Saturday, February 24, 2007

“It’s about mindful consumerism, not about depriving ourselves.”

Now HERE's a challenge for you!!! Maybe you've already seen this, but I just found this article in the NYT... (by the way... who would have thought I would read the NYT... never have liked the paper, but this online version ROCKS!)

"Cutting Back W/O Deprivation"

You might have to subscribe, but it's free and hey it's the NYTimes.. it will make you feel edumacated! :)


You can also check out their blog at: Compact. You can find a LOCAL Compact Yahoo Group on their site! I feel compelled to do this. I've been doing okay.. aside from over indulgences at both Sam's and Whole Foods. Could I do this for a YEAR!? Wow. Maybe 6 months? I have been buying used for the kids toys and things and felt pretty good about that. Can I start after we acquire the jogger/trailer for the bike?? Does it count if I don't pay for it... we'll be using a sample from Tom's office that would be produced anyway... right?? EEK. Plus I'm buying a new Green Cone in April.. if it's a purchase to help the environment does that count?? Hmm... will have to give this some thought, but in the mean time I will be blog stalking their site and checking out their Yahoo Group. I like the idea.... am I up for the challenge?

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:59 PM

    Yes Laura I am surprise (but glad) to hear you are reading the New York Times. So many times we today are forced to buy "new" things because many of the things we "have" can't be repaired these days. For example shoes. Look at the shoes in the stores (or even in your closet)- most can't be resoled or rehealed. Things we did in the "olden days" when I was growing up. We threw shoes out when the "tops" wore out. Or if you are my Mother NEVER!! Not to mention they are putting all the shoe repair places out of business. Have you tried to locate one in your community lately. There use to be several in every little town. I could go on but I won't.

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  2. I saw some of these people from SF on the Today show a couple of years ago. Now I think it's not such a bad idea! We are just about to get new floors, and won't postphone that. I was thinking of trying to get my clothes from consignment shops (it's easy to get the kids' there!) I guess you can customize it to your needs. I think buying something that is ultimately for the environment is ok, I think the thing that people are trying to get away from is mindless spending. I also couldn't buy used running clothes, shoes, or any other used shoes for that matter (personal preference) but I don't spend that much on shoes anyway... I think the bike trailer doesn't count, because it was made anyway, and you will use it (good for the environment!) I am definitely going to check out their blog (there is a Portland group!) and consider my purchases very carefully! I guess buying reused gifts at Christmas time will greatly reduce spending! ;-)

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  3. Oooh ooh what a great xmas theme for 07.. REUSED xmas. :) or Repurposed. Everything has to be repurposed in some way.. whether it's making something out of something around the house (a scarf would count) or regifting or whatever. ;)

    I was thinking about consignment shopping too.. and I agree about the running shoes/clothes. :)

    We are thinking about remodeling our bathroom this year too.. I was trying to figure out how that was going to work into the not buying anything new thing too. It must be done!!!

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  4. Anonymous11:41 PM

    When you get around to your bathroom check out the Habitat store where we got all those replacement locks etc for your doors. You maybe able to get new sink and cabinets etc for your "new bathroom" that will keep you in line with your new resolution on buying. For your friends check the phone book for these stores. They are connected to the Habitat Homes or whatever they call themselves. Their items are new and used from the homes they refurbish or excess materials they didn't use. The profits help build the organization in building homes.

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  5. Anonymous11:09 AM

    I heard this story on NPR the other day. It's a great idea. Being pregnant and preparing for the baby has introduced me to the world of consignment and Craigslist. It's great!!

    Oh yeah, and generous friends who give me their baby clothes and maternity wear! :)

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  6. I was just reading about Habitat for Humanity Restores the other day. Scott and I love working on homes and remodeling so I thought this store was a great idea! These stores sell materials that were dontated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews, or from individuals. Plus, the materials are sold at a fraction of the cost and proceeds fund building habitat houses. Click here to visit their page. Madison has a store.

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  7. Brandee.. thanks for the link to their site. I will definitely check them out when we remodel our bathroom! :)

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  8. I've found that buying and selling books on half.com has proven to be both lucrative and environmentally responsible. Think of all those "read" books that sit on your bookself or in boxes in your closet that eventually get to the used book store or (gasp) in the dump. Now you can turn them into cash and buy the ones you want online for pennies. And Laura, have you checked out "greening up" on your electric provider. A lot of companies give you the option of choosing where you buy your electricity, like from windfarms and hydroplants. You might pay a little more per kilowatt/hr but it puts the choice in your hands.

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  9. I read about this in Body&Soul and thought it was so cool. I wish more people here used craigslist, but it's getting better. Thanks for sharing! We actually also have a Habitat Home Store, and it's pretty cool. They advertise furniture on craigslist.

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