Back in 2008, the recession was a huge blow to the general population because people lost everything so quickly, and more importantly, because no one saw it coming. Today, thanks to social media and access to information, it’s much easier to see the signs of decline and prepare for what’s to come. That being said, some tips that those who’ve lived through it have shared include not overspending on non-essentials and learning to reuse and recycle things that aren’t broken.
This isn’t new advice, as the stop-shopping movement has been around since before the first stock market crash. Thought leaders have pushed shopping locally to keep money in the community, and no-buy communities on Facebook have grown in popularity. Nowadays, as people are learning that the best way to protect each other during these hard times is to build community, simply sharing resources without expecting any money in return is a fail-proof way to ensure people get what they need and build strong relationships in the process.
Before taking clothing that no longer serves its purpose to the thrift store, try offering it to friends or posting it in no-buy groups on Facebook or Reddit. Or, if the clothes can be altered into something else, deconstructing pieces and remaking them into functional clothing is an option as well. Not only will this help to not spend money, it teaches the skill of knowing to sew and make clothes. This skill is something that’s essential if the economy continues down its current path and prices skyrocket past unreasonable. With the skill of tailoring, that’s one less thing someone has to rely on big companies for, and they can offer their services to others in their community as well.
Especially since America has been in a hyper-consumerism era with clothing and shopping hauls being a major theme for content-making, there is plenty to go around already in people’s homes. Once we establish these open lines of communication, they can only grow and strengthen as neighbors begin offering old electronics, tools, toiletries, food and more. Eventually, the people won’t have to spend their money on everyday items, and can focus on saving and creating stability for themselves and their families.
