As I mentioned in my 2011 goals I will not be buying anything new this year, with just a few exceptions. Here's how it will work:
Okay to buy in 2011:
-Groceries (try to buy local first)
-Toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent etc.
-Eating out when it is part of a social gathering
-Health expenses as needed (i.e.: glasses, prescriptions, doctor visits)
-Travel
-Groceries (try to buy local first)
-Toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent etc.
-Eating out when it is part of a social gathering
-Health expenses as needed (i.e.: glasses, prescriptions, doctor visits)
-Travel
-Live performances (not that I go to many but I want to keep myself open to possibility or experience)
-Fabric and craft supplies. I must try to find recycled first and limit my budget to $35 per month.
-Anything with a gift card.
-Anything with a gift card.
NOT Okay to buy in 2011:
-Gifts that are bought. It is okay for me to give money though.
-New clothing, jewelry or accessories
-New shoes
-New books, magazines, movies, music etc.
-New electronics (The exception being if my cell phone stops working since we don't have a land line, it would get replaced)
-New electronics (The exception being if my cell phone stops working since we don't have a land line, it would get replaced)
I'm not doing this solely to save money. Yes, part of it is to save money but I also want to recycle more, decrease my dependency on shopping, avoid frivolous shopping and increase my creativity.
Although I am committed to doing this, I would love to hear your thoughts. You can check out articles here, here and here to learn more about other people who have done this. I know this is a long shot but if anyone wants to join me in not buying anything new in 2011, please do! I would love the company.
5 comments:
Good for you! You always set such great goals for yourself. I don't think I'll join you, but I'll look forward to hearing about your experiences!
Have you ever heard of freecycle.com? I bet it would help with this a lot. And Spencer and I are seriously considering joining you. Maybe. I love the idea, though. I want to do something big this year.
I love the idea and before you posted this i was thinking of doing something like this, but I will have to change it up a bit to make sure it is a challenge but doable. I will post what I settle on. Thanks for the push in this direction I am excited.
I've said this before but you are amazing. And inspiring. If anyone can do it, you can!
Hey Cami! I love this idea. And I like that you said it's only partly to save money - you're right that environmental friendliness should be a motivating factor. Plus when I'm doing something to "save money" I usually cheat. I also like your vegetarian meal goal. I have a similar goal this year. Have you heard of the book "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer? I haven't read it but I guess one of the points he makes is that the meat industry is awful for the environment and we could help the earth by eating less of it. GOOD LUCK with all your goals! You're inspiring and I miss you tons.
Post a Comment