Happy Resale Month, everyone! This is day 110 since I took The Pledge to buy nothing new (except consumables like toothpaste and toilet paper) for the next year. It has been more difficult than I imagined. The biggest struggle I have is, is it more important to not purchase anything new, or is it more important to be aware of environmental impact?
I've bought a few safety-related items, like a new photoelectric smoke detector, but I found that at a garage sale, and not at a store. I did break down and buy a new bike helmet. In a previous entry, I debated whether or not this was necessary, but I decided that a brain cradle should not be twelve years old and that a new one was a must because one never knows the history of a used helmet. Sadly, there is no such thing as a "green" bicycle helmet. But that was not my only transgression. I also bought a new bike headlight, because I couldn't find a used one that fit the new handlbars I put on my bike. Oh, and I bought new handlebars. I bought these because I want to ride more and drive less, and my back injury was flaring up, which was forcing me to drive. They are specialty bars that I could not find used, but they make my bike more upright and comfortable.
When I broke my thumb, I did not ask the doctor for a used brace, for obvious hygienic reasons. And after two months in my brand new purchase, I still stand by the decision. The stink of a hand brace is unimaginable unless you've been through it.
I struggle with this pledge in some areas. As I have begun examining my lifestyle and consumer habits, I've become aware of some consumables that are just wasteful and can be replaced with reusable products. Like gas. I can replace this with leg power, but that meant a few bike upgrades. My other purchases have all been with conservation in mind.
For one, we have a very hairy German Shorthair Pointer, who sheds like a sommamab*tch. Our choices with regard to the hair are to A.) live in a hairy, itchy house, B.) use tape rollers, which could technically be considered a consumable, or C.) purchase a hair removal mitt, which is reusable and will last for a decade. We chose C.
Another consumable I have done away with is tampons, except in extreme circumstances, like when I'll be out of the house for eight or more hours. I've purchased a few reusable, washable pads, called Party in My Pants, if anyone is interested in purchasing them. These can be used over and over, and I must say, are more comfortable than standard store pads. Also, tampons increase cramping. I am much happier. I thought they would gross me out, but really, it's not any grosser than shoving a wad of cotton, rayon, and dioxin up there. (On a side note--did you know that dioxin is a carcinogenic that affects the immune system and the reproductive system, and yet tampon manufacturers use it to bleach a product that goes in your reproductive system?) The reusable pads are soft cotton, and they come in cute colors.
One of my blogs considered the environmental impact of shaving. I debated whether or not I could tolerate being a yeti. I cannot. My solution was to purchase recycled plastic razors that have reusable handles. The co-op sells replacement blades that are also made of recycled plastic.
Other than those items, I don't think we've purchased anything else. We have hit garage sales and resale shops and we've found a lot of brand-new, never used items at garage sales for my charges for Christmas gifts. That alone says something about American consumer habits, doesn't it?
As Christmas is approaching, my partner is hard at work sewing reusable shopping bags from some old curtains we weren't using and from scraps of fabric we have left over from other projects. She is also making reusable produce bags out of tulle. We will be giving these, homemade journals, and bath salts as Christmas gifts this year. They may not be on anyone's wish list, but they are gifts that make life a little nicer, and the homemade touch makes them more personal than a gift card.
And now, I am off to Savers (resale shop) to use my 50% off coupon in honor of Hennepin County Resale Month! I need something to wear out to the club tonight. What's nice is that even after buying a new outfit, I'll have enough money left over to buy an appletini, which is, without question, a consumable!
I didn't realize that's what was happening every month....
If your pad is decorated with cute polka dot and argyle patterns!
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I had been wondering how avoiding the retail market had been going for you so I am glad you finally updated us. Did you have to count the days or do you keep daily count? As for the pretty pads.... I was a little weirded out at first been then I realized that I would just feel bad for making them a mess. Do you launder them like normal?
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out.
~T
You're amazing. Have I told you that recently?
I'm personally working on just reducing my paper usage. I just went through all the mail we've gotten here in the past... maybe two weeks?... and I have a nice pile of paper sitting on my bed that will either be shredded or thrown away (though I try to recycle my paper, I don't have a real good outlet for doing so right now, and can't afford to pay for it). Kinda sad, isn't it?
~C
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See, now THAT is amazing. I admire organization. I have two dresser drawers full of papers that need filing or shredding.
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
This might come across as strange, but if you do end up shredding the paper, consider using the shredded bits as filling for packages or gifts. It fills up the empty space the same way that other packaging materials do, and it's really fun to watch friends try to assemble words and sentences from the bits after they open the gift. Just a thought.
My Blog: http://progressiveu.org/blog/kkhanna
And I will use it when we mail Christmas gifts across the country! Thanks!
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
That is a good tip, but I usually use plastic bags (from walmart and safeway) as packaging, or the packing peanuts that come with the candles that I order. I have like 5 boxes of those in my garage. So I am reusing... just haven't gotten around to the paper part of it yet.
~C
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I use mine as garbage bags, like in the bathroom, or bedroom, they work really good for that. I have used them those for packaging as well.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
Wow. I miss yard sales and garage sales. I need clothes.
