Podcast Summary: Feminist Survival Project – Episode "No Buy Low Buy"

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosts: Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Title: No Buy Low Buy

Overview

In the "No Buy Low Buy" episode of the Feminist Survival Project, hosts Emily and Amelia Nagoski explore their personal journeys toward minimizing consumerism through a deliberate no-buy or low-buy year. They discuss the motivations behind this decision, the challenges they face, and the practical strategies they've implemented to align their spending with their ethical and personal values. The conversation is rich with actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections aimed at empowering feminists overwhelmed by the pressures of modern consumer culture.

1. Introduction to No Buy Low Buy

Amelia kicks off the episode by announcing a new live segment and transitions into discussing the concept of "No Buy Low Buy" (00:02 - 02:07). She states:

"My goal is not to buy any clothes this year because I had to replace my entire wardrobe last year because I changed sizes."
— Amelia [02:07]

Emily echoes this sentiment, sharing her own commitment to reducing consumption without setting strict limits on necessary items like food and skincare products (02:07 - 02:22).

2. Motivations Behind No Buy Low Buy

Emily outlines two primary reasons for adopting a no-buy low-buy approach:

1. Economic Principles:

   "I don't want to participate in the Trump economy if I can avoid it."
   — Emily [02:35]

   She emphasizes avoiding support for corporations that don't align with their values, citing examples like Amazon and Meta.

2. Decluttering and Sustainability:

   "There's also the ecological impact, right? Like, we reduce our consumerism and we reduce the amount that we are contributing to landfills."
   — Emily [02:48]

   This includes minimizing environmental footprints by reducing waste and avoiding contributing to pollution.

Amelia adds personal necessity as a motivator, having had to overhaul her wardrobe due to changing sizes, which made her resolve to limit new clothing purchases (02:07).

3. Aligning Spending with Values

The hosts delve into how their purchasing decisions reflect their ethical stances:

• Supporting Ethical Businesses:

  "We are also going to continue to spend money on the least unethical groceries we can."
  — Emily [11:22]

  They prioritize buying from local, humane, and environmentally responsible sources, even if it means paying premium prices.

• Avoiding Corporations with Contradictory Practices:

  "I canceled my Audible subscription, which I have been using since long before Amazon acquired them."
  — Emily [04:04]

  This includes discontinuing subscriptions and services from companies misaligned with their ethics.

Amelia discusses closing her Twitch account due to its ownership by Amazon and shifting her viewing habits to more ethical platforms (04:05 - 04:09).

4. Practical Strategies for Reducing Consumption

Use What You Have:

"Use your libraries in your no buy situation. And then there's stuff I'm just gonna slow down on, like bath and body care products."
— Emily [15:58]

Both hosts advocate for maximizing the use of current possessions before considering new purchases.

Wait Before Buying:

"If I feel a desire for a thing, I'm gonna wait at least a week before I actually purchase anything."
— Emily [16:00]

This strategy helps curb impulsive buying and ensures that purchases are necessary and thoughtful.

Prioritizing Needs Over Wants:

"Do what you got to do with the resources you have available. And if you don't have the resources to make choices solely based on your, you know, racial and social justice."
— Amelia [05:54]

They emphasize making purchases that fulfill genuine needs rather than succumbing to consumer-driven desires.

5. Navigating Challenges and Avoiding Consumer Traps

Dealing with Subscriptions and Hidden Costs:

Amelia shares negative experiences with subscription services like DoorDash and BetterHelp, highlighting issues with unauthorized charges and poor customer service:

"They just started charging me for it. So no buy, low buy."
— Amelia [52:07]

Emily emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about where your money goes and understanding that:

"If you're not paying for it, you're the product."
— Emily [17:34]

Avoiding Recreational Shopping:

"You're not gonna use that much of your time and attention and energy trying to find shit."
— Amelia [49:16]

They discuss how shopping can become a numbing hobby and advocate for reclaiming time and attention for more fulfilling activities.

6. Personal Experiences and Adaptations

Amelia's Wardrobe Overhaul:

"I ended up with two pairs. One I bought new and one I bought secondhand. The secondhand ones are not great, but they're waterproof and casual and fine."
— Amelia [49:42]

Emily's Selective Spending:

"If you have $55 and a candle... that's a ton of money."
— Emily [10:38]

They share how they've adapted their spending habits to prioritize items that bring joy and align with their values, such as ethical candles and high-quality, sustainable foods.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Consumer Choices:

"You are the boss of your home. You get to choose."
— Emily [60:12]

The hosts reinforce that individuals have the power to make conscious spending decisions that reflect their values and contribute to their well-being.

Encouragement and Support:

"Do what the best you can with the resources you have available."
— Amelia [06:09]

They encourage listeners to reflect on their consumption habits and make choices that enhance their wellness without judgment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amelia: "My goal is not to buy any clothes this year because I had to replace my entire wardrobe last year because I changed sizes." [02:07]
• Emily: "I don't want to participate in the Trump economy if I can avoid it." [02:35]
• Emily: "If you're not paying for it, you're the product." [17:34]
• Amelia: "They are stealing it from you." [51:52]
• Emily: "Do not follow my tips on, like, spend more money on your ground beef." [43:02]
• Amelia: "Better help is selling your information." [54:43]
• Emily: "You are the boss of your home. You get to choose." [60:12]

Key Takeaways

1. Align Spending with Personal Values: Prioritize purchases that reflect ethical beliefs and sustainability.
2. Minimize Clutter and Reduce Consumerism: Use existing resources fully before acquiring new items to reduce environmental impact.
3. Implement Mindful Spending Strategies: Employ techniques like waiting periods before purchases and setting clear priorities to avoid impulsive buying.
4. Stay Vigilant Against Consumer Traps: Be aware of hidden costs, unauthorized charges, and the manipulative nature of online shopping platforms.
5. Empower Personal Agency: Recognize the power to make conscious spending decisions that enhance personal well-being and align with broader ethical standards.

Conclusion

In this episode of the Feminist Survival Project, Emily and Amelia Nagoski provide a compelling narrative on the importance of mindful consumption. Through personal stories and practical advice, they inspire listeners to reassess their own spending habits, encouraging a shift toward more intentional and values-driven consumerism. The discussion underscores the significant impact that individual choices can have on both personal well-being and broader societal and environmental issues.