¢ Mothercents ¢ Why and How Mending is Better than Ending

A reminder to appreciate
the ties that bind
Image Credit: John Shepherd

"Ending is better than mending." This quote from Brave New World came back to me in a flood of memories.  This novel introduced me to the twisted world of dystopia.

This world conceives children in test tubes with varying amounts of alcohol to determine their social class.  The word father is a joke, and mother is an obscenity. A world devoid of motherwit reaches the short-sighted conclusion: Ending is better than mending.

The last several posts have focused on taking care of things to save money. Let's refocus now on why we take the trouble to save.  We live in a throwaway society.  Cheap goods tempt us to replace rather than repair. Why not throw in the towel?

When our mentality shifts to one of disposal for convenience instead of necessity, we toss out our past, present, and future.

1. We lose maintenance/repair skills passed through generations.   

2. We lose out on developing creative, problem-solving skills in the present - including re-purposing. 

3. We lose out on the planet  if we cultivate landfills and incinerators instead of sustainability.  

Ecology is a logically sound reason, but not even the best one. When we repair, recycle, re-purpose or donate, we not only invest in a healthy planet.  We open our eyes to the intrinsic value of everything.

As we place higher value on goods, our own value as human beings should also appreciate.  As we invest in our priceless innovation, we realize our capacity to grow and learn.

Sifting Wheat from Chaff

Granted, the trash cash has its place.  However, is the garbage our first or last resort?  Asking ourselves the following questions can help us distinguish trash from goods with some further purpose.

1. Has this product become unhealthy or dangerous?  Food and medicines past expiration dates put your health at risk.  In these cases, go on to question 2.

2. Can I dispose of this product more safely or sustainably?  Stale or spoiled food can compost into fertilizer for the lawn and garden.  Local police stations sponsor safe drug disposal days, and some pharmacies offer to dispose of expired medications.

3. Can anyone else benefit from this product?  Goodwill Industries and other thrift shops accept donations of clothes, shoes, DVDs, CDs, household goods, books and toys, to name a few.  Goodwill can even use clothes in poor condition to make rag rugs. General thrift store guidelines can put you in the ball park, but checking with specific organizations is recommended.

Freecycle groups post items to swap and save everyone money.  Check out the Freecycle link for background information and groups near you.

Developing a Mending Mentality

Before we can destroy anything, we must see it as either worthless or hazardous.  However, a mending mentality require us to see value in ordinary things in their appropriate places.  Mending challenges us to look beyond exteriors into essential characteristics.  Food waste can break down into compost.  The plastic net bag that held oranges can consolidate garden tools and even allow them to drip-dry.

In this throwaway world, a mending mentality requires consistent practice and pooling knowledge.  We welcome your feedback and ideas here.  Please, don't be shy, and leave your suggestions in the comments section.