Anti-shopaholics get global attention

We're not the only ones jawing about the Compacters, San Franciscans who have made a vow of shopping via resale or not at all. The concept is getting a response around the world that some of the group's charter members find "insane." Some  responses are positive, others constructive criticism, but then there's the vitriol. What's the big deal about a few people opting not to buy shiny new things? The SF Chronicle followed up last week:

More than 350 people have joined the Compact, and chapters are appearing in virtually every U.S. city, as well as London, Sydney, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Toronto, Edmonton, New Zealand, Spain, Romania and other international locales.
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But, like all instant celebrities, the Compact has been subjected to ridicule and criticism as well. There is even an anti-Compact group that has sprung up on an Internet news and discussion site.

The original Compacters aren't sure what to make of the backlash. They were never out to convert anyone, start a political movement or inflict dogma on anyone else. The intention was merely to "reduce the impact of consumer culture in our lives" in a light-hearted and social manner.

Comments

[Maya]

Bravo, compacters! bravo SFists...

[mig]

I love it.. some little movement by some sfists is making others around become aware about their shopping habits. Lets be careful though.. buying used things can also prove to do damage in other areas like energy consumption and such.....look at the constructive criticism link on this post..