I am pledging right here, right now that I will buy nothing new for the next year. I just watched a film called The Story of Stuff and it has cemented my conviction that consumerism is among the worst problems the world faces. If we don’t experience a major paradigm shift soon, we will hasten our demise.
This is a gloomy outlook on the future, I know, but think about these points the film highlights:
1.) The cycle of consumerism is endless. We work, make money, spend it, watch TV, see ads that tell us our lives, looks, diets, homes are inferior, so we shop more and have to work more to pay for our shopping, which leaves us tired and wanting to watch TV, where we see more ads…
2.) The path from extraction of resources through disposal is linear, meaning it ends at disposal and does nothing to replenish itself at the extraction phase. A finite space like our planet cannot support the endless consumption and disposal of a linear system.
3.) Our economy is built on endless consumerism, and our disposable lifestyle was carefully planned and implemented. Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence are carefully plotted strategies invented by industrial engineers in the ‘50’s. The film points out that engineering trade magazines from that time period are full of musings on how to make products that break quickly and require replacement without damaging consumer confidence. Do you know that only 1% of what we buy in the U.S. is still in use six months after purchase? That means 99% percent of the goods we buy are thrown away quickly.
4.) The stuff we manufacture and buy is by and large loaded with toxins. These aren’t good for our bodies and they aren’t good for our environment. I’ve written more extensively about this in other entries, like Poisoned Pucker: What’s In Your Lip Gloss?
Buying nothing new is an exciting challenge! When I think about my spending habits, I know there are several impulsive purchases every week that have done nothing for me, my budget, or my environment. Who did those purchases help? The corporations. And why would I want to help them? Because our economy is currently dependent on them? Because shopping is the American way? Too bad! I’m going to focus on my local economy. There are several second-hand shops in my city that sell everything from clothing to furniture to toys to exercise equipment. I will support them instead.
The guidelines for my year off the retail grid are as follow:
1.) New food and medicine are okay. I mean, duh! Used food? But I will buy locally and sustainably grown food and as much bulk in reused containers as possible. Toilet paper and toothpaste are also approved new purchases. I will try to make the rest of my toiletries from food products. A book called Homemade is a great resource for this endeavor. There are used copies available on Amazon.
2.) Consignment shops, garage sales, craigslist, Goodwill, and the like are all okay. Buying from these stores/organizations/ people keeps unwanted merchandise out of landfills and incinerators.
3.) All gifts will be homemade or purchased second hand. Homemade gifts will not require the purchase of new materials, unless it is a food-based gift. I don’t care if it is considered tacky to give someone a used book or article of clothing for their birthday; I am also giving them the gift of a clean conscience! I hope my family likes bath salts, because that’s what everyone is getting. They are made of salt, baking soda, herbs and oil, which are all food products. I will package them in reused bottles and jars that I’ve been saving all year. I will also make journals out of scrap paper and mat board I already have in the house. Heifer International donations will round out my gift list.
4.) I will not require that my friends and family abide by these rules when giving me gifts, but I will let them know my intentions and invite them to play along.
5.) I will reuse everything possible! There is a reason Reduce and Reuse come first in the green mantra, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Recycling is great, but it requires energy. Reducing and reusing do not.
Clothing will be my biggest challenge. I am freakishly tall and proportionately large, so consignment shopping is difficult. The majority of the population, even among tall Scandinavian Minnesotans, is several inches shorter than I. This lowers the odds that I will find second-hand clothes that fit me. With a little extra searching and a lot less pickiness, though, I’m sure I will never go to work naked.
The key to this mission’s success is redefining the word ‘need.’ Do I need new jeans, or do I want them? Do I need new three ring binders for school, or can I organize more efficiently and use the ones I have? As I sit here in my house, I can’t think of anything I lack, really, so why would I ever buy anything? I don’t know! But still I shop. Until now. This is the end of my consumeristic ways.
I look forward to updating you as I dig into my year! If you think you might be up to the challenge, watch The Story of Stuff and read THIS. Then get started!
