<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">SAN FRANCISCO - It began, as grand ideas often do, over a dinner ? risotto, artisan cheese and wine. What would it be like, 10 environmentally conscious friends wondered as they discussed the state of the planet, to go a year without buying anything new? Twelve months later, the results from their experiment in anti-consumption for 2006 are in: Staying 100 percent true to the goal proved both harder and easier than those who signed on expected. And while broken vacuum cleaners and malfunctioning cell phones posed challenges, some of the group's original members say the self-imposed shopping sabbatical was so liberating that they've resolved to do it for another year. "It started in a lighthearted way, but it is very serious," said John Perry, 42, a father of two who works for a Silicon Valley technology company. "It is about being aware of the excesses of consumer culture and the fact we are drawing down our resources and making people miserable around the world." The pledge they half-jokingly named The Compact, after the Mayflower pilgrims, spread to other cities through the Internet and an appearance on the "Today" show. As it turned out, The Compact was modest as far as economic boycotts go. Several cities in the United States and Europe have communities of "freegans," people whose contempt for consumerism is so complete they eat food foraged from Dumpsters whenever possible, train hop and sleep in abandoned buildings on principle. The San Francisco group, by contrast, exempted food, essential toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo, underwear and other purchases that fell under the categories of health and safety from their pledge. But perhaps because its members included middle-class professionals who could afford to shop recreationally, their cause caught on. Nearly 3,000 people have joined a user group Perry set up on Yahoo so participants could swap goods and tips. Besides thrift stores and garage sales, participants found a wealth of free or previously owned merchandise in online classifieds and sites where people post stuff they want to get rid of, such as http://www.freecycle.org and http://www.garbagescout.com. After going through an initial period of retail withdrawal, discovering just how easy it was to score pretty much anything with a little time and effort was an eye-opener, according to participants. Rachel Kesel, 26, who works as a dog walker, said she was astonished by how often the items she needed simply materialized ? the friend who offered a bicycle seat when hers was stolen, the Apple store employees who fixed her laptop at no cost. Similarly fortuitous timing happened often enough that group members came up with a name for it ? "Compact Karma."</div> Source Are any of you disciplined enough to do this?
I usually go months without buying anything of material possession anyway. I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue. However, you need to buy new food unless you can grow it yourself. lol
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I usually go months without buying anything of material possession anyway. I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue. However, you need to buy new food unless you can grow it yourself. lol</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The San Francisco group, by contrast, exempted food, essential toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo, underwear and other purchases that fell under the categories of health and safety from their pledge.</div> Food is allowed. I'm not sure if I could do this myself. When I feel I need something, I do have the patience or time to search for it at Thrift stores, classified ads, or some other channel for used goods. I wouldn't mind trying it for 3 months first just to see how resourceful I could be.
I'm disciplined enough to the point that I don't need the newest and hottest thing out there. I look around for bargains and will look upon days and weeks if need be. I'm trying to better myself as well, as time has come, I'm 19 and am going on a rigorous 6 month exercise program, healthy food meal, better economical structure and all. I don't think I could take it to the level they did as I am a bit of a narcissist. Day by day though.
It would be easier if I was grown person with all the things I need already like these people are. I think I could do it but I'm still growing so I need new shoes and clothes every so often, I'm just starting to drive so that means all the car expenses (insurance, gas, repair, maintenance). Its rare that I buy anything these days though, I'll get a new CD every few months and maybe some video games but out side of clothes I often go months without buying material possessions. Of course it would be tough totally stopping from buying small stuff I "need" like school supplies, paintballs, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Food is allowed. I'm not sure if I could do this myself. When I feel I need something, I do have the patience or time to search for it at Thrift stores, classified ads, or some other channel for used goods. I wouldn't mind trying it for 3 months first just to see how resourceful I could be.</div> Ok well if food is allowed sign me up because for the last four years I've been basically living that lifestyle aside from buying new music, five games and going on trips. However when I think about it, I don't think I could do it this year because I'm getting married and plan on buying some things in the near future that I really need for personal reasons. Perhaps I'll go 2008. lol <div class="quote_poster">Sasha Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm disciplined enough to the point that I don't need the newest and hottest thing out there. I look around for bargains and will look upon days and weeks if need be. I'm trying to better myself as well, as time has come, I'm 19 and am going on a rigorous 6 month exercise program, healthy food meal, better economical structure and all. I don't think I could take it to the level they did as I am a bit of a narcissist. Day by day though.</div> If you need help in a healthier lifestyle just give me a shout. I've helped plenty of people change for the better.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">May I inquire as to how, I'm interested.</div> How to change? Well one guy told me he's been on weight loss programs for years and told me my ideas wouldn't work. I told him those programs are full of crap and after waiting a long time without any results he decided to give my ideas a try instead. Helped him lose 70+ pounds in a year by just giving him a short list of things to do that were quite easy. Everything I help people with tends to come from experience from either my own or from others. That's why I'm getting into college this year for a psychology major because everyone turns to me when they have problems.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What kind of tips did you give him?</div> Sent you a PM with information.
