If you did not catch the What Would Jesus Buy? docu-comedy at your local indie theater yet, please put the it on your to-do list now.
You don't have to be religious to appreciate Reverend Billy's no-nonsense "stop shopping" message. He presents it in a manner which is hilarious, challenging, and incredibly effective. Susan and I were only 15 minutes into the film before we began arguing about our recent purchases!
The DVD was just released a few weeks ago, so (irony alert) be sure you go buy yourself a copy right away.
Reverend Billy's message about American's over-consumption struck home with me, for both my personal consumption, as well as my professional roles doing the marketing for two ecommerce operations (Fair Trade Sports and the abolitionist Not For Sale Campaign). Some folks would say that getting people to buy stuff is at the very core of what I do. Geesh, I even teach MBA candidates how to do the same thing at the sustainable MBA program Bainbridge Graduate Institute.
So where does a person who's primary skill set revolves around Marketing fit in a country that honestly needs to buy less stuff? I don't know. I've struggled with this before, and likely will for quite awhile. My current focus is on getting folks who buy stuff to at least buy good stuff. Sweatshop-free stuff. Eco-friendly stuff. Union-made stuff. Fair Trade stuff. But it's still shopping; it's still consumption.
I often explain to folks interested in our company that I'd first rather have them purchase a used sports ball from a neighbor or an outfit like Play It Again Sports. Then, if they can't find what they're looking for, to make sure to buy a ball they know was made from certified environmentally friendly materials by adult workers paid a certified fair wage. For now, that gives you only one choice...us.
:)
I was also recently asked, so what do you think Jesus would buy? My response was, "Reverend Billy's DVD. And then after watching it, I think he'd give it away to spread the message even further." Watch it, enjoy the laughter, and the challenges. Highly recommended.
Published by Scott James June 18th, 2008 in Fair Trade: learn more, How you can help.
Hey Scott,
I haven’t watched the video yet but had heard an interview with the Good Reverend on “Speaking of Faith.” Thanks for letting us know the DVD is available.
As a educator, I also struggle with the notion that I am advocating consumption, and I also reflect on how when I am surrounded by Fair Trade items I often am triggered to make impulse purchases: the jewelry is just SO beautiful, the chocolate so yummy. It is definitely an irony for me that as I try to simplify my life through Fair Trade I find myself wanting to buy “things” more often. For me it helps to return to the basics of that handy meme/mantra: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
With the green movement growing and recycling bins popping up everywhere (which is great!) I think people revert to the easiest action: to recycle something. But to really help our planet and to address some of the inequities billions of people face we might need to pause and say “Wait to do I really need that item or can I reduce my consumption?” If I do need an item, “Can I get a used one somewhere?”
Luckily for Fair Trade Sports, all kids (and even most adults!) need to PLAY! Check the first R off on that! I salute you for encouraging folks to use previously owned balls first before buying thus REDUCING the number of balls on the planet.
A nice unintended consequence of your advice to people is that I respect your business model even more because you are promoting the Gospel of REDUCE, REUSE and then recycle. Thanks Scott!