This post made me think a lot about the new things that I've bought in the past year. I'm definitely not your typical consumer; I don't frequent malls and I can go months without buying something new. The holiday season is probably my biggest spending time, but I had a couple big ticket items; a car and a computer. I think it will be very hard to not buy anything new, but you can certainly try. I'm not sure if I could do it especially since I'm going back to grad school this year, but it would be cool to do it as much as possible.
The thing that really gets me is that I absolutely LOVE new school supplies. My binders usually last no more than 2 years, because they simply fall apart from wear and tear. What about things like pens and pencils? Will you use only regular wood #2 pencils or one mechanical one that you can continuously refill? I'm notorious for losing/loaning writing utensils, hair ties, paper clips, and for some reason watches.
I predict that you'll enjoy the "second-hand lifestyle" but that the money you don't put into buying new items will have to be spent on repairs, replacement items, etc. I can't wait to hear how it turns out! Good luck!!
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo
Yup, I'm a music nerd.
I hate mechanical pencils! But I do have a couple of pens that are made from recycled plastic and can be refilled. I don't think I'll have to buy any new pens or pencils for year, though. I have a huge stockpile! That is a good point, though. Those aren't the kind of thing one can easily find second hand. Luckily, my classes are going paperless, so I can hand everything in online.
I don't expect that I'll have to spend much in repairs...I mean, it's only one year, you know? I doubt much will break down in a year. (although my hair dryer is on the blink...)
I am curious to see how I will handle those situations. I'll find out how resourceful I really am!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Hopefully none of your things will go berserk and need repairs. I was just lucky enough to have my car totalled and my computer essentially blow up at just about the same time. And my brother's already gone through 2 cell phones this year. Our theory in my house is "If its not broke, don't fix it", but we're definitely keeping our fingers crossed about the washing machine and my dad's car (over 250,000 miles on that puppy-gotta love Hondas for their "run forever" quality).
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo
Yup, I'm a music nerd.
Yep, my honda just hit 100,000. She still has lots of life in her-- if i get the growing rust spot fixed before it gets too bad, that is. That's one negative of living in a state where salt is on the road most of the year.
The way I am reading EWs pledge (and, by default, mine-- but I'm totally 100% in to this) is that if, say, the washing machine should up and break, we'd try to get it fixed. If fixing it isn't an option, we'd look for a used one that met our needs. If that didn't work, we'd go to the laundr-o-mat until we can convince someone else to buy it for us. No, I'm just kidding. I think if something like the stove, fridge, washing machine, etc were broken beyond repair, we'd get a new one. Right, EW?
What's wrong with washing underwear in the sink? And there's always the laundromat down the street...
I should hope we'll get more than two years out of our washer and dryer, though.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
One could argue that should the washing machine break, spending a roll of quarters a week and the time at the laundromat is more expensive than purchasing a new one. Beyond that, we already know our local laundromat does not use high effeciency washers or dryers. They are open 24 hours, and air conditioned. Add all of those environmental costs to the cost of time and money, and we're looking at a huge loss. So, what's really the point of this endeavor? Isn"t it to save reduce the amount of stuff consumed by each individual, and by default help reduce the amount of crap that goes into the environment? Which option is more eco-friendly?
When you're right, you're right. Damn it. I hadn't thought about that. I hope we don't have to think about that.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
My car got totaled by a hit and run driver last year. I don't bother with collision coverage, and the cops didn't seem to care about finding the truck that hit me. It's common- IN has a law that states there are fines and possible suspensions if you are caught without insurance.
My mom ended up selling me her '99 Grand Vitara. It uses about twice as much gas, or at least seems like it. I have the credit to get a used hybrid, but can't afford it. Just a note to consumers: you will be able to get a lot more money loaned to you than you can pay back on time.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Just look for pencils in large classrooms before you leave. I haven't bought any out of need since I started college. Finding them on the ground between classes is even better!
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I had my school supplies purchased months ago. I did need some good pens and mechanical pencils, plus extra erasers and lead. I still have paper from notebooks, but I use that to jot notes down because after three classes, there isn't enough paper to use for a class.
