Forum Post: Sanitize your gear, recycle your wares.

In the light of many detractors arguing that the goods we have came from corporations (mobile devices, computers, attire ect) perhaps it is time to share what many of us during the years have been doing, as to show that their argument, while seemingly valid, is not.

In our culture of crass-commercialism, we are urged by advertizing to buy recklessly, without consideration to alternatives, let's explore some of them.

1) Never buy new.

Buying a new product, entails that you are willing to give a corporation your money for goods that they have produced overseas, in sweatshop enviroments, at the expense of the local ecosystem. This is true for most electronic devices, clothing.

Luckily there is a way to go around this. Never buy new. There are many second hand shops where you can get clothing that is in excellent condition and ,when the quality is there, can last you a few more years.

With electronics, there are pawn shops and certain computer stores carry "refurbished" computers. Those can be just as good as the latest tech. Throw in an open-sourced operating system (Linux) and you're good to go.

2) If you have to buy new, buy local.

Of course, there will be goods where you have no choice to buy new (Foodstuffs for example). If so, then buy local. Try to find out what merchants you have within a 100 mile radius carries the goods that you need. It can take a little research, but it's well worth it.

If you have a local grocer, inquire about what local goods he carries and what farmers he buys from. By doing so, you support local jobs and the local economy.

The same with clothing, support your local tailor, and if you have one (Those are becoming a rarity) a local shoemaker. A decent pair of boots made by the local cobbler can outlast many brand names. And go to them in the summer for sandals. You will have a pair that will last for years.

3) When acquiring corporate-made goods, sanitize!

The practice of sanitizing your gear comes from the military, more precisely the special forces, who have that practice of removing any ranks or patches that would identify them should they have been captured.

Many of the goods we buy have a logo on them identifying which company made them, forcing you to become a walking billboard for them.

And so, we need to "sanitize" the things we own. It's got a logo? Take it off, cover it or unless it is a good that would be long lasting don't bother with it and the company that manufactured it.

Many articles of clothing have more discreet logos these can be died out or you can sow a discreet patch over them.

The same with electronics, especially computers/tablets. I highly recommend throwing out certain operating systems (not going to give names) Due to their restrictive nature and need to know way too much information about you. Support the companies that support Open-source ventures and that do NOT allow restrictions on how you can customize your goods.

When you buy it, it's yours. Not theirs. You should have the control over it. Not the other way around.