I read about this on boing boing and think I might give it a try. The Compact is a group in San Fran who is trying to go a whole year without purchasing anything new (see below) I'm already very good about not buying new things, but for the reason that I'm thrifty. Now I have a new found environment zeal to put behind my cheapness. I'm going to try this for a week. If it goes well... maybe I'll try it for the whole year. It will be like the master cleanse for my soul (and I won't have to spend nearly as much time in the water closet)
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Greetings, Compact-wegians,
Tomorrow is the start of our 12-month flight from the consumer grid. To aid us all in getting started and sticking to the regime, I've compiled the guidelines we set in stone at our great dinner a few weeks back.
As agreed, The Compact has several aims (more or less prioritized below):
1) to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact
2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er)
3) to simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)
So, here goes for the rules:
# <> First principle - don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)
# Second principle - borrow or buy used.
# 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
# V ideo rentals and downloadable music files (non-material) -- freely shared and pirated, preferred
