This Is Gross...But Worth It
And A Few Tips On Purposeful Spending This Holiday Season
I spent ten years working for a major bookstore chain. I started as a clerk during my senior year in high school and became a District Manager before I was laid off when they liquidated (poor Crown Books… anyone else remember them?).
As far as retail goes, bookstores are probably among the better retailers in which to work.
One of the things we did (and is probably still done) was when it was time to return paperback books to the publishers, we tore the cover off the book and tossed the books in the garbage (all pre-recycling).
Shipping the covers back and getting credit was cheaper than shipping the books.
My maternal grandmother loved the monthly Harlequin books, and every month, I’d bring her a bag or two of “stripped cover” books.
It kind of makes me cringe thinking about it now (throwing the books away).
Paper is one of the easiest things to recycle - yet no one was doing it back then.
Which brings me to what’s "Gross.”
If you haven’t seen it, I’d highly recommend the new documentary on Netflix called “Buy Now.”
The film focuses on the massive waste from fast fashion and the tech industries (as well as many other sectors).
If you’re not familiar with the term “fast fashion”- here’s the definition:
“Fast fashion is a business model that involves mass-producing clothing at low cost to meet consumer demand for the latest styles quickly.”
If you watch the documentary on Netflix, you’ll see how harmful fast fashion is (or a quick search online, and you’ll have plenty of statistics).
It would be great if we could take a lesson from France:
I get that we all like a ‘good deal’ - but all fast fashion feels like is a “greed grab” (that’s a trademark-worthy phrase).
The same is true with technology.
It’s “planned obsolescence” to a “t."
The documentary addresses all of this, too.
You’ll see people who worked at Apple, Amazon, and Google sharing their experiences.
One of the engineers from Apple shares how they never discussed waste when talking about new products.
As much as I love my Apple products, a new iPhone model every year is a bit ridiculous (zero FOMO from me with the phones).
Kyle Wiens is trying to disrupt this with his company, “iFixit.”
Their motto: “Never take broken for an answer. Get the instructions you need with quality repair parts and tools and the expertise of a robust community.”
The value of watching this documentary is that it will probably cause you to pause and think for a minute.
Which is where all change starts.
Besides the grossness of all the waste, I couldn’t help but feel a little pissed off that these companies care so little about the planet AND their customers.
Because Apple is hurting for revenue, right? <insert sarcasm>
Apple is hardly the only culprit (and I’m grateful the computers last longer than the phones or airpods).
It’s not all gloom and doom.
People are watching this documentary and taking notice.
I’ve seen a handful of people on TikTok who are shocked by what they’re seeing (and the documentary has only been out a week as of this writing).
Which brings me to “Purposeful Spending This Holiday Season.”
I’m not here to judge anyone for how or where you spend your money.
However, choosing to be conscious about how and where you spend your money is something we can all do.
And I get it… there is an emotional connection to gift-giving:
There is a deep-seated desire to give gifts to express love, connection, and gratitude. But think about how marketing plays on this instinct, often driving overspending or purchasing low-quality items that don't last.
Aligning spending with personal values—like sustainability, quality, or experiences—can create a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Here are a few things to consider with gift-giving:
Thoughtful Giving Over Excess: The most cherished gifts are often those that come with meaning, whether it's a handwritten letter, a day spent together, or something small but intentional.
Buying Mindfully: Choosing fewer, higher-quality items aligns with emotional fulfillment and sustainable living.
Breaking the Cycle: Breaking free from societal and patriarchal pressures to "do it all" can feel liberating.
Here are some actionable tips for heartfelt giving:
Craft Memories: Gifting experiences (tickets to a show, dinner, movie, lunch, or much-needed massage, etc.) that create lasting memories.
Support Purposeful Brands: Find companies that align with the values of sustainability and empowerment.
Give with a Story: Gift items with personal stories attached, like handmade or local goods.
Set Spending Intentions: Start the holiday season with a clear intention for how you want your spending to align with your values.
At the end of the day, as long as spending comes from a conscious place, you will feel better about it.
Here’s to stress-free spending this holiday season.
Whatever that looks like for you.
Women You Should Know
Author, Ursula K. Le Guin
"I think hard times are coming when we will be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now and can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies to other ways of being. And even imagine some real grounds for hope. We will need writers who can remember freedom: poets, visionaries—the realists of a larger reality. Right now, I think we need writers who know the difference between production of a market commodity and the practice of an art."
- Ursula K. Le Guin
Recommended Reading 📚
I started listening to this on a quick trip to meet my daughter (halfway between LA & Northern CA). The Mindful Millionaire, by Leisa Peterson, addresses the psychological, spiritual, and neurological side of money.
Set in 18th-century and present-day London, The Lost Apothecary is a captivating tale of secrets, vengeance, and resilience. It weaves the story of Nella, a secret apothecary who aids women with well-disguised poisons, and Caroline, a modern historian who uncovers a clue linking her to unsolved apothecary murders from 200 years ago. This richly layered debut explores the power of women’s connections across time in the face of betrayal and oppression.
I finally got a library card again and have downloaded “Libby” to borrow books (audio also) from libraries! If you’ve not tried it, get Libby here.
A Few of My Favorite Things 🎶
I first heard this song in “The Holiday” (one of my favorite Christmas movies), and I love this Pentatonix version. Listen to “Just For Now” here.
I found this illustrator on Facebook and LOVE her work. Her work is so sweet. She’s just released a book called “The Book of Gifts.” Check out her work at “Lucy Claire Illustration” here.
I shared an image from
, writer, artist, and creative, but I just discovered her newsletter on Substack, “Sweatpants & Coffee.” It’s a great read, and her illustrations are lovely.Gratitude Changes Everything
Holy moly, it’s gotten chilly! 🥶
There are lots of fires, electric blankets, and layering these days.
Which is lovely.
I’m enjoying the natural pull towards rest and relaxation on shorter, colder days.
Of course, I’ll probably be whinging come late February when all I want is the warmth of the sun on my skin, longer days, and some time to float and read in the pool 😂.
But until then, I’m focusing on staying present and enjoying the moment.
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
With much appreciation & gratitude,
Kim
p.s. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own Substack, I created a visual guide that walks you step-by-step through the process of setting everything up. As much as I love the community and writing on Substack, their setup process leaves much to be desired.
Great article about our wastefulness. I can say I never got fast fashion trends - I'll take my sweatshirts and comfy pants. This year for Christmas we are doing gingerbread houses - we get together and share an experience.