The 365 Day Non-Consumption Challenge

I have challenged myself to go 365 days (started on Aug 1, 2011) without purchasing new, off-the-shelf items.

What does that mean?Lets say I need to buy a new backpack for my daughter for school...I have to find that backpack in some way (thrift, friend, etc.) that doesn't require me buying a brand new, never before used item. Essentially I want everything I purchase to be giving me their "second life".

Why?
#1 The environmental impact used to produce, ship and package new items while perfectly good ones sit in consignment stores, thrift stores and basements.
#2 To challenge the idea that status=belongings. To rethink the phrase "He who dies with the most toys wins" and prove (even if just to myself) that I am the sum of my actions, not my belongings.

So NO buying items brand new for 365 days.
(p.s. I am not a martyr so exclusions will apply to things like runners, undies, etc. to make this realistic it has to be achievable...no recycled TP) see "ground rules" post below for more details.

Stay tuned...

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

My Inspiration...

Sideways oops....
So I was inspired by this picture from blogger in-myhouse.blogspot.com, specifically I LOVE the scarf and the way the girl is wearing it, but keeping in mind that I can't run out to the store and buy one (not in line with the 365 NCC and all that) I had to find one so....

Later that day I hit a new thrift store that recently opened up in my town and what do I find!?!





YEP!!
How cool is that!











Now, there is a little more to the story, I used to work in High End Retail (was actually  given a Christian Dior "girlie" watch once by the Dior rep in Canada) so I know a little something about designer goods and I do like them (look for future blog on my theory regarding cost per use purchasing) but that is not the story today...

Today's story is about, finding inspiration, finding something that I love and will treasure for a very long time (even my daughters will love this one day, definitely not a "disposable purchase") and what's even better?

You know it, $10. (adding $40 to the savings calculator, rough and conservative guess on price)

What are you looking for?
What have you found?
Let me know?


Enjoy your day,
L


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