I've been trying for a few years to take only online classes, mostly because I got tired of having to catch up when/if I got sick. Now it only makes sense. It's only about 15 minutes from my house to get to campus, but then I have an extra $60+ parking tag, no matter how often I'm on campus or how many classes I'm taking. Then there is gas money, just wasted energy, and every time I leave the house, there is a temptation to buy new things because I forgot something at home (drinks or whatever).
Then there is the paper factor. Everything's online. You never HAVE to print anything. I do still have to take notes on paper, but that's minimal. So starting out, this method was out of laziness, parking fees, and getting sick, but unless I absolutely have to, I won't take a class on campus again.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I use the back of paper that's already been used. I just get it out of the recycling bins in the copy room. I even found nearly a box of thick green paper that was only printed on one side at our city's recycling center. I caught some funny stares while digging it out, but oh well. :)
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You will save a bundle of money too! I hope you do something wise with it. You generally seem like a wise person so I imagine you will. Besides lower prices, you will save in other ways. Sales tax hits you a few cents or a few dollars at a time. But over the course of a year it adds up to several percent of your income. There is seldom sales tax on used stuff (except really big stuff like cars).
I am not quite so down on the consumer driven economy as you are but I see no reason why what you are doing could cause any harm and if it makes you feel good then why not?
I think there is room for you to take this idea considerably further. So far you have committed to becoming a consumer of used stuff. How about participating on the selling side of the "used junk" economy too? You could sell your own unwanted stuff on Ebay or organize a neighborhood garage sale. It's tough to make money with commodity recycling but there might be a way. There are lots of possibilities with a little thought. Every time you sell something used you are perpetuating the exact same beneficial cycle that you perpetuate when you buy used. The person you sell too does not buy something new. My brother's father in law once told me "there is money in junk" and he had the bank account to prove it.
My best friend's wife is a garage sale addict. (This can be a dehabilitating afliction that you are going to need to be on your guard against.) But she has a good eye for bargains and she often drags stuff home that she sells for a healthy profit either on Ebay or resells at the neighborhood garage sale she organizes every year. My friend hates what he considers to be junk piling up every year but she payed for a week of skiing fthis winter rom profits so he does not complain too much. It's all tax free too.
P.S. Used gasoline and used home heating fuel are not too useful either. You'll be surprised at how much of what you spend is on "consumables". Also I bet that a good part of your spending is on various "services". These do not go in the landfill anyway.
We craigslist everything we want to get rid of. Most of our furniture was bought used from craigslist, as well. When we moved, we sold $700 of what we perceived to be crap and bought $800 worth of used furniture (from other people who perceived their furniture to be crap). So we furnished our entire condo for about $100.
I don't mind paying the sales tax so much, as long as I am supporting a small used goods business with my purchase.
And the fuel bit...it's true! Used gas would not get me far. I have orchestrated my life so that I only have to drive one day a week. I bike the rest. My gas fees are under ten bucks a week, as my car is super efficient. And even though we live in Minnesota, we only use the furnace a few times a year. Having other units around us keeps us pretty warm, and the building is new and very efficient. It's all a part of our reducing ethic. We're trying, but we're only two people.
As far as the savings, we were thinking money market account. What would you do with it?
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I don't know the Minneapolis market, but in much of the country I think real estate is going to find a bottom within the next year. It takes juevos but the people who start buying when everybody else is in in panic sell mode often do really well. You need to be prepared to think about the investment in the long term.
I'll keep an eye on the market and revise my thinking as I go but right now my plan is to start looking this summer and shopping in earnest in November and to start pulling the trigger with some low-ball offers on some stuff maybe next January when people are in trouble from Christmas and are discouraged by the slow winter/Holiday market and before prices get their Spring bump.
Being a teacher with corresponding income, maybe you should be thinking a condo? Homes are like big savings accounts and building equity is so much smarter than paying rent which builds equity for somebody else. And Uncle Sam helps pay with a nice tax break on interest. When it comes to building wealth, TIME is the most important factor. The sooner you start accumulating, the more you are going to end up with when you hit the retirement years because time is your friend.
I think any kind of savings, including a money market account, is wise. If you have credit card debt, the best use of any extra money you get your hands on is to pay it off.
