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

Whatta Find!!!

I wanted to share a pic of what is easily one of my favorite things.

I LOVE DANISH MODERN FURNITURE!

I don't think the photo does it justice but this is a "surfboard" style table that is stamped on the bottom "made in Denmark" so it is the real deal!

I love this and wanted to share is because I found it on Kijiji (www.kijiji.ca) for $10!
Well, actually it was posted as "free" but I offered the girl $10 if she would keep it for me.

This table is important to me because
  • it is giving me it's "second life" (or fiftieth, who knows really)
  • it was economically responsible (I'm going to add $50 to my savings calculator as I am guessing $60.00 is reasonable to pay for a side table)
  • and I still achieved the look I wanted while keeping my first 2 goals in mind.
But the best part was the hunt and find!

What I take away from this is that I don't have to give up what I want, dream, long for. I just need to be be patient..and spend time shopping with great girls at great thrift stores!!

My sister said it better in her Blog post "Everyday histories"- check it out- and if your ever at her house and can sneak out the cool bowl I'll give YOU $10 (ha ha) check it out at heatherdraper.blogspot.com

Enjoy your day,
L
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1 comment:

  1. Brenda27 July 2011 at 14:59

    Hey Liz, I guess that means that you don't want to pay cash for awesome, fall jewelry, so you had better host a trunk show so that you can get some "FREE JEWELS"!!!

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