My 6 month challenge

I read an article today about a family who went an entire year without shopping. They began to realize how much of their world revolved around shopping – clothing, gifts, house goods, and electronics –a constant mental list of things to buy. They decided if it was not food or a depletable good (light bulbs or batteries for example) it would not be purchased. They refrained from all of it .They didn’t even buy Christmas gifts. Instead, they recycled, reused and found innovative ways to meet their needs.

Their goal was, in part, to save money but there was a much larger goal to be achieved: break the cycle of consumerism. As Americans we are constantly bombarded with images and advertisements - buy me buy me buy me. It has become ingrained in our lifestyle and thought process. Our possessions, especially our clothing, cars and gadgets make up our identities. The family in the article wanted to break away from this mentality. With few small exceptions they managed to go an entire year without shopping. They repaired socks, swapped shoes and used toilet paper instead of cotton balls. When the year was over, they did not rejoice or resume their spending frenzy. Their outlook on American living had changed – want vs. need – and they didn’t want anymore. They succeeded.

Here is my proposal: a six month challenge of no shopping. No clothing purchases, no books, no music and no crap for the house. It’s not a year but hey, everyone’s got to start somewhere. I figure that I don’t have an entire house with attics, basements and garages full of stuff to plunder like they did. Six months should be hard but do-able. No razors (I think (hope) I have enough supply to last), no contacts (more glasses, less contacts), no ziplock bags (reuse containers like pickle jars, butter containers, etc.) and no purchasing gifts (homemade or hugs is all you get).

I’m going to document my progress and see how it goes. I suggest you all start taking bets now. I must declare two exception right now, up front. Becca’s babyshower gift (because let’s face it, I don’t own crap to give to a baby) and any art supplies. I’ll still go out with friends, scuba dive, concerts, etc. I don’t think they should count because those are experiences, not an accumulation of stuff.

I’m already anticipating that I’ll need some help – what software do I download to get free music? Limewire? I’ll be frequenting the library more. School is over so I won’t need school supplies. Anyone want to start a video game exchange (PS2)?

Hopefully over time I’ll have a lot more money in my pocket. Even better though, I hope to have a different perspective. I hope to break the cycle of consumerism and change my outlook on want vs. need.

My motto will be: Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Or do without.