365 days of not buying new items

Each year I set my 'intentions' and various things I would like to experience or accomplish during that year.

For this 2009 year, I claimed it, "Refine '09". With this intention, I set off writing my list of what would mean to me and consist of. On this list I cleaned out every room in my house and a big chunk in my personal office. I gave away so much stuff that I just didn’t need or didn’t serve a purpose in my life, but knew it could for someone else. Among many other 'refining' goals, was to focus on my sustainable efforts. One of which was my agreement NOT to spend money on anything NEW for myself (not including food or basic vanity necessities).

Well, I made it through!

I know that retailers may not like this very much but it wasn’t that ALL retailers missed out either.

I got in the habit of asking myself these key questions anytime I had the desire to buy something that I thought I really wanted:

• Is this item really important that it will change my life or someone else’s in a significant way?
• Will it make a positive impact toward my goals, commitments or my agreements?
• Will this have a long term positive effect on my life or others?
• What could I make as an alternative that is more sustainable?

I realized that my experience has been surprisingly rewarding! Here are the positive outcomes that occurred so far:

• I saved a lot of money – by getting by with something I already had, or could make to substitute for that item.
• I have been able to contribute more to other charities with the money I saved and with items that didn’t serve me anymore.
• I built great contacts and a network of sources as I sought out reused items from resale shops, antique stores, consignment stores.
• I followed through on a commitment to myself and the environment.
• I had fun with the experience and it was almost like a treasure hunt.
• Saved money for several clients and created very fun, eclectic spaces for them by going more green and buying from consignment and antique stores.
• My living environments are more simplified
• It’s made for a pretty creative Christmas! There are so many 'green' ideas to share!
• Saved a lot of carbon emissions for the environment.
• Realized how much I would have spent on unimportant things that have been acquired but didn’t have a real important impact on my life or happiness in the long run.
• Saved a huge amount of waste that could have ended up in the landfill.
• I learned to think out of the box even more and notice things I already have and got pretty creative.
• I harvested my lavender from 2 huge bushes I have and gave as gifts
• Made compost for my plants out of bad hay and horse manure from my horses

So, now that I have already created this new habit and will continue to carry it forward with a new perspective for the year 2010 - Any guess what I have claimed this year?! Look for my next blog!