The Compact
The Compact was started by a group of people from San Francisco who made a commitment to not buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.) and borrow, barter, or buy used.
Here are their allowable exceptions:
- A few exceptions - using the "fair and reasonable person" standard -- i.e., you'll know in your heart when you're rationalizing a violation:
- food, drink, and necessary medicine (no elective treatments like Viagra or Botox)
- necessary cleaning products, but not equipment (don't go out and buy the Dyson Animal, for example).
- socks and underwear (utilitarian--non-couture or ornamental)
- pajamas for the children
- Utilitarian services (plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, veterinarians, dog/house-sitters, fire/paramedics, dry cleaners, house cleaners, etc.) -- Support local and encourage used parts (rebuilt transmission, salvaged headlight unit, etc.)
- Recreational services (massage, etc.) & local artisanal items - Good sources for gifts, but should not be over-indulged in for personal gratification
- Charitable contributions (Seva, Heifer, and the like) - an even better source for gifts
- Plants and cut flowers - Whenever possible, cultivate from free cuttings or seeds. Ok in extreme moderation (yo, incoming oxy) when purchased from local businesses (i.e., not the Target Garden Shop)--and again, within reason
- Art supplies - First line of attack: SCRAP. When absolutely necessary (for the professionals and talented amateurs in the group), from local businesses
- Magazines, newspapers, Netflix - renewals only, no new subscriptions. Even better to consume online
- Video rentals and downloadable music files (non-material) -- freely shared and legal, please
About the only things I would add to this are pants for freakishly tall and freakishly skinny boys, shoe for freakishly large feet (seriously - if you can find used size 14 shoes, let me know) and stuff for my grandma. I always try to find clothes for misshapen children used first, but am rarely successful. I only see my grandma a few times a year, so I often send cards and small trinkets to her in her nursing home. Some are purchased second hand, but some aren't. I'm not going to stress over the "aren't" ones.
We did something like it this year, but I called it "How low can you go?" because when I mentioned "The Compact", everyone thought I had joined a cult.
Here is a post I made on my other blog way back on January 7th:
In this house, 2007 is called the "How low can you go" year. We are going to actively try to lower our costs on everything - food, utilities, school books/supplies, entertainment - everything.
As part of our plan, we are also starting our own "compact" type pledge. By "Compact type," I mean we won't be as nuts as some of the SF Bay compacters are... I will buy a new toilet brush if I need it and I won't buy things just because they aren't new. When we need something we will try to get the item used. Thrift stores, Craigslist and Freecycle are just a few options out there!
In the spirit of "How low can you go" I will be using my mad writing skills to keep you updated and bring you tips as I learn - or remember - them.
If you would like to join me, leave a comment. We can check in on (and up with) each other.
Honestly, we did pretty darn good. We just don't buy things. If we do buy things, they come from the thrift store or yard sales. Being cheap has its advantages, lemme tell ya.
I tried to join the Yahoo list for people doing the Compact in Michigan, but I only saw spam. I emailed the list oner asking if the list was still active, and offered to help moderate, because it looks like they aren't able to do it and just opened the list to anyone who wants to post anything. We will see what happens.
So, does anyone want to join me?
No comments:
Post a Comment