Compacting Mommas Winter Thread - Page 4

[Emilie]

I have a question. Since you are doing this.... how much LESS money are you spending? Have you kept track or noticed?

[MamaPam]

The "Compacting Mommas" thread caught my eye. Can someone explain to me more about it or link me to another thread that does?

Thanks.
Pam

[Star]

Originally Posted by MamaPam

The "Compacting Mommas" thread caught my eye. Can someone explain to me more about it or link me to another thread that does?

Here is the original thread: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=533639

[Malva]

Ok, I did it! I took the pledge. Here is what mine looks like, it's obviously largely copied from others' pledges (thanks Delight and Chelee, among others):

December 25, 2006

In light of the destructive effects of personal greed, I pledge to curb my purchases, cease frivolous buying, and choose to simplify my life. Excepting only those things needed for work and the health and safety of my family, I pledge not to buy new. Further more, I will actively seek to pass on possessions I no longer want to those who are in need. In doing so, I hope to educate both friends and family about the corrosive effects of being in a constant state of want, nurture in myselves the uplifting state of giving, thus reducing the load on the environment and creating a more sensible path for my life. For these reasons, I join the Compact.

1.I will not buy any NEW manufactured items for one year.
2.I will only buy used items that I NEED.
3.I will not buy any convenience foods when grocery shopping with the exception of breads I can’t bake and chips. I will strive to eat in season, buying as local as possible. I will bring reusable grocery bags to the store, and I will create a weekly menu/grocery list every week.
4.I will not eat out (or eat take out) more than once per month.
5.I will encourage small local businesses.
6.No Making Sean Help Me Cheat.

EXCEPTIONS:
Printing of photos.
Art Supplies: Only if ALL PROJECTS ARE DONE and it must be bought for a specific project.
New footwear, must be a need, not a want.
WoW Expansion.

My Goals:
1.To gain perspective and learn contentment.
2.To be a mindful consumer and live lighter on the earth.
3.To become more patient and learn to plan ahead as I borrow, barter, buy used, re-use, and recycle.
4.To payoff debt.

[Malva]

I had planned on starting on January 1st but really, there is no time like the present. That, and I hadn't bought anything since Christmas (possibly longer), it's also a nice date to remember.

The most important part of the pledge to me are the goals. They were eloquently written by someone else but they are absolutely perfect and really capture why I'm doing this.

[KnittingKara]

Hubby and I had a really great talk about this last night .... we both like the idea in theory and it goes along with our general movement toward downsizong our lives ... but we need to discuss our own terms/exceptions first

I'm subbing at any rate and hopefully woon't chicken out and will start with a compact new year!

[Knittin' in the Shade]

I'm working on crafting my compact tonight and had a question for y'all. Internet - obviously, ya'll still have it since you'r eposting here - so is that not considered a *want* For me, it would fall under allowable work expenses, since I run a business with a significant web presence, but I'm wondering if it wold be okay even without that work relation?

And, my other big question - my two biggest forms of entertainment are music (via a monthly subscription to napster) and audio books (via a subscription to audible) Now, are these things I should eliminate as part of the compact? I'm thinking no, because they are not *things* in that they are digital goods, so there's no real footprint on the earth, yk? But then I think that I'm probably just trying to justify continuining them, LOL!

[khkelsey]

Originally Posted by Knittin' in the Shade

I'm working on crafting my compact tonight and had a question for y'all. Internet - obviously, ya'll still have it since you'r eposting here - so is that not considered a *want* For me, it would fall under allowable work expenses, since I run a business with a significant web presence, but I'm wondering if it wold be okay even without that work relation?

And, my other big question - my two biggest forms of entertainment are music (via a monthly subscription to napster) and audio books (via a subscription to audible) Now, are these things I should eliminate as part of the compact? I'm thinking no, because they are not *things* in that they are digital goods, so there's no real footprint on the earth, yk? But then I think that I'm probably just trying to justify continuining them, LOL!

