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, 8 February 2012

"Disposable Fashion"

*** PLEASE READ PREVIOUS POST FIRST "YOUR TRASH IS ANOTHER PERSONS TREASURE" SO THIS POST MAKES SENSE..THANKS- L" ****


Well Friends, You are going to hear a lot about fashion and clothing if you read this blog. Mostly because that is where my experience and interest lies, but the ideas are for everyone and can be modified to your own interests.

So here's a little story...

I think I mentioned before that I have always worked retail for high-end, luxury brands.

While at work one day, a co-worker, who while very experienced in the industry, had been previously working for a cheap, fast-fashion store (the name I'll leave out but think tacky and trashy and you've probably guessed it). She was commenting to me how nice it was to work at a place where the goods were so reputable because at the other store (we'll call it T&T for fun) the clothes were always falling apart, shortly after being washed and worn.

My friend commented to a senior company employee at "T&T" about this and the response she received was something to the effect of "This is disposable fashion".

I was literally flabbergasted when I heard this tale. You see some people call me a snob because I won't shop (or usually even go into) stores like "T&T", but it's not because it's a "cheap brand" that I do this, it because I don't agree with giving a retailer my hard earned money to buy something and then have to re buy it again in three months, and again in three months, etc.etc...you get the idea.

So what does this have to do with my 365 day Non Consumption Challenge?

Well not everyone is going to not buy new, and I don't think you need to if it's not your thing.

But I would challenge you to think about something...can you buy one great quality item, something that never goes out of fashion and save money and time doing it in the long run?

Example:
Burberry Double Breasted Trench.

If a classic trench coat ever goes out of fashion I will eat crow pie!!!

This EXCEPTIONALLY crafted and
has been worn for generations, retails for $1000.

But YOU WILL wear this jacket with pride for 10+ years and if you take care of it, it will take care if you! And will save 10 Years of Garbage Jackets and your cash being thrown away!



Now if you see one at the thrift store...I'm Begging you....tell me about it!

Enjoy your day,
L
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