Wednesday, 21 May 2014

The clouding myth of necessities, what could you survive with ?

As humans we have four basic necessities: Air, Water, Food and Shelter. These are the essential products that we humans need for survival. From these four necessities it seems manufacturers have always tried to add their products to this list. 


Cigarettes are a prime example, they are fortunately (for the manufactures ad course) addictive. This ensures cigarettes become a necessity, basically a guaranteed subscription to their product. Drinks advertisers reassure us that water is not adequate for 21st century living, we may be doing less exercise/hunter gathering ect, but 21st living seems to now require litres of high caffeinated drinks a day. If we go off what the majority of energy drinks companies state, we should really question how ancient hunters chased down prey with no sports drinks !!!. Shelter has also became shockingly advanced, no longer a place to sleep, and take cover from the worst of the weather. People now live in their ‘shelters’ (homes) almost 24/7. Internet shopping can provide door to door food and drink, working at home means no travelling to work places, and social media replaces socialising. Recreational activities have also been brought into the home, with consoles, TV’s, internet and home exercise machines ensuring all aspects of recreational activities are catered for within the home.   

Our perceived list of necessities has somewhat expanded dramatically. But it is a serious thought that we should examine the expanding of necessities and access if we are benefiting realistically. As our necessities increase then so shall our outgoings, with this workload will have to increase too. Although if we maintain simplistic basic necessity needs, cutting down on excess wasteful products, we find either our lifestyle needs less money to maintain, meaning a reduction in working hours. Or comparatively more excess money, money that can be used to invest in long term positive benefits or valued life experiences.  I for one don’t purchase bottled drinks, or eat processed snacks often, or purchase unnecessary pieces of equipment for use in the home. Basic rules of thumb should always be – Food = freshest, real natural foods where possible. Drink = Water as a main. Shelter – don’t spend massive amounts on unnecessary materialistic products in the home, the home should be a place to sleep/cook, the outdoors provides plenty of recreational activities ! 




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