The Metro: Curbing the impulse to buy more stuff
Anthropologist and author of the book “So Much Stuff,” Chip Colwell, joined the show to discuss humans’ long-standing relationship with items and why we have so much.
Anthropologist and author of the book “So Much Stuff," Chip Colwell, joined The Metro to discuss why humans accumulate so much stuff.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Chip Colwell
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For some of us, we have accumulated a lot of STUFF – items we’ve collected throughout our lives. For some reason, we can’t overcome the urge to buy new things.
Our thirst for stuff is a result of decisions made by early humans, according to anthropologist Chip Colwell. In his book titled “So Much Stuff,” he writes that when humans made the first tools, it sparked millions of years of possibilities that led us to where we are today. And it’s in understanding this history we can learn to buy less.
Colwell joined The Metro on Monday to help us understand our relationship with items and why we have to have so much of it. He is also the founder of the anthropology publication “Sapiens.”
We also asked listeners:
“How much of the stuff you have do you actually need?”
Etsy in Garden City said: “I’ve known how to sew my whole life. I own my own sewing machine, and I’ve started transitioning from purchasing clothes to trying to make as many of my own clothes as I can.”
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
More stories from The Metro on Monday, April 7:
- Mallory McMorrow wants to bring a new generation to the US Senate
- Former Sleeping Bear Dunes superintendent warns of cuts to national parks, public lands
- Political pressure is ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