Hi Theresa-
You're correct that all these things- internet and any type of digital downloads- are okay according to the compact since they're services, not goods. (Yeah! That means I can keep buying your patterns too )

[Knittin' in the Shade]

Originally Posted by khkelsey

Hi Theresa-
You're correct that all these things- internet and any type of digital downloads- are okay according to the compact since they're services, not goods. (Yeah! That means I can keep buying your patterns too )

woo-hoo! I can give up just about anything but my books (to listen to while knitting, LOL!) and my music

[bendmom]

nak

Happy New Year compacting mammas!!!

I officially started compacting for the full year. Dh is happy, as he's convinced we eat better and spend less when I'm compacting (duh). I even have a friend who is considering it for her and her daughter. I am curently starting a no sugar/eating healthier diet, and am having some frustrations with vegetarian cooking. There is a locally owned small used bookstore here, and I was thinking of trying to find any of the Moosewood cook books. Anyone have a favorite? I heard Mushroom Forrest was a good one as well. I bought to much champagne from Costco for a thing we had at our house new years eve, and will use the return money to buy them used. Shoot, now I'm wondering if it's still okay.

[ladywolf]

I have been falling the compacting threads. It is a way we normally live but have not made a "compact" yet.

bendmom, my favorite Moosewood cookbook is the low-fat one. We have dairy sensitivities and soy allergies in our household and this one seems to work best for us.

[anamama]

Subbing, mamas!

[gwen's mom]

I have a question for the compactors...how do you deal with your second hand "finds" not being exactly what you were looking for?

This weekend we were out second hand shopping and I found a spring dress coat that fit well but it didn't have a belt (nor was it designed to have one) which would have made it much more flattering for my figure. I have kinda been beating myself up over passing it by as I have been telling myself that I was too picky and that if I want to commit to compact I have to sacrifice. What is your take?

[cdmaze]

I would say- really look at what you NEED to live- trust me- this is a huge struggle for me as I am the type who likes to have a new outfit for every special occasion. The wants will fade- and great finds will come to you. I think it's karma.

[anamama]

I am a believer in visualizing. It works really well for me when I go thrifting. Sometimes I can't believe that I found exactly what I was looking for (brand new leather topped Sorel snow boots for Tony, for example). Keep dreaming of the perfect coat, she'll find you!

[bendmom]

Originally Posted by anamama

I am a believer in visualizing. It works really well for me when I go thrifting.

Me too! If there is something I would like, or need, but not so bad that I don't need to run right out and get it, I give it some time. I hit the consign shops, and Goodwill. Usually I find it right away, but alot of times there has been something I would love to have, can't find it used, and then low and behold a friend will tell me about thing she is getting rid off, and it's exactly what I was looking for!

[kay4]

It took me a few days to read through the original thread but I made it. I am mainly a reader here, but I am really interested in this. I don't think I am ready to commit to a year yet but I am going to take it one day at a time for now. Today, I went to the thrift store and found 4 gifts for my dd upcoming b-day (28th) Total $3.35 (I also found 2 books for me that I will really enjoy). I didn't even LOOK at the clothes, that is big for me I will check back until then for wrapping paper, decor etc. At another thrift store I found the perfect bag to carry my camcorder and digital camera, etc. I have been wanting one for awhile. It is much nicer than the ones I've seen at reg stores and was only $2.

[ShellBelle76]

This is the first I've heard of this - and I LOVE the idea... Went to the Yahoo group to sign up. And just wanted to say a hello to all of you here!

Looking forward to sharing the journey with you!

[Proudmom]

I was already doing this for January. Will run it by dh to get us in agreement for the year.

PM

[taliasully]

New compacted starting today!

I have been working towards being a conscienscios consumer for a long time , but I only just heard of compacting ! I love the idea and made a Compact with a friend of mine today.
Ours is going to be fairly liberal, we are going to have one jubilee day each season, I have to buy new fabric and sling rings for my little bussiness and there are no food restrictions, eating out etc. Anything new we "think" we need, we have to phone consult each other first to brainstorm for alternates and then get the thumbs up or down on the purchase from each other.
I am so excited to do this, and even more excited to fin this group on mothering, I kind of felt like seeing I wasn't doing it excactly that I couldn't join the yahoo group!
I'll keep you all posted on my progress!
Thanks to you all for being kind to this mother earth, especially on behalf of my beloved children,
Their future is depending on us!