I got the idea for this post as I was walking my dog, and then I came back and checked my email. There was an interesting “wanted list” posted to our freecycle group that really exemplified my thoughts. I won’t list all of the items but the poster was someone who was just starting out (again) and was looking for things as basic as beds and pots to more high-end items like a laptop and working digital camera. To me the post was a perfect illustration of misguided expectations; here was someone who needed to ask strangers for a bed to sleep on, and in the same email was making requests for expensive electronic equipment. While I know certain items might make life more interesting or convenient, to expect them to come to us easily is my concern. I think the problem goes beyond need versus want. Personally, I feel that it speaks to the fact that our concept of how to meet basic needs is so out of whack that even if we truly need something, our sense of what it takes to fulfill that need (i.e. our expectation) is quite inflated.

I think in order to save, whether it be financial or environmental resources, we often need to change our expectations. There are a number of different sources that shape our expectations: our society certainly shapes some of them, as well as our closer circle of friends and family. While some things that are expected are often requirements to participate in our modern society (ex. telephones), many are not and I feel that it is worth examining them in order to find areas where we can cut back. For example, your employer (generally) expects that you have a working home phone number; this is an expectation that you probably can’t do much to change. However, you can often get by with just a landline, instead of a cell phone (especially if there are multiple adults in the household). Having cable is perhaps an expectation of your smaller circle, and your friends might often call up and ask what you think of so-and-so’s character on such-and-such show. If you go against the tide and don’t have cable TV, you might not be meeting your friends’ expectations; however you have to ask yourself which is worth more to you, saving your resources or meeting the expectations of others.

Here are some common expectations with sample adjustments:

Instead of expecting to have a house that is 68 degrees in summer and 82 degrees in winter, I expect to keep my house at a level that is safe and tolerable for all occupants. While this might require some adjustments in dress, it certainly doesn’t cause undue hardship and saves both energy and money.

Instead of expecting to take a trip abroad every year, I expect to take vacation time, and do something that is enjoyable and relaxing. Even though I may not go an a lot of exotic trips, I still take the time to rejuvenate myself, and I spend money on other areas that will help me and others more in the long run.

Instead of expecting a new car every three years, you could expect to have a working car. Or better yet, reliable transportation. This would certainly save on monetary costs. If you went further and changed your expectation from being able to drive everywhere to having a safe method of transport, then you could walk or hop on a bike and do the planet a few favors as well.

As you can see, if we simply change some of our expectations, it is still possible to meet basic needs and save financial and environmental resources.

I thought I would list some expectations that my generation has now, that we didn’t have when we were growing up (10 - 15 years ago). I’m sure if I were older I could add even more items to the list.

  • Cell phones - The rich kids got their own phone lines, and the rest of us dreamed of having a phone in our room
  • iPods/MP3 Players - You were happy to have a CD “Discman” instead of a walkman (tape player)
  • Your own computer - I have fond memories of playing Oregon Trail with my sister. Apple IIE anyone?
  • High speed internet - I remember when you were happy to get free AOL CD’s in the mail
  • Digital cameras - Can you say 110?
  • Eating out multiple times during the week - We often ate out after church at the mall. Sit down meal in restaurant = graduation, and then it was an all you can eat buffet.

Can you think of any others?