We are in solid agreement on one aspect of consumerism: Americans spend toooooo much. The economy thrives on consumerism, but the individuals who end up the best off in life are the ones who save and invest rather than consume every dime that comes their way. The big winners are those who invest in things that other people want to consume.
I think environmentalism for the sake of environmentalism is kind of wacky. But you are entitled to the pursuit of happiness so enjoy. It is interesting though reading about how whether it is intentional or not, your conservative approach has economic benefits. For example, riding a bike not only makes you feel good about doing your itty bitty part for the environment by conserving gas, but it keeps money in your pocket, milage off your car, and even makes you healthier too. Do you ride the bike in winter up there?
I'm just not that hard core. But a lot of people put snow tires on their bikes and bike all year. We have an extensive trail system.
We currently own a condo. Unfortunately, as i won't be teaching for another year, I can't take advantage of any cheap real estate right now. We plunked most of our savings into our current home. I don't expect that we'll save enough for a down payment over the course of a year, especially with the new lending requirements. More and more lenders are requiring a full 20% down payment now. One mortgage will be all we can handle. Income properties will have to wait a few years. It is something I think about, though, especially seeing all the crappy absentee landlords in the 'hood where I live. I would love to buy up all their houses, fix them, and treat the neighborhood decently!
But first, credit cards. You are 100% right about that. a 15% return is better than 5.6%!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
It's people like you who make us not make our sales goals at work, meaning I get less hours! Thanks a lot, EdibleWoman!!
:) That's what I would be saying if I didn't admire what you're doing so much. Besides, it's thieves that take most of my hours ;-)
GOOD LUCK!
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Your Tongue is a Rudder; It Steers the Whole Ship, Sends Your Words Past Your Lips or Keeps Them Safe Behind Your Teeth... [Brand New]
My first thought when reading your comment was, "Wait a minute...I didn't know her store actually SOLD any shoes! I thought people just stole them!"
And I do think about what staying off the grid does to the economy, which is why I will shop at small used goods merchants. But I don't really think our economy is structured in a sustainable way...I mean our jobs are dependent on our spending habits...that's risky! So I don't necessarily want to support that.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
haha, sometimes it's unbelievable that we actually have a profit... then I realize, when I'm counting down the cash out of the till at the end of the night, that I could pay my rent and all my bills three times with just the cash in the drawer... excluding checks and cards of any kind.
It's then I realize that it doesn't cost 3,000 dollars a day (just in cash) to light the store, buy the inventory, pay the insurance, and pay us starving little employees. Damn capitalism. How can we make big people profit and little people suffer?? Oh yeah! Retail!
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Your Tongue is a Rudder; It Steers the Whole Ship, Sends Your Words Past Your Lips or Keeps Them Safe Behind Your Teeth... [Brand New]
I've never heard of such an endeavor, but it does seem interesting. I tip my hat off to you for taking on this year-long lifestyle. Just keep in mind that you want to make sure you're truly happy while doing this. Personally, I'd probably be miserable because I am a haphazard consumer, even though I'm neither ashamed nor proud of it. I don't know, best of luck to you on this adventure, and keep us posted on how its going!
Stuff doesn't make a person happy! According to the film, happiness in the U.S. peaked in the 1950's, the same time consumerism began in earnest. Now this may be coincidental, and it may be because they didn't interview any racial/ethnic minorities (who were very unlikely to be happy in the '50's as they were still treated like crap), but still, it gives one pause...
I'll have have to worry less about paying for things, no credit card debt, and the knowledge that I am not living a disposable lifestyle. All reasons to be happy! Way less pressure!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Stuff doesn't make a person happy!
Generally the same studies show that after being adjusted and controlled for wealth and economic status that conservatives are happier then liberals.
But it seems to me that dropping off the retail grid is the very essence of being conservative so you are on the right track.
I'll admit, getting stuff makes me happy. They're not a source of joy for me. There's a difference being happy and living in joy.
But you'll never lure me to the Dark Side! ;)
:-!!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I watched that film with my Social Justice group at church once. It's a good one. I buy nearly all of my gifts for people second hand. I don't think it's tacky at all. Especially if you get it from a thrift store or something...some of those gifts are incredibly unique. I got my mom a porcelain duck for her yard and my brother and his wife got a set of black Noritake wine Goblets that were discontinued like 40 years ago (I like to look up all my gifts online to see if someday I can put them on Antique Road Show :-P).
