My Compact Exceptions

Okay- it’s been almost a month since I started this experiment. For now, these are my exceptions to the rule “buy nothing new”:

1. underwear, bras, and socks
2. hygiene products- deodorant, toothpaste, etc.- plus lotions and prescription drugs
3. expendables- light bulbs, car tires, replacements for air purifier, etc.
4. slippers
5. athletic shoes
6. food, of course

I reserve the right to add to this list throughout the year, while doing my best to stick to the philosophy of borrowing, bartering, or buying used.

On March 23rd, I added:
7. flip flops
8. reading glasses
9. bathing suits
10. charities
11. services

Although it’s been pointed out to me that charities and services are part of The Compact, because the group was originally formed to go beyond recycling, and so charities and services have always been exempt.

Comments

  1. KarenSantaFe says

    Hi Ang, you thrifty saver you! I say “you go, girl” on the $7 gloves for the Jane Austen ball. Because life is also about fun, right?

    For slippers, I suggest flip flops instead or, if your feet get cold, do what the knitters do and wear socks. Or be a hippy nerd like they are here in Santa Fe and wear socks with sandals, which I would sooner die than do in public but it’s a big look in these parts. I’ve been wearing slippers since the brain tumor thing (which caused severe edema and gave me bubble feet) and I can’t wait to burn the f’ing things once my feet can fit back into my regular shoes!

    When I moved here I took about two years and went through everything I owed and got rid of about half of it, literally. It felt GREAT. I’m getting ready to do it again this Spring — furniture, jewelry, plants, just all this STUFF that actually clogs the energy of my life. Check out my friend Carol’s web site (she has a free newsletter too) http://www.FengShuiForRealLife.com on decluttering tips.

    BTW Rev. Michael Beckwith from Agape Church councils to think of money not as, well, money, but as energy in motion. It’s an interesting concept and I’ve been trying it on. ‘Cause the flip side of spending is hoarding, and neither honors our higher selves. What I am noticing about getting rid of stuff and spending much less is that I am MUCH more present to the abundance all around me, the wildly abundant planet we dwell upon. Maybe that’s part of it — by letting go we gain access to it all. Anyway, enough rambling. I love you my darling and dear friend. Big love and hugs to George too!!! Karen (in Santa Fe)

  2. says

    You may never see this but I just wanted to add my 2 cents….that’s about all I have right now! :) Anyway, we don’t do a lot of driving in our home since it’s just hubby and me with furbabies, and for the last 2-3 years we’ve purchased “used” tires for our minivan. They cost about $30 each and are up to 95% new! There’s only one place near us that sell them but they last at least a year, and are in great shape. We have a very tiny income and have to stretch it as far as it can go so ths is one way we cut expenses. Our “emergency fund” seems to be depleted any time it actually gets anything in it due to health problems, so we try to minimize car expenses whenever we can.

    My dad has always bought new tires for their vehicles but once he saw ours and how good of shape they were in, he’s started to buy them for most of their cars. It’s not for everyone but I would suggest buying them once or twice to see how long they last you. When some tires can cost hundreds of dollars new but can be bought for maybe $140 for a set of 4, and there’s almost no difference in quality I know what I’m buying. The biggest thing is that you can’t always choose what brand you get and you may not get all of the same kind. You just have to figure out where your priorities lie and where you can budget for what.

    Anyway I’m wordy so I’ll go away quiiiiiiiiiiiiietly now :) I love your blog! I just found it.

  3. Angela says

    Kristin- Thanks for commenting! My husband and I have always bought new cars (I’ve been driving 30 years and have never bought a new car) and have bought “salvaged” replacement parts on occasion. I think it’s a great idea to buy “used” tires, except I won’t be doing it in L.A. because the roads are already dangerous enough with everyone in a hurry and texting and swerving out of their lane. You take your life in your hands! But if I lived in a suburban or rural area, I would definitely consider it, especially since you get to check them out. I certainly wouldn’t mind mixing brands- that’s the kind of thing you get used to when you buy used!

    So glad you like the blog- welcome!

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