This chapter provides background to sustainable consumption in Central Eastern Europe (CEE) by discussing its history, especially the transition from socialism to a market economy and its impact on welfare. The concept of creative communities is introduced and its importance for sustainable consumption is highlighted. Two groups of drivers for engaging in creative communities are distinguished: based on needs, and striving to implement an alternative vision of a more sustainable society. Both these are illustrated with examples, and synergy is shown between them. In CEE traditions, experience and skills already exist to be built upon in a move to sustainable consumption. Concurrently, these traditions and skills are in danger of becoming lost in our globalising world.