky enough to own a car. Sacrificing unnecessary square footage and trimming your power bills are more options. I would love to hear more; if you have any ideas please share!

So the next day...

The day after I make this vow, I went out and bought boots. Not strictly necessary! Not horribly expensive but not cheap either. So I know that footwear was not included on my list of no retail products, but I feel like I cheated anyway.

So there's my rather self-indulgent confession.

New Challenge

Okay--I have a new challenge for myself. I will abstain from adding anything to my wardrobe unless it is

a) handmade
b) second-hand
or c) fair trade

with the exception of socks, shoes, and underwear.

This is mostly because I am becoming disillusioned with the current economic system. I'm not just talking about the recession; I mean we have to start doing things differently or the whole system is going to stop working some day. So this is where I am starting.

Wish me luck!

Everyone should thrift

I'm not usually one to tell people that you should go out and spend your money, but hey, when you do, visit thrift stores. I have been having an increasingly good time finding stuff from craft magazines from 1972 to bolts of fabric to really trendy clothes. Plus, if you are charity-minded, go to your favorite charity's shop and presto! You've made a donation. So stop the mindless retail crap and buy second-hand. Way more fun than the mall!

Why being poor prevents you from saving money

Here is a special conundrum that is relevant to lower-income city dwellers. Because such people lack the means of making major purchases, we/they get stuck in a cycle of paying more than necessary for many things. For example, obesity is rampant in inner cities. This is because supermarkets stay away from these places, and convenience stores open up instead. In my neighbourhood, near the university, the nearest Superstore (the cheapest supermarket) is a good hour away by transit, and it's extremely difficult to lug all those groceries home. Urban dwellers who are poorer than me are stuck buying potato chips and pop for their calories, even though a potato cooked at home is cheaper and more nutritious.

Additionally, I have noticed that a sewing machine will save your financial life. You can fix things, you can recycle things to make new things, you can make brand new things, you can even make things to sell or fix things for other people for a price. But who can afford a sewing machine? I was lucky enough to get one as an engagement gift (apparently people give engagement gifts!) so this is how I know such things. It is not as difficult to operate as it looks, and it's loads of fun. But someone who has to literally count every dime is unlikely to be able to shell out the cash for one, even second hand.

I think these situations are unfair, although I do not know what to do about them.

I also want to add that the Safeways closest the university, as well as close to the Downtown Eastside, are way the hell more expensive that the Safeway across the street from me at Broadway and MacDonald, a ritzier area. The DTES ones actually increase their prices on Welfare Wednesday. This is just evil.

right...

So the other day I was feeling sorry for myself because I really wanted a peppermint latte from a certain multinational coffee company, but did not have the money for the endeavor. Then I remembered that the Good Book says "give us today our daily bread" and not "give us today our daily latte". So....I guess I'm not entitled.