Is it time to stop encouraging people to buy thing they don't need?

molerat

Maybe all high street stores should have blacked out windows in case someone sees something they don't really need.

bargainbetty

Mark_in_Kent said:

JJ_Egan Not saying you should pay full price at all @Brie's point is extremely valid, the manta is great. I'm saying that putting things in front of people as a temptation should have a sustainability lens over it before offering it.

Just because you had a bargain vacuum doesn't relate to someone buying the latest, unrequired hair straighteners, that is a straw man argument. I'm happy you've saved money, it's what the site is about, but I just think it'll be good to encourage and educate people to buy with a more forward-thinking mentality.

Unrequired by you. For someone, they may prefer to have a decent set of hair straighteners for their own self-image, or because it makes them feel good (and don't need a loan or a mortgage) - this site has always preached that if you don't need it, don't buy it, but if you do have a need, then get the best price. Their sharing deals is consistent with that. 

They do promote eco options where they are cost-effective - some people cannot afford to buy a higher level/better/eco product and need cheaper options. That's economic reality. 

I get your point to some extent, as less consumerism and disposable living would be a benefit to the planet. However, that is not the primary point of this website. It would be like me going to the Doctor Martins website and complaining that I wanted Nike trainers. 

Mark_in_Kent

bargainbetty said:

. It would be like me going to the Doctor Martins website and complaining that I wanted Nike trainers. 

Not at all, it's more like you going to the Dr Martin's website and asking if they could use sustainable rubber to make their soles.

I'm not saying stop the MSE site, I understand that this site is meant to make money for the owners (Moneysupermarket.com), it'll be nice for them to tone down the "buy linear economy" items. I do think they are starting to do that which is nice and I applaud them for that

Mark_in_Kent

molerat said:

Maybe all high street stores should have blacked out windows in case someone sees something they don't really need.

A radical idea indeed, and would certainly help when walking the children past the M&Ms store.

born_again

What ever happened to personal responsibility?

TELLIT01

I don't interpret information about discount as encouraging spending.  If I need/want something I will research and purchase.  If I don't need something, all the advertising in the world won't encourage me to buy it.  Personal responsibility is important.