I'm amazed at how many people get rid of things. I got my snow boots for Wisconsin at Salvation Army. They are snuggly and warm and Brown and fuzzy (and water proof) and so much cuter than the Uggs people wear with mini skirts here in the desert and I love them. $4. :-) My Winter coat from there (also snuggly, warm, and brown.) was $10. It still has the original store tag on it that says $199.99.
And yard/Garage sales make Saturdays worth waking up for. ;-)
Nothing wrong with second hand shopping. :-)
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Totally with you on that one!
My gramma is the type of person who will buy a 200 dollar mirror then go down the street to good will to find paintings and things to match it.
She often gives me some of her good will finds and I ADORE them! One of them is a teenie piece of pottery (about the size of 2 double shot glasses put together) ... I googled the signature on the bottom and found out that the teenie little cup with a frenchman painted on it (the one that only cost my gramma a quarter at the thrift store) is worth like 100 bucks! Not a lot, but pretty cool in the grand scheme of things :)
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Your Tongue is a Rudder; It Steers the Whole Ship, Sends Your Words Past Your Lips or Keeps Them Safe Behind Your Teeth... [Brand New]
I really need to know - you mentioned making the rest of your toiletries so I am very curious about feminine hygiene products. I do hate the fact that tampons and pads are not exactly the most biodegradable product on the planet, but what are the alternatives?
I am considering the possibility of using one of the reusable natural sponge products out there, but the idea grosses me out like crazy. Not sure I am ready to go that far. There are definitely better options than tampax and playtex, though. Co-ops usually sell recycled cotton products. And I don't use pads anyway.
I can't believe I just wrote this much about tampons.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Hmmm - next blog topic, the reusable tampon.......
I found them when I was still a teenager and haven't looked back. OB isn't made from recycled cotton, as far as I know, but it doesn't have an applicator. It saves just a little, and really is the most reliable and comfortable product I've found.
Just trying to scare the guys away.... ;)
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
The high today is suppose to be 104 but it already feels way over that. I had just come in from outside thinking I should go and buy some new shorts since I do not have any that fit since a slow two plus years recovering form my last baby;). I come and read this blog and I guess I am feeling obligated to go to a thrift store with the kids instead of a retail shop.
Maybe I can find an adult bike and kiddo trailer for under two hundred.
On a side note I heard a commercial on how much the new vehicle industry makes every year as I drove through a crowd of cars with only one person and we all drove past several full used car lots. I thought it should be illegal for new cars to be sold over the next year and that would help the economy a lot. I know I am nuts but you just reminded me of that.
Your making an awesome commitment and I know you will do a good job. You also have the added satisfaction that your example is changing us.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
I heard they were considering stopping production completely of the Hummers. IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!! Also, they're pretty much giving trucks and SUVs away. If this doesn't say anything to car manufacturers,.....
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I'd join you, but I don't think I'm in the best place to be doing that at the moment. I make money by selling home decorating things and candles, which I have a fetish for. I help my friends out by buying jewelry and party stuff, so that they can make a decent living. I'd love to be able to bike to work, but I live like 40 miles away from where I work (and my hours are getting cut, which means it'll become less and less lucrative to stay working there over the summer). I also have to buy new scrubs for class in the fall. My mom also has a thing about printing pictures herself, so we have to buy ink for our printer with some regularity. And... I need at least one new pair of shoes within the next year (high heels with a closed toe for interviews), and shoes typically aren't the best thing to get at a thrift store.
Anyway, best of luck!
