Episode 61 Podmas Day 2 Cyber Monday, do you really need more stuff?

Cyber Monday Caught between a rock and a hard place.

It's hard to pass on good deals, but when do we draw the line at overconsumption.

I read in an article from CBS News that "Cyber Monday 2018 hit $7.9 billion in sales across all retailers, making it the biggest online shopping day yet, according to an estimate from Adobe."

You've got Target, Walmart trying to outperform Amazon this year so likely the number will be higher than 7.9 Billion. 

No, don't get me wrong I love a good deal just like everyone else but at what expense to the environment and society. According to the economist, "China produces about 80% of the world's air-conditioners, 70% of its mobile phones, and 60% of its shoes. The white heat of China's ascent has forged supply chains that reach deep into South-East Asia. This "Factory Asia" now makes almost half the world's goods."

Over the years, China has been oppressing the Uyghur people who are a minority. We've only recently learned of the atrocities that our brothers and sisters are facing. One of the previous guests of the Show, Hena Zuberi, who has been doing a lot of work to create awareness of the Uyghurs by trying to have bills passed in support of them, has been boycotting products made in china, and I think we all need to follow suit. I get it, guys. It's not going to happen overnight, and it will be a pain, but alternatives are out there, and if we're honest with ourselves, we don't need all the things we want to buy.  

The best way to save money and humanity is by only getting what you need.

here is how

1. make a list

2. Ask yourself if you need it

3. Save for it

4. check where products are from

5. Give away or sell things in your home to make room for new products.

There are many things we can't control in life, but you can control where you spend your money.

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