2008 No New Stuff

[indigoiis]

My DH and I are pledging to not buy any new stuff this year (we got me the bike before the deadline) with the exception of food and the usual hygienic necessities. This took a lot of thought on our part and we are committed to trying this for a year. It is not going to be easy because we are a farm, but I think it will be a good exercize in Stuff and Package and Garbage reduction. My 40th birthday is in April and I expressly did this this year because I want to make a good statement, personally, this year, about what I believe in. And one thing I believe in is there is far too much garbage on this planet.



That said, it raises a conundrum for the cycling enthusiast: what to do when a component breaks, or when you need new bike stuff? Already, with the new bike being picked up Saturday, I will need a little bag to go under the seat.

The exception is that we can buy stuff secondhand (e-bay and craigslist and Salvation Army... etc.) So, I am putting my wishlist up: if anyone has any of the below items they would like to sell to me, I am buying.

1. Bag for under the seat to carry spare tubes.
2. Tights
3. Shorts with the thinner padding, size small (I wear a 6 jeans)
4. Cycling shoes size 9 to 9.5 US women.

None of these are urgent... just thought I'd throw it out there.

Indy

[Bluetree]

Indy, since I started wearing bib shorts and my team kit last year, I haven't touched my regular shorts, and many of them are almost new. The Castellis and Assos are smalls while the rest are X-smalls. I normally wear a size 2 pant, so I don't know if they'll work for you.

I also have an extra saddlebag (about 5" across) which I've never used, I'm not even sure how I got it; an old pair of Specialized Comp Carbon shoes (size 38); and a couple of cage rockets. I loved those cage rockets but they just don't fit my new carbon sideloaders. They are just fine with regular top-loading cages.

PM me if interested.

[alpinerabbit]

ooh... I hear you.

We just removed a trashbag full of papers (private/financial stuff, no recycling for that stuff) - pile of clothes (I need to upgrade my wardrobe a bit b/c of the new job) - bag full of books (boyfriend loves books even more, it's like tearing off limbs for him) - all in all a highly successful oo-sooji as the Japanese do it on new year's eve. OK we do it over 3 days.

We live in a 3 room apartment that is getting to small :-(

[RoadRaven]

Indigo - this is a great pledge to make...

However, can I suggest a few things you MUST buy new... obviously, some bike components should be bought new or as new - seat posts, saddles, chain rings etc...

But can I also implore you to use new food (no gathering from compost please ) and no recycled/reusable toilet paper...

Seriously though - I very much like this resolution, and I am going to discuss it with the children... It will be interesting to gather their ideas and hopefully get them to "buy in" to this idea.

[mimitabby]

this is a great idea, i agree! i have a pair of nashbar tights size medium i'm never going to wear. (they are longer than short)

[Trek420]

But can I also impore you to use new food (no gathering from compost please ) and no recycled/reusable toilet paper...

Seriously though - I very much like this resolution, and I am going to discuss it with the children... It will be interesting to gather their ideas and hopefully get them to "buy in" to this idea.

While I'm not re-using the toilet paper I make it a point to buy tp MADE FROM recycled paper, also paper towels. I figure that my @ss is not worth virgin forest trees being cut down.

I use cloth grocery bags almost always.

Stand back, I have a compost bin and know how to use it.

As part of the remodel I'm having to move everything from downstairs upstairs. And I imagine when I get to the upstairs flooring then do the reverse It's like moving but without the moving van.

As I pack things I'm going through the standard sorting system:

keep
donate
give away

I have found bike gear that I've either shrunk out of or no longer use. That's been donated to Trips for Kids a local group that actually has a bike thrift store

I also recommend www.freecycle.org

[ummbnb]

Google "the compact" and you'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of folks who have been doing this. You'll find excellent ideas for how to really make it work and making it a way of life after the 'challenge' is complete.


Good luck!!

[DirtDiva]

I don't know if I could do it without an exemption for sporting goods though...

All the best!

[redrhodie]

Here's stuff I buy without guilt:

Bike stuff. I think it's important to support my local LBS. I don't want Walmart to kill that business, too.

Hand made things from local artists.

Stuff made out of recycled products (check out "Chartreuse" in Newport for great crafts made from things like old billboards and candy wrappers that would have ended up in the landfill).

Things from small shops selling products not made in China.

[Tri Girl]

My friend and I did this last year. I lasted until I needed a new bike and bought one. I buy new running shoes and personal necessities, but try to cut back on most other things. I will not buy used underwear, tho. That's my limit. Other than that I frequent eBay, craigslist, second hand and thrift stores for most things I need. I have bought used clothes without a second thought, and have felt much less guilty about all the crap we have as Americans. And I STILL feel like I've got too much stuff around the house (but less and less thanks to donating and eBay).
Good for you for taking an interest in the environment- I wish more people would!!!!

p.s. I don't have any of the things you need, but I like your idea of posting and asking to buy other's used items.

[indigoiis]

We signed up with the Compact message group as well. Thanks for all the good advice here...

I agree - bike parts should be bought new. So I wrote that in as an exception. Also, tp and new undies are okay.

I also dye my hair, so that is going to be a conundrum - I can't exactly call that hygiene. What about haircuts? All questions to ask the compact board, I guess.

Day two: Still want nothing new until I see that Performance and Nashbar are having a sale.

[Trek420]

I'm remodeling my condo so I have to get new stuff. But I make a point of checking urban ore store here and there's an outlet that benefits Habitat for Humanity first before looking into new. Even then I tend to check with local independent hardware stores before bigger ones like Lowes, HD.

I've got some great deals there which is good for the earth and saves on the remodel.

Clothes, not new but new to you:

www.shopwilliamgood.com

[7rider]

I also dye my hair, so that is going to be a conundrum - I can't exactly call that hygiene. What about haircuts? All questions to ask the compact board, I guess.

I'd classify those as "services" not "stuff." It's not like it adds to the clutter in our lives or ... well, I suppose haircolor can add to the landfills, but certainly not a haircut. Besides, I know folks who recycle their hair by spreading it on their plants to keep deer from munching on them. I tried it, and it didn't work for MY deer problem, but you can add that to the "recycle" part of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" equation.

Similarly, what would you do if you needed a new water heater? You can't really buy a used one, because the used ones usually go when they're busted.

That said, good for you for imposing a moratorium on the consumerism (she said, as she posted to a commercial site forum!)!!

[Beane]

Here's stuff I buy without guilt:

Stuff made out of recycled products (check out "Chartreuse" in Newport for great crafts made from things like old billboards and candy wrappers that would have ended up in the landfill).

Chartreuse is the place on Thames, right? I got a handbag there made from recycled soda bottle labels... it's great and I get tons of compliments! That store is really cool!