~C
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As a shoe salesperson and self-claimed lover and expert, I'd have to advise against good will shoes.... you're right ;-) Although it doesn't hurt to look... I've given away shoes there that are adorable and practically brand new. So take a peek... I know I'm not the only one ;-)
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Your Tongue is a Rudder; It Steers the Whole Ship, Sends Your Words Past Your Lips or Keeps Them Safe Behind Your Teeth... [Brand New]
I can definitely understand why people don't want shoes from goodwill... especially shoes meant to go on feet without socks. I have managed to find quite a few pairs of really nice, adorable, brand-new-looking shoes there though. Most of my heels are from thrift stores. I kind of just take a nice risk and think if people take that good care of their shoes before donating them, then they probably don't have gross, fungusey feet... I've been right so far. I hope my luck holds out. ;-)
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I found a pair of never-worn Dansko wing-tips that retail for $119 new.....40 bucks! Never worn! People get rid of all kinds of crazy stuff.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I guess it is all about location. You can make ouyt like a bandit if your thrift whatever is in a city with high spenders. As I found out to day, if you live in an area that the stores rarely have anything good then the second hand shops are going to suck. I went to three (would have been four but it was closed) thrift shops today, all I found was two cute girl dresses. No bikes, no shoes, no shorts ;( no nothing... well there was a bunch of borderline junk and like four million hair dryers.
I think I will just wait for the hand me downs from family in San Diego.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
You could also hit thrift stores and consignment shops while you are out visiting them. Stock up on future sizes for the kids. I have a friend whose mother lives in Webster, South Dakota, which is not a big money town. For some reason, she always finds the BEST stuff at their thrift store. I guess it is kind of hit or miss.
Also, consignment shops tend to have nicer things than thrift stores and Goodwill.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Tomorow, if it stays well below 110 into mid morning, we will walk to the two that are only open a few hours on tuesday and thursday. If I have to run up the truck, I might as well go back into town and buy new stuff and crap on the enviroment in revenge.
Maybe it is a frequency thing, the more I go the more I will find since the good stuff is probably very ...liquid.
Thanks
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Wow, this is very interesting E.W., especially about how things were made to be broken in teh 50s (and now of course). I've got a newfound confidence in buying used things. I can get movies, CDs, video games, books, texts, and much more by buying used stuff, and if I shop smart then the stuff will look and perform like new anyhow. Great blog! It inspires me to not be such a capitalist swine (lol)!
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Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
I've discovered that our local library has a rather extensive CD collection, so that's how I get most of my new music. I just put it on my computer and listen to my heart's content.
~C
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That's how we get dvds(if not from gifts or yardsales) - we just borrow them from the library.
My Blog: www.progressiveu.org/blog/jlepp-journey
I just found out that I can rent movies from my library. Why spend money to rent them when the library could have them for free?
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Resale = <33 They just put a resale shop in my little town, so that made me happy. I spent $1.50 and bought two presents.
Oh, and by the way, there is NOTHING wrong with used books. :) That's how I got most of mine.
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But some people get funny about receiving them as a gift. Tough! I say.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I agree! It's a gift, and it should be the thought that counts!
Other gift ideas:
Name a star after someone
Adopt some other adoptable resource
Make a donation in someone's name- the ones that result in imprinted bricks are great
Movie tickets or other entertainment- depends on how far you plan to take your pact
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I've sent people used books. I have certain criteria for condition, but it's really the contents that matter!
~ *~
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We just had an awesome garage saling day. We found 5 sweatshirts and two bags full of cool toys for the boys for $10. The trick is also not to make your carbon footprint too big while you're conserving by looking second hand.
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Miles and miles of bike trails, and tons of resale shops very nearby. But you're right. If you have to drive an hour to find it, it sort of defeats the purpose.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Garbage is also a huge impact of consumerism. To reduce your throw away items is also a great bi-product of what you are doing.
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I definitely salute you for this.
I am close to making the same pledge, except that I need to buy a good stock of mini video tapes for a scholarship project. So unless you can suggest a place I can buy used mini video tapes, I gotta buy those new... =)
If more people would take that same pledge, I think the world would be a better place and poverty would be less commonplace.
Grace and peace,
rAch
"Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up. "
-Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
-Gandhi
"He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep in order to gain that which he cannot lose," - Jim Elliot
A less wasteful alternative is to buy one of the $100-$150 digital video cameras that have a built in USB. They record two hours of video in a shot and you plug it right into you computer to download and clear the memory. So no tapes at all!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I'm not committed enough to pledge a year off the retail grid, but I do prefer to buy most things used. My favorite places to get clothes are Salvation Army and hand-me-downs from my aunt (who gets most of what she gives me from her sisters and resale stores). I love being able to go somewhere in a great outfit and when somebody compliments it say I got it for $2 from Salvation Army. Besides consumables, shoes are probably my biggest weakness when it comes to buying things new, but that probably won't change since it's difficult at best for me to find shoes that actually fit.
"Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible."
Shoes are about the only thing that keep me from the pact! I think I more or less made it for a year if you don't count shoes. I want to change that, but it's hard being an addict. :)
Find out everything you need to know about poop here:
http://progressiveu.org/000701-everything-you-need-know-about-poop
:idk: But how will you keep up with your ental hygeine? They say you should change your toothbrush every 3 months. You have to buy toilet paper to wipe your ....... unless you decided to wipe it with rags. What if all your socks get holes in them? What about toothpaste? Yeah you can use baking soda, but what if you run out of that? What about deoderant? What about shampoo for your hair? Well best of luck to you.
:bows:
I'm just trying to reduce their use as much as possible. Toilet paper is a no brainer, though. But I use the Seventh Generation brand.
I disinfect my toothbrush by boiling it every month or so. I'm hoping to get by on the two per year from my dentist.
I keep my hair short, so a bottle of shampoo lasts almost a year.
I don't use deodorant...luckily (and remarkably) I don't stink if I shower every day to every other day. Three days is my limit without a shower and deodorant. My partner uses one of those salt crystal deodorants. They actually work! (and she's stinky; none of the major deodorant brands work for her, so this is a real testimonial of its effectiveness).
Baking soda is a food ingredient, so it's okay to buy on this plan. It's what I use to clean the house, too.
Socks and underwear are not something one CAN buy used, so I may have to break down and buy some at some point. I have a surplus right now, though.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Do you enjoy making people feel guilty? If you do you can feel good about yourself, because this afternoon I bought two yards of fabric to make a scarf/belt just because I could, but I felt kind of guilty buying more stuff when I thought about this post, not that it stopped me from buying it....
"Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible."
Isn't it great that you bought fabric to MAKE a belt, rather than buying a pre-manufactured belt? You eliminated at least three middlemen in the process! Go you!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Now I feel guilt because I went and bought my son a new belt... I knew I should have gone to the thrift store.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
:dances:
There's a bright side to everything, well maybe not everything, but at least to this.
"Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible."
I so wish the dancing smiley were wearing a belt. That would make this a moment to remember.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
lol. It is wearing a belt, you just can see that because the picture doesn't show it's waist.
"Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible."
In that case, I wish that the dancing smiley had a torso. That would just make it all better. :)
Click here to read about new ways to save money and the environment that you have never heard!
I appreciate your idea and your aggressiveness for being green and good for the environment. However, there is one key problem with your idea, and you even state it in your highlights. "3.) Our economy is built on endless consumerism"
While that may sound bad, and it is a little, because firms have taken it a little too far, but your economy IS BUILT ON CONSUMERISM. Therefore, you not consuming is hurting your economy. Assuming you live in the US (but this applies even if you don't), it's people that have decided to stop spending money, to stop putting money into the economy, for whatever reason, that is killing the economy.
And I've decided that is part of the point. I have a lot more guilt about ruining our natural resources with my demand for plastic crap than I have about ruining the economy. Our economy is a lie. It's built on artificiality and credit. We're buying what they're selling, instead of the other way around. If we were consuming more reasonably, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. Also, the market is driven by demand. If consumers are demanding more sustainable products and NOT buying the crap we've all been buying for decades, the market will change its offerings, and the economy will be swinging in a more sustainable manner.
I could give a rat's ass about Wal-Mart's profit margin. I buy what I NEED. The market will figure it out without me.
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
As long as we support an economy that relies on wasteful spending, that is what will keep it alive. I'm not quite sure how to go about changing it on a major level, but the economy needs an overhaul. The businesses that survive need to be the ones opperating responsibly.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711
I think this is an AWESOME effort and absolutely inspiring. I don't know that I could do it myself, (Addicted to consuming? Possibly... Maybe we all are...) but I have made the decision to make smarter choices as a consumer.