While growing up, the desire to buy stuff (thinking) the day I start earning, I will buy all my favourite things!!!!! Desire!

And then, you grow up, start earning, you buy stuff, which you always desired. Slowly, it piles up, sometimes just throwing stuff away or giving it to someone, replacing with new one. We don’t practice “recycling”. Have money, buy it.

Even, I was guilty for same. I have fascination for fabrics, clothes, watches, etc. I kept buying fabrics, stitching, wearing once or twice, giving out, spending money blatantly. Slowly, the space filled up, cupboards, more storage, and at the end wondering, when I am going to wear these. (This is just one-off example).

Then, read about how wastes are piling up in every corner of earth, where do we throw them, looking out new grounds to dump. Some can be recycled, some incinerated, some wait for years or centuries to degenerate. Maybe, in next century, our future generations may have to live on top of our, created debris.

Now, the fascination for fabric is still there, but instead of spending on loads, I buy 1 or 2 pieces, which I actually need. Controlled my urge to splurge.  I remembered my brother telling me, before buying anything, ask yourself “Do you really need it?”. It kind of struck me. I do recycle lots of clothes, old jeans into dungarees, bags or skirts etc. Also, I don’t let go off my stuff easily, typical collector or stasher. I started recycling clothes which I get bored (because I am finicky), I give a new twist by adding or redesigning the stuff.

Now, I am more at peace, thinking the stuff I have, can last for some 4-5 years, rather than earlier 3-4 months. Same went with electronics, Due to my “not letting go” behaviour, I kept my non-working or neglected devices in my cupboard, now slowly, trying to make them alive again, rather than dumping them and creating e-waste. I found my old i-pod (neglected, because of mobile). Today I charged its battery to check if it works, and voila, I could hear my favourite song “Skyfall”. I smiled! Next, will be my old cameras.

I know, not everyone has same mentality. I remember, when we didn’t have money to buy stuff, we ignored these desires, or maybe treasured whatever we received with gratitude. Now, when we have money, we tend to take our stuff for granted, shows the arrogance, we gain with money.

Maybe, giving out stuff in charity is fine, but it is your hard earned money, you spent, why not use our own stuff, nicely and make it work longer, creating lesser waste, so that we can leave a better place for future generation. Just trying to value resources available to us.