Organically Inclined

Mamas on the Compact have made the commitment to refuse buying new items, consumables aside, for a period of 2, 4, 6 or 12 months.

This is my pledge:

1. I am pledging to not buy anything new for a period of twelve months that began January 1, 2008.

2. My reasons for doing this - I’ve been doing the compact for quite some time, but I wanted to test myself and see if I could do it in a more formal fashion!

3. My plan for maintaining the pledge? Staying Home!

4. The exemptions:

a) Building materials. While I get most of our building materials used, there are a few things I’ve needed to purchase new - like a faucet, hardware for the shower and bathroom flooring.

b) Seeds and plants - Since this is how we feed our family and make some of our cash, it is important that we buy our seeds and some plants new.

c) Bathing suits and a new swim diaper or too for the baby (cloth, of course). Also, undies and socks!

d) Gifts. This is the one area where I buy new when I have to. And I freely admit to going overboard on my mother’s 60th birthday (which was on Mother’s Day this year)!

e) Car parts. Let’s face it. My truck is 16 years old. It needs stuff once in a while - right now I’m looking at new tires and new windshield wipers.