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On CBS Sunday morning program they ran a piece on a waste dump in Ghana, created mostly by the USA. It is a vast region of our unwanted electronics and appliances. They are ripped apart to recover what is recyclable. Upside is the jobs is creates, but the downside is how dangerous it is. There are no googles, work boots, gloves, plus toxic fumes due to burning. And the mess that is left behind is mind-blowing.
I was raised in a frugal family. I am not wasteful, I am conscientious about what I buy, and I never feel without. I don't need the latest, greatest of anything. I don't need to be in fashion either. I will use something until the very end.
So when you are considering buying gifts this holiday season, think about the end of the item's life and where it goes to die. Over the last 40 years our country has become a throwaway society. Out of sight, out of mind. Do you really need the latest fashion or the newest phone? Can you fix what you have or give it to someone who can use it? Does what you have satisfy your need?
Instead, give the gift of experiences; such as a date night to a new restaurant, a day trip across Florida for a sunrise and sunset viewing, or a glass-blowing class. IOU's also work as a great gift too, such as pressure washing the driveway, finishing a stagnant project, or painting a room.
So before you spend the money, think about what the person really needs and make lasting, wonderful memories instead of more waste.
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