When I first heard about The Compact, I was intrigued by the concept of not buying anything new for an entire year. However, I did not think that I could join on my own and did not think I could convince the rest of my family to join with me. I have since learned that I was wrong; an individual can join the compact even if other family members do not. So I decided to join The Compact and commit to not buying anything new for the year of 2010. When I shared my plan with my family, they surprised me by saying that they would be willing to join with me.
In many ways, this challenge will not be as difficult for me as it is for other compacters. My husband and I have been married for over 20 years and have accumulated all that we need. It could be difficult to be compacting with teens, however mine are through their growth spurts and do not mind “vintage” clothing. And my youngest is not aware enough to know the difference between new and used clothing or toys.
I expect the most difficult area to be gifting. I have given compacty gifts to immediate family members and close friends (used books, tickets to Itzak Perlman, baked goods, museum memberships, Jay, Jay the Jet Plane toys bought off eBay, charity donations, etc.), but I am a little fearful of how this will play out with the extended family. I have some skills which I can use to make gifts, but there are some family members who will look down on hand made gifts, so I am going to have to get very creative!
Tomorrow, I will tell you about our last shopping trip of 2009. For now, I will leave you with our exceptions list. The Compact is unique to each individual; each person making their own list of exceptions to the not buying anything new rule. Safety and hygiene items are universal exceptions.
1. Undergarments and socks
2. Replacement parts to repair cars and appliances
3. Violin strings for my daughter
4. Drawing paper and watercolor paper for my oldest son
5. rank insignia if my husband is promoted
6. running shoes
Before you start to pity me or my children, visit My Year Without Spending and The Non-Consumer Advocate to see how other compacters are living rich and full lives without buying anything new.
Alea says
Julie- I need to post an update, but it has been surprisingly easy so far.
juliecache says
i'm a follower, and I'm currently reading _Not Buying It_. I'll be closely watching as I research the feasibility of this for my family.
Rae says
what a wonderful resolution – good luck! I've always admired people who can undertake the Compact. I Love the idea of it, but just know I couldn't do it 😀
Angela says
I'm so excited for you. This has been an amazing year for me after joining the Compact on Jan 1, 2009 and it's been so rewarding I see no need to stop now!
I was also the most concerned about gifts but had no problems whatsoever. Since I was also trying to be frugal, I did spend a little more time, but I was able to think of gifts for everyone.
If you can spend a bit more, experiential gifts like you mention are always welcome!
And yes, I do feel like I'm living a full and rich life even without buying anything new. Like you, we already have a lot to begin with. And we don't have children, which I know makes it easier.
Good luck, Alea! I know you'll do great. And I made your triple chocolate cake for our New Year's Eve dinner with friends last night and it was a huge hit. Thanks- I really needed something fast and delicious!
Shana says
That is so awesome. You go girl. You have more willpower than I do but I will be paying attention to how to do things.
Rebecca says
Impressive! Goodbye Kohls and Target, hello ARC! I agree that gifting could be a dilemma. And you can't buy supplies for handmade items? I have a whole box full of incomplete counted-crossstitch items that haven't been touched since I became a mother 14 years ago. I could always fall back on that!
I'm looking forward to reading your Tale of the Last Shopping Trip as well as hearing updates throughout the year.