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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