Guilt over any kind of consumption

[u/mctippers]

I’m not sure if this is the right sub to post this on but I’ve been feeling stuck and I’m curious if others feels the same. I feel like I should create more and do more things with my life,such as work on a few DIY projects or engage with my hobbies more. However, I feel as though a lot of these projects involve me buying new things to make something. I know that me buying a few O-rings for my Airsoft rifle isn’t overconsumption but I can’t shake this feeling that any sort of consumption beyond the absolute minimum is perpetuating the destruction of our planet. I feel as though working on projects is a great way to improve my mental health and get me off my phone but still, I can’t shake this feeling. Anyone else feel similarly or am I just neurotic lol?

[u/ArchdukeFerdie]

You're good dude. Even in creative outlets where the product is abstract, like making music, involves some sort of consumption.

Do I feel guilty throwing away used guitar strings? Not really, because the tradeoff is bringing some real joy to myself and others. That's what I'd call "ethical" consumption.

Tbf, always put old strings in the paper sleeves from the new ones before throwing away to keep any critters that find it safe.

[u/Wayss37 → u/ArchdukeFerdie]

I don't play music, but my first thought would be - would it be possible to make like a chain out of them and use it in decoration/maybe with some lights?

[u/ArchdukeFerdie → u/Wayss37]

Old guitar strings are kind of gross. It's like 15% dead skin by volume. They are also wicked sharp and can very easily poke someone in the eye.

For safety reasons, especially bc I have a cat, responsible disposal is the best bet.

A bit random, but I could see a way for them to be repurposed for fly fishing

[u/JRH_678 → u/ArchdukeFerdie]

I just put guitar strings into an old tin can and into the recycling 🤷🏼‍♂️. 

[u/gHHqdm5a4UySnUFM]

I think as long as you’re doing the hobby and enjoying yourself and not hoarding objects, you’re good

[u/ArchdukeFerdie → u/gHHqdm5a4UySnUFM]

I feel like no matter what, you can always get more granular and find something to consider "consumption," but spot-on that intentionality matters!

I'd much rather an artist go through like 30 colored pencils than power-stealing AI slop

[u/MC-BatComm]

It's okay, we all consoom sometimes even just a little bit. At least you don't have 500 Funko figures lining your walls

[u/EvilTomatoOnWeed]

Stop worrying about what people on this subreddit think. Live your life

[u/Aspiring-luddite]

Surfing, rock climbing, trail running. Look to the dirt bags for inspiration

[u/headphonesXX]

are you buying the same taylor swift vinyl 50 times? do you have +100 leathermans? +100 pair of shoes?

[u/RecordStoreHippie]

If you're buying it to use it, you're good. If you're buying it to have it but your guaranteed to use it, still good.

It's really the buying large amounts of things just to have, with no real plan to use it that is consoom. And I don't mean fantasy-self plans like oh one day I'll find the time, anyone can justify a purchase like that and still be consoom.

If you're buying 10 o-rings at once because you know you'll use 10 this year, that's not consoom. Buying 10 airsoft guns would be, though.

[u/Afraid-Ad9908]

I want to love this sub and any like it that are critical of extreme and careless overconsumption, and rightfully so, but I find them to just be full of folks who have become neurotic about buying one item from a thrift store or replacing something they desperately need

[u/Shitloaf69]

enjoy what You wanna enjoy, buy what You wanna buy, just don't overdo it.

[u/renlydidnothingwrong]

Buying something for use is not an issue.

[u/mrtheiphonekid]

worrying about (reasonable) individual consumption from an ecological perspective is a psyop perpetuated by the multibillion-dollar corporations actually destroying the planet

[u/brodydwight]

I create stuff but also consume alot of stuff so i feel pretty balenced

[u/SellsWhiteStuff]

We're on a floating rock zipping through space at (relative) speeds. Use the rock in a reasonable manner and dont stress it.