Things I don't own

[glittertigger]

I just tried to upgrade to a paid account and as I don't have a credit card this appears to be almost impossible. I was trying to upgrade to post a poll about things I don't own! I'll just ask the question in rambling text format instead.

I own minimal technology for reasons including lack of interest, lack of space, the amount things cost to buy / maintain and environmental concerns. Do you think any of the following (none of which I own) really count as necessities? I do have a mobile phone.

Landline phone
Television
Dishwasher
Tumble dryer
Computer (OK, so I use other people's a lot)
MP3 player or any other electronic gadget

I don't have central heating either, although I do have double-glazing, properly lined curtains and storage heaters. I've often read discussions on poverty which cite the lack of some of these items as a form of deprivation, but I think I live very comfortably.

Comments

[triskellian]

I have all of those except the dishwasher, but I don't consider any of them necessities. The computer is the closest thing to a necessity, but I'd cope (barely!) without it. It would necessitate some lifestyle changes, though. I like my MP3 player, but don't use it often and wouldn't miss it much if I didn't have it. The only reason we have a landline phone is because it comes with the internet and the TV package. I would miss the TV, but almost-entirely for watching DVDs, which I could do on the puter instead - there's not much I watch on broadcast TV (we didn't have one at all the whole time we were in the flat). We use the tumble dryer too much, and I keep meaning to put up a washing line so we can cut down.

My similar item is a microwave - we don't have one of those, and don't miss it.

There's a notice on the back of a toilet door at work which puts you in the "top" x% of the world according to possession of various items like this, as if entire quality of life is measured by such things, and it makes me angry every time I use that loo.

[glittertigger]

There's certainly plenty of room in your garden for a washing line :)

Notices and articles like the one you mention are one of my pet hates. I'm not sure I could put my definition of success into words, but it certainly isn't related to how much stuff I own.