The end of an experiment

Yesterday marked the end of our experiment of not purchasing new things. We set out to make it a year but quickly decided that that might be too long so shortened it down to 6 months. It was a fun experiment, we tried new things, and even broke our own rule on occasion.

What we really liked about it - aside from not spending much money - was not spending our weekends in box stores. They are depressing, seem to drain the day away, and they have no personality. We hadn't been in a box store in 6 months and we didn't miss them one bit! We also learned you do need new things (not a lot of things but a few things). There are just some things you can't get used (or really don't want used).

So when did we break our rule in the last 6 months? Well our biggest new purchase was probably gasoline. Unfortunately, there really wasn't much we could to about this though of course we drive as infrequently as possible.

On a smaller scale, Courtney joined a soccer team and needed soccer socks and shin guards. We found the shin guards used but couldn't find the socks, so we bought one new pair. But we didn't buy new soccer shoes, it is indoor soccer and running shoes worked just fine. We also broke our back windshield wiper. Those don't come used but instead of buying a whole new one we ordered just the rubber part that was broken and installed it ourselves. Some times the new conveniences of today are really not that convenient and just create more waste.

So what did we do to celebrate our new ability to purchase new things? The first stop was the Salvation Army. We found a couple of good finds for the kitchen and headed to the Reuse Center. I know, I know, those are both used stores but they are our favorites and we can't help it! The next stop was Office Depot. We were out of printer paper and envelopes so we thought we would stop in. 2 seconds in the store and we remembered why we hate these stores. They had neither product we wanted (100% recycled paper), they only sold paper that was 30% recycled so we left empty handed and Office Depot ended up with a e-mail from an unhappy past costumer. Last stop, the place we missed the most, REI. We both walked out happy costumers of one new clothing item each.

Despite the fact that we can go shopping in normal places again I think the thrift stores will stay on the top of our list of our favorite places to go. From now on, when we want something we ask: 1. Do we really need it? 2. If so, can we get it used? 3. If not, what is the best (durable, environmentally friendly, socially responsible) product available to fill our need?