I would like to think I’m emancipated from the steel grip of consumerism.

I mean, I am living as leanly as I comfortably can.

But it’s interesting to acknowledge the shadow of anti consumerism.

Self sufficiency is amazing, don’t get me wrong. I remember making a comment 8 years ago – ‘I want to be self sufficient’.

But every coffee you brew yourself, you are neglecting yourself the opportunity for social connection.

For every meal you cook and eat at your camp site rather than in the camp kitchen, you are depriving yourself social connection.

Does it really matter? I would argue no, because I am perfectly content in my solitude. But when you start to dwell on what you are missing, the quiet void makes itself known.

But I will not sacrifice my solitude for bad company.

If all you have to offer is a warm body of companionship, I’m not interested.

I find myself wanting the little hit of dopamine that comes from wandering through town and buying a drink, but if I do that every day or a few times a week, I will quickly drink away my fuel money.

The other argument is it is simply necessary to find people on the same wave. Other dwellers you can share resources with but still maintain your budget.

The answer is not in the convenience culture, like we have been indoctrinated to believe.

Not to villainize consumerism and convenience culture – I appreciate it has it’s moments, but it is too easy to fall into an addiction – which funnily enough, it is designed to be.

So off I go, to source some matcha and cacao so I can enjoy my budget friendly warm drinks from the comfort of my backyard, wherever that may be.