It’s hard. Try to make them understand that it is not really about their data specifically, but about what these corporations can do with the aggregated data from millions of people. They can know things about us that we never told them and never wanted them, or anyone, to know. They can manipulate us into actions and behaviors that may or may not be benificial to us, that makes them the most money. They can decide who wins an election. They should not have that power.

In Sweden you can get by with just English, no problem. A lot of people also speak Arabic or Finnish, but unlike English it is not taught to everyone in school so you can’t expect everyone to know it, or get by without learning Swedish or English.

Personally I keep books and CD’s. I have lots from my teens and early adulthood. I like them, and I also like having a library that my kid can look through as he gets older. Clothes and furniture I’m not sentimental about though. Only keep what you’re actually going to use, sell, donate or throw away the rest.

Of course the water is free. And in many places you can get a free refill of coffee (Sweden).