The Compact

When I was doing some online research a couple of months ago, I came across this blog on something called "The Compact." Started by a group of people in San Francisco, the mission of The Compact is: 1) to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc.; 2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash compact-er); 3) to simplify our lives (as in calm-pact). Basically, the group agreed to buy nothing new, except for food, drinks, necessary medications and cleaning products (but not equipment), socks and underwear, and pajamas for children. The group vowed to buy used, borrow, or do without everything else. 

I was really intrigued by the idea, and so I suggested to a friend of mine that we try it for one month. We both decided that September would work, since in August she was relocating permanently and I was traveling and in a state of flux. So, September it was. The first week was easy, especially because in hindsight I realized that I had spent the last week in August stocking up on things that I thought I needed. Is this cheating? Maybe... but I'll try not to judge myself too harshly. So, I was doing really well until, without thinking, I went online and bought my boyfriend a new book. I had been trying to get the book used from this great website called paperbackswap.com. (If you've never heard of it, check it out. Membership is free and you swap books with other members for only the cost of postage, which is under $2.50 per book). Anyway, the site has this little button next to books they don't have available that reads "buy this book new." Without thinking, I clicked on it and redirected myself to Amazon. Come to find out, I already have an account with Amazon that somehow has my credit card information saved and so I bought a new book without even really thinking about it. As soon as I clicked "Confirm purchase," I mumbled some expletive under my breath. I realized I had just unconsciously gone against The Compact. I think this was only on September 7th. 

So, I vowed to do better and was doing well until I was working and managed to highlight (again unconsciously) a book that I had borrowed from a professor. This prompted me to go back on Amazon and purchase the book for her new, since the loaned copy was brand-new when she gave it to me. I guess my weaknesses are books, which is not THAT bad... But as much as I am not going to be too hard on myself, I am also not going to rationalize. 

Other than that, and the fact that if something is needed in the house I send my boyfriend out to get it (again, is this cheating?), I've found the process to be fairly easy. If I choose to continue past September, I am looking forward to the challenge of both the holidays and the fact that I have a number of weddings/baby showers/other events coming up. 

Also, I am wondering where post-its fall. I'm hoping they fall under the "necessary items" category. Because I use them for my book annotations and have become quite addicted recently. Also, if I take up knitting (everyone might be getting a scarf for Christmas), I'm assuming I can buy yarn. I just need to find a good local crafts store and avoid the lure of Michael's.