Categories: uncategorized
Date: 07 April 2007 11:13:47
Today I have been to a big supermarket, (note this is an experience for the person without a car who normally can only go to the ickle places within walking distance).
I have to say that I now understand much more about why this particular supermarket is being accused of taking over the world and groups such as Tescopoly have formed. I knew that you could now get practically everything you wanted in these places, but I hadn't realised that they now had an extended range of decent brands to buy - I thought Boots was the only place I could buy my very overpriced shampoo and conditioner, but no this is also now available within the supermarket.
In some ways seeing this makes me realise that my decision not to learn to drive and get a car is even more of a definite lifestyle choice. The car decision means I am still dependant upon local shops and so find it easier to support them, whether they are small retailers or small branches of larger chains. This in turn sometimes makes it easier to be sure that I am getting local produce and so supporting local trade in addition to fair trade.
However, there are downsides all of this takes time and todays experience has made me see that if I had a car I could just stop off once a week on my way home from work and stock up on everything. Thus giving me more time to log and get more work done from home, etc, etc. Also as I could buy in bulk everything would be much more cost effective, although I am sure I would buy more I didn't need if I didn't have to work on the basis of only buying what I can physically carry home.