Blogging
From Abroad

In Austria, there are remarkable differences in consumerism from America. Even though the cost of living is high, in many cases I do not feel I have to spend as much. For one, the access to consumer goods is less here (absolutely magnificent absence of Walmart-type stores). At first it seems that food and restaurants are very expensive, but there is also far less waste generated (in a previous blog I spoke about the prevalence of recycling practices). One is less likely to purchase more than they can consume when they have to carry everything home! It is easy to understand why many Americans purchase too much food, the transport convenience! Nowadays I am shopping for food atleast 2-3 times a week, sometimes daily, usually I buy only fresh vegetables, bread and milk. It is consumed immediately, food simply does not have time to sit in the refrigerator and spoil.

Another word on consumerism here. When I walk into campus I am not bombarded by credit card offerings (debt!!), nor am I offered any sort of student loan package (nearly free education). The phone does not ring with solicitors calling for anything, I think the Austrians do not tolerate this kind of annoying advertisement. Even the commercials on the TV only come on for a few minutes each hour. It is refreshing to live in a place where I do not feel overwhelmed to consume. The Austrians have it right, why go out and spend money impulsively (as an extremely profitable market segment in America), when you can indulge in any number of outdoor activities, for free?

Perhaps as Americans we can take note to this “less is more” attitude.