I’ve never been a big consumer. I don’t like shopping, especially in brick and mortar stores (online is more fun!), but found I was getting a bit spend thrifty during the pandemic. Almost having a mindset of “since we’re dealing with the hardships and uncertainty of the pandemic I should just buy what we want and not worry about the cost”. Which I did… not to excess but more than usual.
I’m not comfortable being spend thrifty. I am a minimalist and having too many “things” stresses me out and leads to major cleaning episodes which leads to multiple trips to Goodwill to drop off donations.
So… my goal for the year starting August 1st is to avoid buying anything new…that includes books, household items, clothes, etc.
There are exceptions to my “nothing new” rules of course… I’m not going to get crazy with this.
Exceptions are…
Replacing an item that has broken and is not repairable or is completely worn out.
Gifts
Groceries and other consumables
DIY materials but only if absolutely necessary…I’ll use what I have here, modifying plans if need be before buying more supplies.
The bookcases for the loft redo that I’ve been trying to buy since mid-June but IKEA has been out of.
Did I say I’m planning on working on this for a year?
This isn’t just an exercise in frugality or will power. Each item I buy used, or don’t buy at all, is one less item that needs to be manufactured, saving the materials and energy that go into the manufacturing process. It’s a small gesture, yes, but it feels like the right thing to do.
2 comments:
Interesting --- I too have bought more things this year then previously...especially online. I didn't know though that the term "spend thrifty" meant spending in a frivolous way! I think I had the opposite understanding. I also tend toward minimalism...and these days regard anything made of plastic as an unnecessary toxic waste. You are so right about the manufacturing of items...I think we all could live in a fine style if rarely buying anything new for a long time.
Loren… Yes, I dislike plastic too, and try to avoid it, but I REALLY hate particle board and other kinds of “fake wood” and believe I have purged my house of it. When we were younger it was harder to avoid since we couldn’t afford “good” furniture, but while Joe probably gets tired of my creaky antique furniture, I love it… knowing that it’s all real wood (and it’s history is an extra added bonus!).
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