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 17 August 2011

Whatta way to start...Go on vacation!

Yep August 1st came and went without a single word from me.

Did I give up?

No! I went on vacation to Quebec and Victoria (aka really great places to shop *tear*).

Quebec wasn't too much of a challenge. My in-laws live on a beautiful farm 2 hours from Montreal and although every inch of me wanted to go hunting in thrift stores, last year I scored a pair of seven jeans and TR jeans there, my 2 little girls were not so inclined. Instead we counted the baby chicken delivery, drew so many pics I am inspired to start drawing again and went to Bromont's insane water park.

However, when my bestie showed up at the farm (yep, we coordinate our vacations) we were able to sneak away to the "friperie" (french for used clothing store) where I picked up a really cool hat.

That's my bestie!
I am a lover of simple. Jeans and a t-shirt is my MO. Which probably explains my love for a great accessory. Whenever I see someone out there rocking the fedora I want one.

I love the one I found for $4, it is the perfect color to wear with jeans and the red feather on the side elevates it I think, I get so many compliments when I wear it. It's the perfect topper to a simple jeans and T outfit.

So Aug 1-10th was pretty uneventful...it was in Victoria that I really felt the pain...stay tuned.



Retail $19.99 (conservative)
used $4.00
saved $16.00




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