Ok, I've come across this blog online at http://compactingmamas.blogspot.com, and I've decided to join the compact. here are the rules:
Though every pledge on the Compact is different, there are a few basic rules to follow:
You don't have to be a mom to join, but many of us are moms. And you don't have to have a blog to join, but if you want me to link to your blog I will.
Don't buy new! If you exempted the purchase in your pledge, then it's exempt. Outside of that, DON'T BUY NEW. There are natural exemptions to this rule including consumables like food and personal care items as well as health and safety items.
Barter, trade, buy used or go without.
Once you've made your pledge, post it on your blog and the Compacting Mamas blog.
Save one of the buttons on the sidebar to your blog's sidebar and link the button to this blog while providing a link to your pledge beneath the button.
Post to this blog at least monthly to share your experiences, challenges, thoughts and revelations on compacting.
If, for whatever reason, you didn't keep your compact, fess up here. Use the "OOPS!" button. Remember, we're here to support one another through all the aspects of compacting.
My Pledge:
I am doing this to help the environment by lowering the demand for new things to be made, as well as lowering the amount of waste created by my household. I am also doing this to help my children and myself to learn to differentiate between what we want and what we truly need. And to be completely satisfied with what we already own, instead of going out and buying new things because we're bored with what we have.
To avert the "I wants" I plan to avoid shopping websites, and stores like Target, and the mall. I will limit my shopping at WalMart to buying groceries, if I can not manage to bring myself to shop at the grocery store down the road. When I go out, I will leave my check card at home, to avoid any temptation to go shopping. I will talk to my husband about our spending habits, so as to have him help keep me on track.
Ok... my exemption are:
Shoes- I will not buy used shoes, it's just icky. They never fit quite right, and they're uncomfortable as all get out.Underwear- I know I'm gonna need new bras soon, just gotta get the money to get them.
A Wii or a PS3- I know, I know, I know that that's a horrible thing to exempt, but it's one of those things we were planning on getting w/ the taxes, and it got put aside. I should be getting money soon, so we can get it.
Necessities- Things like cleaning supplies, and a soaking jar for my moon pads. I really need the soaking jar.
Things that I will NOT buy:
Toys- The kids have a ton and a half toys, and do NOT need any more. And before I even THINK of buying more for them, I'm going to go through what we have and get rid of a bunch.
Clothes- I *REALLY* don't need any more. I have two bedrooms FULL of clothes that need washing before I even pretend to need more.
Jewelry- Any jewelry I *want* I can probably make for myself. I will exempt a butterfly necklace, as I've been looking for one for months.
Hair Stuff- Puh-LEEZE, I *really* don't need more clips/barrettes, or frills for my hair. I *might* need elastics, but not the frills. And I can probably make do without the elastics.
Cosmetics- unless I run out, which I shouldn't for a good long while
Junk food- THIS one's gonna be tough. I have a serious junk food addiction.
Fast Food- unless we're not home, and have no other option, and if we eat fast food, we will choose the healthiest possible options.
I will edit this more as I think of more.
I forgot to say that I'll be starting on 1 May.
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