I did a search and it looks like the last activity was right before Thanksgiving so I thought I would start up a new thread. I plan on starting January 1st and taking it through the whole year. Is anyone in with me?
I am thinking of starting this in the new year, as well...I need to sit down with my DH and work out some guidelines that we both feel we can live with.
I am the "faculty sponsor" of the Buddhist Student Association at my middle school (I'm actually not Buddhist, I'm Episcopalian...but Buddhism fascinates me and they had the idea to form a club and needed a sponsor), and Buddhism has a premise called the "Noble Eightfold Path." The first step is "Right View," which includes acceptance of the "4 Truths," which basically means the following, according to my students:
--life is suffering
--suffering is caused by "want"
--by "wanting," we cause our own suffering
--disconnecting ourselves from want is the way to peace
I'm not sure if this is the best summary or not, but I'm getting my info from a combination of 8th graders and wikipedia. I need to buy a book on this stuff...
It made sense when they explained it, anyway. I am hoping that spending a year on the Compact will help me end my love affair with "want," which is certainly keeping me from peace.
Anyway, I am interested in being part of a Compacting thread in the new year, if one if forming!
I will try and keep the thread rolling by doing weekly check ins and links that pertain to compacting. I was doing pretty well last year until we decided to remodel our bathroom and then I found out I was pregnant. I kind of let it slide but I am ready to commit this year.
I have pretty much been warming up for this anyway. I have sworn off all big box stores and fast food (coffee was my big purchase at these places). I have no desire to go to Target anymore.
I haven't bought anything new except a couple rolls of wrapping paper and some tape. Here are some of my goals, though I will revise them and have them set by next week. Please give me any input you may have.
1. I will not purchase anything new except: needed personal items (undies, etc.), useful, basic crafts for dc (crayons, etc.), tires (I like to bike ride), items necessary for work (paper, binders, ink, etc.).
2. I will avoid disposable items, except toilet paper.
3. I will buy locally as much as possible.
I'd like to try for January at least. Maybe Jan - March would be a good trial and see if I can go the whole year.
My compact compact exceptions are: safety items, hygenic items, small business purchases and maintenance items (for example, I expect my laptop battery to die in the next few months and I will replace it).
I'm thinking about trying for January. We've made several changes in our lives recently that SHOULD have left us with a bit more $$ each month.....
I'm just not seeing it.
Oh....and regarding the new items? I was able to buy the wrapping paper needed for Santa (I had to get something other than the fabric we're using) at a resale shop for $1.
Is compacting about not buying anything or just not buying new?
I am in! I joined MDC specifically looking for a Compacting group, so YAY!
I will be starting Jan 3. My bday is Jan 2, and I am still a kid who wants presents at heart.
I am doing it for the consumerism, environmental, needing to get comfortable with discomfort reasons, while my husband is doing it to save money and pay off debt. At first I was frustrated because he wasn't in it for the same reasons, but I think this will actually be a good thing--we will be able to keep each other on track regardless of the reason.
Here are the guidelines I have set up for myself for the Compact 2008.
I will not buy anything new except health items, underwear, socks, shoes in 2008. I will only buy these items once the ones I currently have are used up or worn out.
My exceptions include crafting material for my sewing and bookmaking.
When my batteries I have are used up I will buy rechargables.
Printer paper but I will purchase the highest percentage of recyleable as possible.
1 magazine per month max.
1 book per month max.
Also we are going to plant a garden this spring and get 2 chicken as well so any supplies we need for them we can not purchase used.
Originally Posted by epdeans
Here are the guidelines I have set up for myself for the Compact 2008.
I will not buy anything new except health items, underwear, socks, shoes in 2008. I will only buy these items once the ones I currently have are used up or worn out.
My exceptions include crafting material for my sewing and bookmaking.
When my batteries I have are used up I will buy rechargables.
Printer paper but I will purchase the highest percentage of recyleable as possible.
1 magazine per month max.
1 book per month max.
Also we are going to plant a garden this spring and get 2 chicken as well so any supplies we need for them we can not purchase used.
Elizabeth
We are going to have a communal garden with my family this year in our yard. We bought a house on about 1 acre, so we plan on it being quite big. I wish that I had time for chickens, but my two girls keep me busy enough as it is.
Originally Posted by a2mama
I am in! I joined MDC specifically looking for a Compacting group, so YAY!
I will be starting Jan 3. My bday is Jan 2, and I am still a kid who wants presents at heart.
I am doing it for the consumerism, environmental, needing to get comfortable with discomfort reasons, while my husband is doing it to save money and pay off debt. At first I was frustrated because he wasn't in it for the same reasons, but I think this will actually be a good thing--we will be able to keep each other on track regardless of the reason.
Welcome to MDC! This is a great supportive community.
My neighbor just got 4 chickens so I am going to glean some information and tips from him and hopefully get 2 chickens in the spring. I am excited about that.
Originally Posted by StartingtoCrunch
anyone else having trouble convincing DH to get on board? I would love to try, but I may have to take it one week at a time!
My DH isn't on board, but my semi-Compacting ways (read: cheap!) have already filtered down to him through me. I can't win him over to committing to Compact, so I'll just go it alone. I'm the main household purchaser anyhow. Every little bit counts, right?
Can I be in after February 17th? That's my DS's birthday and there are some things that I really, really want for him to have.
:
ETA: I wanted to add that I've been mentally preparing for this. I've greatly reduced my spending in general and we are making the majority of our holiday gifts.
I am the primary purchaser in my house too. I think that will help a ton.
I am not going to be too controlling about him sticking to/breaking the Compact because successfully controlling myself is more than a full time job.
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