There's been an event floating around facebook lately publicising Buy Nothing New Month. A month (October) in which, as you will have already gathered, you're not meant to buy anything new (apart from food, and really really essential things). You can buy secondhand stuff. You can beg borrow barter or steal (maybe not the last), but just not. anything. new.
It's all about "taking October to reassess what we really need, think about where the stuff we buy comes from (finite resources), where it goes (landfill), and what our alternatives are." [http://www.buynothingnew.com.au/]
And I thought - sure, that shouldn't be hard. I don't buy much stuff new anyway. And then a few days later I thought "I really must buy some sunnies before the month starts, because I haven't had a functioning pair for ages.." Wait a second. Maybe I do buy more stuff than I think!
Then today was the confirmation. I nearly forgot October began today, but my dear sister reminded me so I'd have no excuse.
First mistake:
Accompanying my mother on her trip to Spotlight.
Second:
Bringing my wallet.
Third:
Well, I ummed and ahhed and dithered and argued with myself...... and finally cracked.
It's all about "taking October to reassess what we really need, think about where the stuff we buy comes from (finite resources), where it goes (landfill), and what our alternatives are." [http://www.buynothingnew.com.au/]
And I thought - sure, that shouldn't be hard. I don't buy much stuff new anyway. And then a few days later I thought "I really must buy some sunnies before the month starts, because I haven't had a functioning pair for ages.." Wait a second. Maybe I do buy more stuff than I think!
Then today was the confirmation. I nearly forgot October began today, but my dear sister reminded me so I'd have no excuse.
First mistake:
Accompanying my mother on her trip to Spotlight.
Second:
Bringing my wallet.
Third:
Well, I ummed and ahhed and dithered and argued with myself...... and finally cracked.
I attempted to rationalise it, as they're all for stuff for other people.. but it's still a fail.
I have decided to begin the month tomorrow. And I am determined to do better than I did today!! I think it'll be really good just to see how many times I do want to buy things, and be a bit more resourceful in how I react to that.
Wish me luck.
p.s. I also feel this is a good opportunity to take up dumpster diving again :)
