Legislators are still debating an economic stimulus package, but it's pretty certain we'll see a U.S. tax rebate. I heard one legislator, interviewed by NPR, say how, once the rebate's passed and the check's distributed, citizens should do their jobs ad consumers and spend the money into the staggering, confused economy. The Simple Living Network has a Don't Buy It campaign, saying "it is difficult to imagine why anyone would help reinforce the behavior of a broken government or stimulate an out of control economy by purchasing more stuff and junk." The elevator speech: "Don't Buy It, Change The Economy, Put Your Rebate To Work!" What I'm hearing is that we should think strategically about the use of our rebate dollars. Proponents of the rebate have a clear strategy: stimulate the economy by sending a little windfall that everybody will feel comfortable spending on the usual crap, the microwave ovens and color tvs of the old Dire Straits tune. As the simple livers imply, their strategy doesn't have to be our strategy. The Worldchanging rebate strategy: spend those dollars on the bright green economy. Buy products that support sustainability. Examples: local food, green design, solar or wind energy products, urban gardens, recycled whatever, energy efficiency, green computers... the Bright Green Wiki is full of helpful references..
Needless to say, one excellent use of your rebate would be to donate some or all of it to Worldchanging!
What are your thoughts about rebate strategy? What are you planning do do with your extra dollars?
