I started to write this great little post about one something or another and then … then I read one of those little sidebars that pop up on my computer screen and entered an hour-long excursion into the history of shoes …
“Shoe rationing in the United States ends, October 30, 1945”
WTF?? What in the world was shoe rationing?? I am a fairly well-educated gal. Partly, I suppose, because of my schooling but mostly, I believe, because of the life I’ve led and the research I’ve done as a journalist. Yet, this is the first I can recall hearing of shoe rationing.
The gist … in the midst of WWII economics determined our livelihood. Citizens were encouraged to “use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” with poster headlines like:
Save Waste Fats for Explosives, Take them to Your Meat Dealer
and …
When You Ride Alone You Ride With Hitler!
Yes, apparently “rideshare” was a thing in 1943. So was shock advertising. Who knew. That same year, the U.S. government issued a declaration on shoe rationing stating that every American would be limited to three pairs of shoes per year.
Hmmmm … three pairs. Three. I don’t go one day wearing only three pairs of shoes. Not even when I’m on vacation. Although, I do wholly believe that most Americans are considerably more privileged than we realize. Or admit. So, it begs the question, is there something you could do without? Are there things you could, “use up, or do without?”
I have tried to stop excessive food buying. I find the whole “big-box” store concept obnoxious. Yes, I admit, I have fallen prey to filling my pantry and fridge to the point of absurdity, and I have thrown away more “good intentions” than not (literally, and figuratively)—think the ingredients for recipes I thought I’d make but never did; clothes I thought I’d wear, but never did. The list goes on. But, I have gotten much better about living consciously, and truthfully, I believe my small steps contribute. Could I do better? Clearly.
Do I really need 13 tubes or “different” shades of red lipstick?
Alas, it’s ongoing. How about you? What could you do better about “using up?”
Today’s post inspired by the WordPress daily prompt: What are the biggest benefits of minimalist living? Cover image created with Google AI.
DISCLAIMER: I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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