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We live in a world driven by upgrades, accessories and add-ons. We are, indeed, consumers. But when we leverage all the commercial messages and lusty ads, we still know that the meaning of life isn't found in our stuff. It's about something much greater.

In the face of mass consumerism, globalization and the temptation to have "more"—here are a few simple tips to subvert the consumer penchant and make a difference in the world.

Get educated

According to Bread for the World, the organization that started the popular celebrity-supported ONE campaign to "Make Poverty History," there are more than 1 billion people who live on less than a dollar a day.

And every day, more than 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes.

We live in a world with great needs. And the problems we face aren't due to a lack of resources as much as they are to poor distribution. Understanding these critical needs and where they come from is a great place to start.

Buy with a conscience

You can make a difference by simply purchasing goods with a conscience.

The organization TransFair USA has made October official Fair Trade Month. TransFair hopes to bring attention to the need for better work environments for farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

TransFair has strict standards to help ensure that farmers are guaranteed minimum floor price for organic products.

By purchasing goods with an ethical bent you can help improve the living conditions of struggling farmers across the globe.

It's simple, Fair Trade matters. You can find out where to buy Fair Trade products at www.transfairusa.org.

Give your stuff away

Instead of accumulating stuff, make a habit of giving things away. Chances are you still won't be able to keep up with the constant flow of flotsam that just appears in your house or apartment.

The more you hold onto your things the harder it is to live a generous life. Give your excess tangibles away to organizations like Goodwill, a local food pantry, a shelter or a family in need.

Bottom line: Don't hoard.

Pass on the upgrade

In our constant race to stay relevant, upgrading is almost expected. But you don't always have to buy the newest model. Keeping that old computer—or iPod — for one more year can free up finances to do something good.

If you pass on the upgrade, you can take the surplus and donate money to a special cause like Blood:Water Mission

(www.bloodwatermission

.com), an organization that promotes clean water and clean blood in Africa.

Or take the extra cash and sponsor a child in an impoverished country through Compassion International (www.compassion.org).

Become an activist —

do something

Don't be an armchair revolutionary.

It's painless to stay on the sidelines and carp; it takes a gutsy attitude to get involved.

Give your compassion some street-cred by serving in a soup kitchen, giving your time to raise money for a special cause, or serving in your local church.

Sometimes, we just need to show up to make a difference.

It's true, we are consumers, and, in America, we definitely live in the economy of "more," but we can still make life choices that deliver an impact both locally and around the globe.

Of course, buying Fair Trade coffee or dropping off some old clothes at Goodwill won't instantly transform the world, but the small things add up when we all contribute.

And, in the process, we might discover that it's still better to share resources than consume them — no matter how many messages tell us otherwise.

Brian Orme is an associate pastor at Community Church in West Milton and a freelance religion writer. Send e-mail to mjorme@gmail.com.