Reflecting on the role
of the ‘happy’ consumer

SINCE MY column two
weeks ago regarding North
Americans’ consumptive
habits, I’ve been given
much food for thought,
some of which [ will pass
on today.

Peggy
Trendell-Whittaker

denly remember a task that needs
doing. and put off your reflection
until you ‘thave more time.”

When we're constantly trying to
catch up to our own fives and
spending practically every waking
moment trying to satisfy the
scheduling demands of work,
family and social commitments, it
becomes hard to live a conscious,
deliberate life that vou feel you
can exert contro! over.

That’s when it's easy to grab
prepackaged meals, buy a dress as
a quick ‘‘pick-me-up’’ because
you haven't given yourself any
other recreation that week, set
your children up with a new toy
because you don’t have time to
take them on a weekend outing,
and jump in the car because it’s
too late to hop the bus.

If we took more care with our
time, if we made it do for us what

we really wanted it to, | think we
would be less likely to equate con-
sumption with happiness.

I suspect that many of us would
finally find the opportunity to do
things we've put off for a long
time — things like reading, spend-
ing time with old friends, maybe
going for a hike — and, as we
achieve satisfaction in these
arenas, feel less compelled to buy
the transient trinkets with which
we clutter our chaotic lives.

Many of the ways in which we
can ease the burden on our global
resources involve an investment of
time. But how do we find the
time?

Again, that’s up to each of us
to determine for ourselves. Maybe
you can start by treating your
time as you do your money —
tracking where it goes and where

See Living page 18

555 West 12th Ave.

We search the Onent
ior beautitul things

that will adorn

homes and otices
Veidest collection of

Korean Chests,

Japanese Tansy, Ther
buddha. wood can-
ings, & bronze-wares
Guaranteed total
customer satistacton
, 48 Hours, in-home
appranal period on

major furniture
Pree es.

SHANGRI-LA
PARADISE FOUND

City Square Mall

Shop #126
Vancouver

872-2878
FREE DELIVERY

IS YOUR
OLD ™ TIRED?

In 24 hours we will remove your old lawn and professionally |
install a lush new lawn you will be proud of.

WINDOW COVERINGS

from HunterDouglas
Celebrity

“t 40% Ooff

Regular Price
Custom made draperies. Fabric
Shades, Valences, hard window covering
(mini, micro, vertical & pleated blinds). Bedspreads
and drapery tracks. Free-in home estimates.

AND BLINDS in West Vancouver

Closed Mondays 1441 Clyde A’-<.
18 years of experienc: —

ECOINFO

Try to pass on might be more
accurate. Truly looking at con-
sumerism, like looking at any fac-
et of our lifestyle, involves peeling
away its onion-like layers in an at-
tempt to identify its meaning, its
roots, its role in each of our lives.

As a result, consumerism and
its effects are not topics that can
adequately be covered simply by
offering a list of specific sugges-
tions on how to cut back on our
wasteful buying habits.

Such a ‘tip of the iceberg’’ ap-
proach would ultimately fail.
What really needs to happen is for
each of us to look behind the
Teasons for our purchases and
lifestyle choices, decide if they are
reasons we believe to be valid,
and, if not. decide what we mean
to do that is more in tune with
our new set of priorities.

My thinking has led me to the
belief that so much could be Baby Lock with QTS
achieved in this vein if we put .
more value on our time and @@  Babylockisproudto announce GIs,
treated it with the respect it [the first and only quick threading
deserves. system for a serger! Simply push a

We don’t give ourselves the lever and the lower tooper is thread-
time to reflect on our role in the ed, turn the dial and the needies
world, and rethink alternatives for are threaded! No more frustration.
our future. It's quick and easy.

Even if we try to make the time
to do this, it’s often very difficult
to envision realities beyond our
usual mundane concerns. Because
it takes effort, it’s easy to sud-

922-1709

Impress these cut-of-tewn guesis and
CALL NOW FOR 5 FREE ESTIMATE!

270-TURF (8873)

MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30-6:00; SATURDAY 8-12 NOON
Fo ue Cane
grass roots

ora LAWN SERVICE INC.

le

PRO LINE”
Sew Like A Pro

We grow the turf, install the lawn & provide complete maintenance
* Exclusive 4/3/2 thread sewing mi
* Built-in narrow rolled hem
* Differential feed
* Adjustable width dial

© Rent To Own
© Only $50 Per Month
© Free Lessons
© 3 Mo. No Interest

MASON SEWING MACHINE CO.
6192 Fraser St.. Vancouver

; Cott
327-3800 since 1948 ¥

Peete,

s
a
a

Conny

This SUMMER
TAKE THE FAMILY CAR
Tn SQUAMISH

There's no better time to take a day-trip on the historic
Royal Hudson steam train. Whichever car you’re on, relax, enjoy
the spectacular scenery, and watch out for entertainers from
Music 91 and our mascot Bunker C. Bear. For the young and the
young at heart, the Royal Hudson is the idea! family adventure.
Go on one soon.

CAuL TicKETMASTER 280-4444 OR BC Rall 631-3500

Departs 10am from the BC Rail station in North Vancouver.

Leather Sofa Sale |
Save 20% to 50%

Cori

CC HHH

RECtene ra

Save as much as 50% on an outstanding
collection of top quality Italian leather

‘and lacquer furniture. INTERIORS
—
== oo

Store Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6

Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5 1028 Mainland Street

Vancouver 662-7100