carbon footprint. For these and other reasons, I am quick to say, “I am
NOT materialistic!”
But I also know that I, and virtually everyone I know, consume far more
than I need. Indeed, if there’s one good thing that’s come from this pandemic,
it’s that it has forced us to consume less now and, hopefully,
much less in the future.
Whenever I need to clarify the difference between luxury and necessity,
I think about the 734 million people still living in extreme poverty. I think
about the simple, vital necessities that our recommended nonprofits
provide to reduce suffering, empower livelihood, and even save lives. I
acknowledge that every dollar I spend beyond what I need to live is a
dollar I could have donated to one or more of those nonprofits. I try to
measure the importance of what I am buying against the value of donating
the money instead.
Sometimes I actually succeed in avoiding another excessive purchase.
Other times I end up spending the money anyway instead of donating it.
But, when I do choose luxury over necessity, I make sure to write it
down as clear proof of my materialistic tendencies, and I vow to do better
next time.
Avoiding guilt isn’t necessarily the healthiest or most effective reason to
do the right thing. So I suggest focusing on the positive outcomes of
donating to high-impact, cost-effective organizations and, at the same
time, creating a liveable Earth for our children, grandchildren, and
beyond. Let’s all work to achieve our "personal best."
As a first step, consider pledging to donate a percentage of your annual
income to our recommended charities here:
https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org.au/take-the-pledge/
Or consider donating to The Life You Can Save itself so we can continue
to support and multiply the impact of these vital organizations:
https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org.au/invest/
Do Good. Feel Good.
- Charlie Bresler
Executive Director
The Life You Can Save
St Margaret’s News 9 July 2020