introduction to buying nothing new

I've realized the need to explain my motives for buying nothing new for a year.

First, a disclaimer: this practice is by no means a glorification of poverty. I know that much of working class America has been living more sustainably by force and it is really irritating when middle and upper income level people all of a sudden decide to "renounce things" and feel self-righteous about it. This is one of my personal pet-peeves. The poor don't get righteous points for "living simply."

What I intend here, is a re-imagining of an American economy and an act of resistance.
We have the power to look at the consumerist approach to advertising and say, "no thank you" We can analyze the media and say, "Actually, if I bought nothing new this year, I would not be any worse for the wear" I hope in the new economy we are active participants and we don't need to passively absorb American Consumerist values. We can make our own values and control / manufacture our own desires. Our desire for relationships and meaning do not need to be masked as a desire for shiny new stuff.

I am convinced there is enough stuff in the world (possibly even enough stuff in my closet) for all of us to live on "nothing new" for a long time.

The new American economy doesn't need to produce an overabundance of stuff and make more of landfills of trash and pollution while the majority of the world starves and dies of preventable diseases (some which are due to that pollution).

So, lets all try to consume less and instead, create egalitarian relationships with all beings everywhere and the earth.

Not buying anything NEW for a year

Recently, a friend told me about an article in the Christian Science monitor she read about a family that decided not to buy anything new for a year. I've decided to try it. I hope to post some creative, fun, inspiring stories... Maybe it will catch on!

Invitation: If you are so inspired, post your own stories of "used" experiences here. Or, take the challenge with me!! The idea is to share ideas.

Rules: Can buy new: food, medical treatment, car repairs if necessary.. I will try to barter as much as possible for things like: a hair cut

starting: 3/21/09
The significance of this starting date is that it was the birthday of a 13 year old neighbor, Rachel. I thought about getting her art supplies for her birthday. I have tons of art supplies. So, I gave her a bag full of my spare paint brushes, paints, magazines to cut up, pipe cleaners. I made her a mixed CD with songs already on my play-list.

Rachel, honey, I am sorry I did not really explain the philosophy behind that present bag full of used art stuff and mixed CDs of poor quality... I hope we can have that talk soon!