My First Moral Dilemma (No, not ever)

Only for this year, and only regarding my New Year’s Resolution.

Something popped up in my Facebook news feed yesterday that got me a little excited:

I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly this means.

For a little background, 31 Bits is a non-profit started by some girls I went to college with. They buy beaded jewelry from women in Uganda to sell, as well as provide various educational opportunities for the women.

This is from their website:

31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.

Even though I didn’t really know the founders,* I still like to be supportive of fellow alumni, especially when it’s attached to good doings on a global scale. Plus a lot of their stuff is really cute!

But nothing they sell is ever cheap, and rightfully so considering everything behind it. So when I saw they had necklaces on sale for a steep discount, of course I had to click.

I think you can guess where this is going.

While I was trying to decide between the navy or gold Robi, I suddenly remembered my decision to not buy anything new in 2012. Yes, it was sudden, and felt kind of like, "Oh yeah, that's right."

Duh, how could I forget? That is really the only goal I made for this year, and it’s only been 26 days! (or, alternatively, how am I supposed to remember, that was 26 days ago!) For goodness sake!

But seriously? I can’t buy a handmade necklace from Africa even though they’re helping working ladies prosper and are currently half off the regular price?? Shoot. 

And this is where the moral dilemma comes in. 

You thought maybe my moral dilemma was whether or not to cheat on my resolution, didn't you? Do you really think I'm so careless with my word, so lacking in willpower, so morally obtuse, that after 26 days I would consider breaking down and buying a brand spanking new necklace that I don't even need? Have you no faith in me?!

Actually, the dilemma is that the beads are made from rolled paper, and not just any paper: recycled paper. As in used paper. As in paper that is not new paper.
So even though the necklace as a whole is technically not used, the main elements of the necklace are.

And did I mention the price?

So tell me, please, what's a girl to do? And please be prompt, this sale won't last forever.

*For other successful classmates I actually did know, check out Krochet Kids international and Foster the People.