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...

Wednesday 31 August 2011

And that makes two!!!

Holy Narwhal!

(okay...I really just wanted to use the word narwhal in a sentence...have you seen the song on youtube?)

There are now TWO 365 Non Consumption Challenge peeps!

Welcome Becky!
Becky's post is here if you would like to see it.

It is great that other people have taken this to heart and I think it's even better that they are making the challenge their own. Becky is going for 30 days instead of 365 but she is giving up Starbucks!

I can't wait to read more about her challenge...

What do you think about all this??? I'd love to know!!!

L




2 comments:

  1. That's a very ambitious goal! We have done homemade Christmas at our house and the kids love it! It's pretty hard on Mom and Dad though. With a dozen kids each wanting to make a gift for all of the others...it gets a little crazy!
    Sandy

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  2. Thanks for your comment!
    I've been thinking about Christmas, a little scared, not gonna lie. A trip to the toy store usually does the trick but I am hoping that the extra care will make the commercialized holiday that much more meaningful.
    I only have 2...well one is only 10 months old so I'm thinking cheerios dropped on the carpet will be enough for her!
    Thanks again for taking some of your precious time to read,
    L

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