A couple of years ago, when I was buying fragrances at Myer, as Christmas gifts, the lady at the counter looked at me and said, ‘you know, love, you can get these two fragrances, plus a large tote bag for 50 cents cheaper!’ She was delighted with herself.
‘Thank you,’ I responded coolly, ‘but I don’t need a tote bag.’
‘But, it’s cheaper!’
‘I don’t need one.’
‘It costs less.’ As if saying it differently, would somehow help me to understand. So I rephrased, too. ‘I’d rather pay 50 cents, than to see that extra-large monstrosity go straight into my local land-fill. But thanks.’ She left me alone after that.
I sometimes wonder if she ever thought about my words and what it meant to be part of an ever-increasing throw-away society. Things are being made cheaper, they are selling for cheaper and fall apart at the drop of a hat—so that we buy more.
It’s gross.
I’m appalled.
Yet, how can I afford to buy the expensive stuff, with mortgages, food and electricity the way it is, here in Australia? And if I do buy the more expensive stuff, then who's to say that it will last longer, anyway? Pffft. Target Approved...pfft. I love you Target, but my pants just fell apart, again, and the public aren't enjoying it.
Why do I love antiques? Because I have a cabinet that is seventy years old and it doesn’t wobble, I didn’t have to put it together myself—with missing parts and ridiculous instructions, and no, there are no sections of flimsy board that crack when you sit a bottle of whisky on them. Things aren’t made the way they used to be, and there’s a reason for that. A Cold. Hard. Reason.
So what do we do? Someone, throw me a bone, and make it a meaty one, ‘cause I just spent $35 on steak at Woolworths and it tastes like an old boot. Peace HMC
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Hi HMC, well you asked for it, so here it is! A big, juicy, tender, succulent bone! I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Any thinking person in Australia would, because you have accurately described the crux of the issue, throw away is King. I am heartened that you are not succumbing to the crowd mentality like sooo many others who would not have taken the time to engage a sales person in such a valid and thoughtful manner. As far as the big supermarket chains and their meat goes, don't get me started! In my opinion it is a crime that Australians are offered what the rest of the world has rejected from its plate: in other words, we eat what we can't export. As a small farmer, I will say this...Find a local producer if you can and get to know the farmer! The smaller the farm the better, it usually means they are practicing 'organics' with no harmful chemicals in their product or the environment. If you are in the city, visit the local farmers markets and ask when they have 'showcase days' where lots of farmers bring their produce for sale. When you find something you like, ask them if they sell online or find out when they are back and buy in bulk to last you until then. Small farmers are bucking the trend in that they refuse to be part of the corporatised world and the shameful procedures involved in it. They are fresher and a lot of the time cheaper than the supermarkets. Good luck with your search for a better way of life, it is sadly true what you mentioned about quality being sacrificed at the altar of profit. As individuals it is difficult but not impossible to change things, but first we must (as you are) reject the simple minded acceptance of a disposable world. Secondly, we must become more politicised and really examine the policies of our elected government. But that's a whole other rant! thanks for a thought provoking article.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you enjoyed it. It really is a conundrum. I just had a chat with an American last night and was talking to him about the price of petrol. He was complaining about 83 cents a litre, until I told him that we pay $1.50. He was flabbergasted. I have been researching global prices and we pay the highest in the world for food, clothing and furniture.
THEN on the other hand, 2 litres of milk at Coles is $2. How on earth are they paying the farmers properly?...Then I realised...they're not!
I recently had a man knock on my door. He gets fruit and veg from local farmers markets and brings them to your door for $38 a box. I signed up straight away. The product is juicy, fresh and full of water.
WOW
Is that what fruit and veg is supposed to taste like?
Yes, the high costs associated with living in Australia can only be explained away to a point by pollies, it is they who have entered into the trade agreements that see us pay so much more for ordinary items than the rest of the world. And you are right about the big food chains paying farmers a pittance. I wont even deal with them! Many of my friends are dairy farmers, but that list is shrinking due to foreign takeovers of farms and purchase of prime farm land. The Australian government (all parties) needs a kick in the behind regarding the sell out of our interests. Anyway, I'm glad you have found a local guy for your fruits and veg, bet the apples taste great without all that wax on it, and the tomato's - no gas to artificially colour them because they were picked green! Just nice vine ripened, tasty fruit- as it should be.
DeleteKatherine, you've jut outlined my next three blogs for me: 'The Absurdity of Australian Trade Agreements', 'Australian farmers' Tuppence a Bag', and, 'Why Apples Ain't Apples.'
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! I've just added you to my blog! Following you :)
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