Getting rid of ‘stuff’ that is under-utilized

Now that we have all changed our light bulbs to LEDs, shop with reusable bags and stopped using plastic straws, we need to deal with our basic lifestyle.

Like me, you probably have too much “stuff.”

What brings me to write about this is my experience at the Summerland Thrift Shop. My volunteer responsibility is to make sure that electrical and electronic items are in working order before they are set out for sale.

This week I tested rice cookers, sandwich makers and three foot massagers. Most people that eat rice as a main staple manage quite nicely without a rice cooker, using a pot with water. A frying pan seems to work well to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Foot massagers probably are “discards” as they take up a lot of room and see little use.

It is a good thing that these items are recycled, but as a society we need to stop purchasing under-utilized “stuff.” Did you think about this before you bought dad a present, as he likely has everything he needs?

We are told that we are on the cusp of a sharing society. The trend is to shareable cars (Zipcars) and shareable bikes such as Kelowna’s Dropbike.

The Summerland Chamber of Commerce hosted an affordable housing event where an intriguing presentation described co-op housing. Not just shared housing, the co-ops allowed for sharing of everyday tools such as lawn mowers, chain saws and Shop Vacs.

My chainsaw sees about six hours’ usage a year. I like my chainsaw, as I am too lazy to rent one (maybe too cheap as well). Borrowing from friends is always fraught with danger, as inevitably things get broken (and they expect to borrow my stuff in return).

My conscience would be satisfied if I could walk over to a communal shed and sign out a commonly owned tool knowing it was in good working order. It would be my responsibility to return it in the same condition.

Think of the advantage of not owning a car (or a second car). Would that garage space be better utilized as living space rather than holding a car that spends 95 per cent of its life parked? How about the direct costs of gas and insurance avoided?

My generation of Canadians unfortunately was born with the expectation of owning a single-family detached house, two cars and all the trappings that are needed to care for them. We believe that multi-family housing and public transit is for “other” people.

Let us hope the newer generation is more sensible and open to trying a better way of life.

I apologize for picking on owners of rice cookers.

John Dorn is a retired tech entrepreneur living in Summerland.