Issue 20 - Stanley Tumblers and Conspicuous Consumption

Welcome to issue twenty of the Eco Punks Gazette. New year, new you, right?Have you broken any resolutions yet?

We’re of the mind that 2024 will be another year in which AI drives headlines and bottom lines. Consequently it will also be a year of events and human connection. Let’s see if we can find the overlap where these things meet.

Upcoming Events

Today at at 2pm EST - Advocacy in the age of AI

This is the link for today, please join promptly at 2pm as we’ll all be guests on Steve’s Zoom. 😎

January Media Club: Patria/Homeland

Jess Vaillancourt and Bee Your Creative Styles

Ecosystems acknowledge intersections between connected areas. As a curated consignment retailer, Jess Vaillancourt’s business (Bee Your Creative Styles) sits at a really interesting intersection between clothing Upcyclers/Recyclers and Vintage Aficionados, as well as other members of the Sustainable Fashion movement. She also provides a physical meeting place in Ottawa's Sandy Hill community for Tuesday Mend Nights.

The following episode was produced by Chris Irwin and features Jeanette Herrle, Murley Herrle-Fanning, Jesse Hirsh, in addition to our guest Jess Vaillancourt.

The conversation covers a range of topics, including the consignment business, the impact of fast fashion, the importance of mending and repairing clothes, and the role of secondhand stores in promoting sustainable fashion practices.

The idea of creating a community hub and the psychological relationship people have with clothes, particularly in the context of mending and alterations, are also touched upon. Jess shares insights into her journey in the fashion and consignment industry, her approach to running her business, and her observations on how different generations interact with fashion and secondhand clothing.

The discussion concludes with reflections on the importance of community support for small businesses like Jess's and the potential for collaborative efforts in the fashion industry.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us Jess! For those reading in Ottawa or visiting soon, do check out the shop!

The Rise of Stanley Tumblers: A Symbol of Eco-conscious Luxury and Conspicuous Consumption

In recent years, Stanley Tumblers have emerged as more than just a practical item for keeping beverages at the desired temperature. They have become a symbol of status among those who wish to be perceived as environmentally conscious. This phenomenon can be understood through the lens of conspicuous consumption, a concept deeply rooted in social and economic theory.

The term "conspicuous consumption" was coined by economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1899 book, "The Theory of the Leisure Class." Veblen described it as the spending of money on and the acquiring of luxury goods and services to publicly display economic power. This behavior is not about the utility of the product but rather about the prestige it bestows upon its owner.

Stanley Tumblers, originally known for their durability and thermal retention capabilities, have transcended their utilitarian roots. As environmental awareness has become more mainstream, these tumblers have been adopted as a symbol of an eco-friendly lifestyle. However, their rising status has also led to an increase in price, transforming them into a luxury item.

The irony in Stanley Tumblers becoming a luxury item lies in the intersection of environmental consciousness and conspicuous consumption. On one hand, using reusable tumblers reduces dependence on single-use plastics, aligning with sustainable practices. On the other hand, the high price and the status associated with the brand can contradict the fundamental principles of sustainability, which include accessibility and reducing excess.

Social media has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Influencers and environmentally conscious celebrities flaunting their Stanley Tumblers have contributed to its desirability. This visibility has reinforced the idea that owning such a product is not just a practical choice but also a statement of one's values and social standing.

The case of Stanley Tumblers is a fascinating example of how products can evolve to become symbols of status and identity. It prompts a critical reflection on our consumption patterns and the values we associate with the products we choose to buy. While it is commendable to opt for environmentally friendly products, it is also essential to be aware of how these choices can be influenced by social and economic factors, leading to a new form of conspicuous consumption.

@kylascan

Stanley veblen good tumbler #federalreserve #economics #stanleytumbler

Katt Williams sets the tone for 2024

Last Wednesday legendary comedian and preeminent performer Katt Williams dropped a series of bombs on Black Hollywood and American culture in general in a podcast appearance. It was such an electric performance, it has reached 35 million views in five days.

To be clear, this comes in the context of an almost three hour advertisement for expensive booze. The podcast in question is Club Shay Shay, which is hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and is a vehicle to promote his $100/bottle cognac.

Normally it’s an interview format, but in this case Katt came charging out of the gates and completely dominated the 2 hours and 46 minutes. Shannon could only react and play the role of co-host.

What would draw 35 million plus views of an almost three hour podcast? Energy! Tea! And incredible storytelling. This episode is literal fire: it got so many people upset and publicly responding to it that many saw it via these reactions.

If you have the time, it is worth watching:

But if you’re not prepared to commit three hours (or less if you watch it at 2x speed) to this, here are some TikToks that explain why it has been such a major event in the pop culture ecosystem:

@c8thagr8

My brain is short circuiting rn. I have so much to disect 🤯🤯 #kattwilliams #shannonsharpe #fyp #hashtagsmakemenervous #celebritynews

@donnellwrites

Katt Williams really said, “I might tell you a joke, but I’ll never tell you a lie.” 😮‍💨 Katt Williams has always told hard hitting truths... See more

Is Katt Williams the Black Jordan Peterson?

@thiiirdperson

Some rhetorical moves work better for joketelling than for critical thinking, and comedians trade in rhetoric more than thought. not hatin... See more

Black men being forced to dress as old women?

@kierabreaugh

#katwilliams

What do you think?

Do your animals talk to you?

Ours talk us! So we started a newsletter to share their thoughts and stories.

We’ve created a Signal group for Eco Punks to share links, ideas, and get a friendly reminder about salons and events. If you’d like to join us on Signal, email [email protected].

And that’s another issue! Thanks for making it to the end. This issue’s bonus music track was recommended by Eco Punk David Ryan: