I have been reading about a thing called The Compact. After talking it over with my husband we have decided that it will be our goal to do the same this year with a few exceptions. He will still be able to purchase new video games. It's his industry and he has to stay up to date and it's basically research material although he will try to rent the games when possible.
For those of you who didn't bother to check the link it means our goal is to no longer purchase things that are new. Exceptions are made for toiletries, food, undergarments, medical supplies and safety equipment, and in our case video games. We will also be trying to eat locally and garden as much as my black thumb is able.
So instead of my beloved Target, we will be heading to the thrift shop, using freecycle, craigslist, and sharing with friends. Just recently before our move Ted wanted to go out and purchase ramps to work on our car. Knowing that we were moving, and that we may never use them again I asked him to give me time to find some. Sure enough within the week I was able to borrow some that weren't in use. It's amazing what you can find if you just take the time to look and have the guts to ask for it.
I think our biggest challenge will be our daughter and the fight we will have against advertisers marketing toys toward her. Luckily we don't watch television so we won't have commercials to battle. Still, marketing is unavoidable even with the absence of tv. One thing she does love though is going "treasure hunting" at garage sales. Her face glows as she wanders through a yard clutching her tiny purse full of coins. Someday hopefully she will take pride that she is stopping these "treasures" from entering a land fill and ruining the earth, but for now she is enjoying all the goodies that she can buy with her own money!
I encourage you to at least think about "compacting." Even if you modify it like we did every little thing will make a difference. "We only have one world" (B.E.P.) and it would be great if we could take an extra effort not to destroy it.
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2 comments:
it is a good idea, but then, i'm in advertising also, so what do i do ;)
Hey, I am a "free craigslist" junkie too. Here is another awesome website that will help you (sorry if I sound like a comercial but I LOVE this!). It is called www.swaptree.com. Its FREE!
You list all the books you have at home that you have already read (and music, and movie discs and games, too) and then make a list of the things you would like to have. When their computer finds a match, it tells you and the other person. If you both agree, you just mail your item to them, and they mail theirs to you! It's very cool!
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