Material Girl

I wouldn’t call myself a techno-phobe, more of a techno-couldn’t care less.  I will never be the early adopter of the latest iPhone/Google glass/whatever they come up next.  I was texting on my lunch break the other day and my co-workers (both male and very into technology) scoffed at my crappy phone.  I argued that as long as I could make calls, access the internet and sent free texts to my friends in Ireland, what more did I need from a phone?  I avoided getting a smart phone for a long time but having finally given in 3 years old, I will concede that they do make life more convenient.  I tend to be more of a laptop user anyway so maybe that’s why I have no interest in having a fancy, all the bells and whistles phone. 

I was thinking about this as I drove along in my distinctly average car.  I am perfectly happy with my car, it gets me where I need to go which is about as much interest as I can muster when it comes to cars.  I am the sort of person who when asked what type of car they have replies “a silver one”.  I don't wear expensive clothes, I'm not a big fan of shopping.  Now I'm not naïve enough to think that I am not a materialistic person.  In today's modern world it's very hard to live a life without things and I like a sparkly necklace as much as the next magpie. 

So what do I chose to spend my money on?  Well my bank statement makes for quite monotonous reading, I appear to be a creature of spending habit.  I am aware that the decisions I make as a consumer have consequences, albeit not huge ones.  I opt for the eco friendly version.  I try to shop local which can sometimes be a challenge in a small town with limited choices.  I ask myself "do I need this or do I want this?" before buying non essential items.  I remember my granny walking between various shops to buy things at the best price while doing her grocery shopping to make her limited budget stretch as far as possible.  Even if I won the Lotto (highly unlikely as I never, ever buy a ticket), I don't think I would be able to buy something without looking at the price tag.  I read an article in Good magazine yesterday about Child Labour Free clothing.  It is an initiative to allow those labels who make the decision not to use child labour in the various production aspects of their products, to become certified.  Labelling like this, whether it's for ethically produced clothing or SPCA approved eggs makes it easier for me the consumer to make an informed choice.  Ok so I am still going to look at the price tag for the clothes or the eggs but at least when I do make my choice it is with all the information at my finger tips.