For the past month or so I’ve been mulling over consumerism and our seemingly insatiable need to have more, better, bigger, and new. It doesn’t really matter what it is; cars, clothes, household items, houses, etc…the list goes on and on and it is a never-ending cycle of consuming. When does it end? Why must we constantly have new things, even if a borrowed or second-hand item will work? Why do we feel the need to spend our money on items that may only be used once or twice?
All of these questions have brought me to a new challenge. I have committed that I will not purchase anything new if it can at all be helped. Of course there are a few caveats to this:
1) This only applies to me and the things I purchase. I will not hold the rest of Team Swink to this as long as they are purchasing something; if I purchase it for them then yes, I will hold to this challenge.
2) This does not include food…sorry, not ready to go freegan just yet.
3) If there is an emergency I will go to the nearest retailer and get what I need.
How do I intend to accomplish this feat? So glad you asked! Some of my favorite places to look for second hand items are: thrift stores (the Arc, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc…) craigsist, ebay, freecycle groups on yahoo, garage sales, and pawn shops. I’m also open to donated items from friends ;-) Check back and see if I’m keeping to this challenge. I promise to report myself if I fail at some point (which very well may happen). I will also share victories that I’ve had. This week was a nice one: Swink1 had to purchase a new suit and some other things for work and I went with him to help pick them out. Do you have any clue how hard it is to walk through Sears with giant black & yellow CLEARANCE signs everywhere and not buy anything? Very hard when I see all the things I could get my kids but they don’t need that stuff. I overcame! Yay…let’s hope I continue this path!
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