Consumption ≠ Sustainability
Not only is buying new stuff inherently bad for the environment...
It's bad for you, too!
There are a multitude of studies linking consumerism to stress and anxiety - people who consume more are less happy.
And I'm sorry to say, this includes skateboards.
There is no evidence to suggest that owning more than 15 skateboards will make you any happier than you already are.
Trust me, we've tried.
Go electric, go vegan, reduce, reuse, recycle... but also BUY ALL THIS STUFF FOR CHEAP!
It's no wonder we suffer more anxiety and depression as a nation than ever!
We're riddled with environmental guilt whilst being force-fed a consumerist ideology that the solution is to spend money we don't have on new products that won't help.
The science says: stop buying things - you'll feel better for it.
So why has my inbox been spammed this past week by seemingly responsible brands offering to save me money on stuff I don't need?
And how can I justify preaching about this from a newsletter - a time-tested tool of marketeers?
Well those "responsible" brands, quite frankly, can do one.
And me? Maybe I can too.
But I would say this:
On a literal level, we aren't selling tat. Though prices have shifted down in the past 3 years, our article on buying a cheap longboard still stands.
We don't peddle landfill, we're endorsing long-lasting, functional product.
On a philosophical level, we're offering a tool that can help free the mind from the shackles of consumerism.
No monthly costs, no pay-per-skate, a free and simple way to explore and interact with your environment through a different lens.
A board inspires exercise and spending time outside, conducive to quality sleep. Community and friendship invariably follow, all markers for an overall higher level of fulfilment in life.
The drive to consume is not natural or instinctive, and when these basics are taken care of it's amazing how quickly it can fall away.
So save all the money this Black Friday.
Don't buy anything.
With love,
Matt @ Vandem
Christmas Shipping
Last chance for shipping by Christmas are as follows:
Products in stock: Friday 20th December, 13:00
Products in stock with supplier: Sunday 15th December, 23:59
We'll be open and shipping again from Monday 6th January.
🎄
