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The Methodist Church of Great Britain | Buy Less Live More

Buy Less Live More

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Buy Less Live More

About Buy Less Live More

Buy Less: Live More, was the Lent theme for 2008. 

You can still leave your own comments below and read those left by others who took part.

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I think this is a great idea to challenge us throughout Lent in different ways, and tying to to the effects our everyday actions have on others through such things as climate change. Bit more thoughtful and reflective than just giving up chocolate...
# Posted By John | 07/02/08 16:04
I also think it is a great idea. It seems very important to me that we become less materialistic and think about other more than ourselves.
# Posted By Maria Staal | 08/02/08 08:54
Struggled with the foil thing yesterday, definitely think that will be a weekend job :)

Great challenges so far though!
# Posted By Elliott Sanders | 08/02/08 12:47
So glad our minister promoted this today, looking forward to the challenges
# Posted By Annie Martin | 10/02/08 22:47
I mananged todays task yesterday by accident! The shops had sold out of my chosen newspaper so I went without. When I got into work today everyone was talking about a news item.
# Posted By John | 12/02/08 09:36
Re: Think before buying unnecessary gadgets online. And the supermarket! I used to buy fabric softner, scented ironing water, air freshners - lots of stuff I didn't need but that used plenty of energy to produce and distribute and package. Stopped buying it all now. Cheaper and greener! And my house and clothes still don't stink.
# Posted By Rachel | 19/02/08 08:26
On 13th Feb I followed your instruction to "hug a tree". When my friend Peg died 10 years ago, we planted a tree in her memory in a local park. On 13th Feb her daughter and I had arranged to meet, so we went a gave her Mum's tree a hug - it was such a coincidence that we were together that day!
# Posted By Pam | 19/02/08 09:28
It was hard to know what to give up for Lent as my husband and I decided long ago that we would bring up our 3 children on the average wage. Holidays are non-existent so other pleasures feel important and it would not have been good for our morale for me to make major changes. However, as I enjoy crafts, I've pledged not to buy any new craft materials over Lent but to sort and examine my various stashes and use them up. It's led to some real thinking outside the box and some textile and beaded pieces of which I'm very proud.
# Posted By Eleanor Jackson | 19/02/08 10:35
It's a great challenge. I like it so much and I really feel I'm improving the quality of my life. I haven't managed to hug a tree, though...
Lorella
# Posted By Lorella | 19/02/08 10:35
What an interesting and thought provoking way to walk through Lent. The online prayers are excellent and I've copied several down to use again. Getting in touch with long lost friends and changing habits to be more environmentally aware are great longer term changes to make.
# Posted By LJ | 19/02/08 15:18
I am really appreciating not just the challenges each day but also the easy links to the prayer and Bible study. I have the Prayer Handbook but still find this link enables me to really start my day with God as I log on first thing after breakfast. Thanks to all who have worked to prepare these materials!
# Posted By Tricia | 20/02/08 08:04
I'm doing all of today's already. (Got rid of the TV in 1990.) However, what I HAVE found helpful is no internet at all on Sundays and at least one Facebook-free day during the week. It's really inspiring to feel there are others walking on the same path
# Posted By Eleanor Jackson | 20/02/08 10:05
Great idea!

But a cautionary note: I used to preach this a lot, as I had things financially to give up- I could afford to.

Please be aware that in a middle class church, there are people who don't have the option of giving up what you agonise about. People who may need to be 'blessed' in Lent. People who may well be very rich by developing country standards, but cannot and do not share the middle class lifestyle that you talk of surrendering.

Sorry- its a 'live' issue for me and living in a rich community, not one I expected to be in. If/when I break out of this, I will preach about 'giving up' in a more nuanced way!
# Posted By anon. | 27/02/08 15:05
I like the way the level of challenge varies. Sometimes I can 'tick the box' instantly (was drinking a cup of fair trade, decaff coffee when I read today's email encouraging me to do just that.) Other days I can make a change quite easily - for instance, asking for tap water in restaurants - while others are just impossible. I cannot get to work without my car because of the poor public transport, so maybe my next challenge is to start doing something about that?
# Posted By Fiona | 03/03/08 08:11
wondering how many 70s and over are out there as many of your ideas are so deeply engrained in me through wartime childhood and rationing that i havent had to give much up!but its put me in touch with ways of consuming and living that some younger people do have to be challenged about in todays exciting world. i have found ideas and comments personally challenging and thought provoking. thankyou for the comment reminding us that we have to have more than we need before we can think about changing our lifestyle
# Posted By ann | 03/03/08 11:25
Like others I've found some of the suggestions to be ideas I encompassed years ago. Perhaps having a second option - type of: 'if you've already done this then how about....' Sometimes I find myself becoming complacent when there are several days of ideas we've acted on already.
# Posted By Angela | 04/03/08 10:49
I say "Amen" to many of these comments. Ve ry much appreciate the Bible Study and Prayer links - will these continue or are they just for Lent?
For me in a one person household a very practical way of saving on water and energy - I've bought a travel kettle (it's one that turns itself off when the water boils). When I want a "cuppa" I just put a cup or mugful of water in the kettle and switch on. Very quick and the exact amount of water for the drink.
# Posted By Anne | 05/03/08 14:35
Just a note to Anne - yes the daily Bible study and Prayer are ongoing and will continue beyond Lent.
# Posted By Methodist Church webeditor | 05/03/08 16:16
A note to Angela.
It's fantastic that you already do so many of these things - I guess the 'default' suggestion on days when the ideas would not mean a change for you, is to consider how you spend your money that day and to think of a way of having fun that doesn't involve spending oodles of cash!
# Posted By Michaela Youngson | 06/03/08 09:18
Giving to a charity that provides fresh water leads me to tell you about a small charity that folk may be interested in. It is called The Project Malawi Trust developed by 2 Christian friends at my local Methodist Church. This charity works with Malawian people, teaching the bible and providing aid where needed. In the last 2 years they have provided money to help the local people to build and maintain at least 4 wells. The two friends go to Malawi each year with a group of helpers to teach and find out the needs of the area. If you are interested in finding out more visit the website at www.projectmalawi.org.uk
# Posted By Anne | 10/03/08 09:33
Recently I was out for a meal with a group of young women from church and they say my Buy Less Live More card as I got ready to pay - they all thought it a brilliant idea and so would each like to have one - can I get a further 20 please? Will you be producing another in 09 or how about one that is not dated? Many thanks Jo
# Posted By Jo White | 02/10/08 12:02
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