At one point, I did actually buy a used bike helmet. It was, without a doubt, a good helmet. Saved my noggin more than once before it finally died on me. Of course, my biggest need for a bike helmet was to protect my cranium when I fell off my bike. I live in a land of no traffic, a land where it's surprisingly safe to ride your bike, and the only real hazard to your safety is yourself. (I'm a prime example of that.) So, I wasn't really in need of the greatest helmet. I got one of those when I started riding my bike on the streets that actually had traffic.
Also, you are totally freaking awesome to be doing this. I know so many people who couldn't even imagine not buying anything new. Heck, one of my classmates buys new underwear to avoid having to do laundry. Speaking of laundry... I better get back to mine and stop browsing through blogs, hehe.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
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Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me!!!
Yay! I was thinking about you the other day when you popped up on my buddy list and I was wondering if you were still kickin' with the retail thing!! :D
Glad you see you haven't given in. I knew you wouldn't... it's just good to see you didn't haha
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Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off. [Ellen Degeneres]
I admire your initiative! Imagine if entire communities or counties did something like this. Even for just gas. The whole oil industry would lower prices by the dollar just to get back all of the customers lost to something like this. it wouldn't even have to be a year. Just two weeks of entire states boycotting the high gas prices would end this major fuel problem. Keep it up!
Unfortunately, that wouldn't work too well simply because America does not have the infrastructure to stop using their vehicles. I live 5 miles from the closest store, which (thankfully) is a grocery store. The closest restaurant is about that far too. The closest hospital is over 20 miles away, and my school is over 40. The place where I'm going to be doing my externship is 35 miles away, and you have to take the freeway in order to get there. I live in a place where it gets pretty cold too... it would be horrible to try to ride a bike those 35 miles during the winter, from both the cold and wind as well as the sheer distance.
~C
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I'm really glad you did a follow up on this. I have to say, the pledge you made sounded hard to keep up with, but we all knew you could do it!
Never heard of Party in my Pants. Never heard of reusable pads in general. Don't know if I would go that route, but it sounds like a good option. (And I always hated tampons! Just to know there's a carcinogen involved makes me glad of my decision regarding those)
I now consider buying used more often than ever, since I signed up for Amazon and eBay. Sometimes you can get nice things that are quite inexpensive, and in some cases in great condition. I still love Borders and getting new books/DVDs though. :)
~ *~
This is a signature, an automated thingy that pops up when I comment, not a demand to see my blog!
Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
Back before tampons and pads my mom's mom used to use cloth that was where the term "I'm on the rag" came from. So I guess Party in your panties sounds similar to how they used to do it.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
I use paper as scratch paper. You are reusing it to write "to do lists" or something you need for the store. I have done a few things like you are talking about, but it was because we were poor. Like washing plastic sandwich baggies, and reusing dog food bags as trash bags.
I admire you for doing this also like many people have stated. The only thing I could not do is the tampon thing. I don't get bad cramps because I am on birthcontrol.
I wish i could do those things..that is why you are so great for doing it..because I couldn't. Good luck!
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
After each semester, I use the back of my papers as scratch paper and the paper in my printer has last semester's notes on the back.
I'm still trying to train my husband to do the same...
-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."
My goodness, woman. I had no doubt that you'd make it, but I am still so proud of you. I haven't been on here in months, and I was happy to read this.
I actually thought I was an aware consumer until you started this thing. I am so much more conscious of what I buy now. You have inspired me, and I thank you.
-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'm so glad you're back! I've been wondering if we'd lost you! How are you?
Can't wait to read more sonja comments. They're always entertaining! You're spunky.
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Between school, working on the campaign, and trying to enjoy the weather before it gets cold, I haven't been around. My homework just hasn't turned out very well for the past week I've been on painkillers. I decided to take a break and turn everything in late, but better. Not to mention, I read a book in the past week and couldn't tell you anything about it. I eve had to reschedule a midterm.
So I decided to come back here, where my short term memory is good enough to reply and write half-way decent. :)
-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 just have to say, I was reading some your other blogs, and I have decided that you are awesome.
I think your "Off the Retail Grid" project is awesome, and I admire your commitment to it.
I loved your "Closing the Achievement Gap" blog, and hope you post more on that.
I also loved your "Hate the sin, hate the sinner" blog.
I admire your ability to be true to yourself. Especially after reading the hate the sinner blog. I believe it when you said that people who know you like you better this way than before you came out. You are a testament to the truth that it is impossible for a person to really be a "good" human without being honest with their own self. It is not right or healthy for a person to deny their own identity, for any cause.
It is because you embrace who you are in the face of disapproval that you are such a strong, beautiful person. If you didn't, you might be one of those Jesus loving, Homo-hating church goers, just as bitter as all of them combined. This because your soul would notice the betrayal, and it wouldn't let you get away with it.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
I didn't see this until just now. I hope you weren't thinking I ignored it!
Thank you so much for the compliment. It takes a long time to learn to be true to oneself when one has been lied to about one's true identity. I'm finally catching up to everyone else!
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
when are you going to write more blogs? I would like to read more Ediblewoman.
this is so amazing!! I commend you for doing such an incredible, avant garde thing. both personally and environmentally, it will have an impact.
I considered doing something like this, a bit more extreme, but also to make me look at what is wasted and how it can seriously be cut back. I wanted to save all my trash, excluding what could be composted, and make an art installation. now that i've vocalized this on the world wide internet, the idea is no longer mine, but it would be a harsh look into the reality of everything we take for granted in our consumerist society....