Finding the Will to Compact

I came across an online article last week about a group of friends who swore to "Compact" last year. Their intentions are certainly noble and their efforts towards earth conservation very admirable. The Compact's mission statement is quoted below:

"1) to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact
2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er)
3) to simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)"

The gist of it, or dare I say the challenge, is to help control the mindless consumption of goods that will just as soon clutter up the home and eventually our landfills. Thereby, to sign yourself up for the Compact, you have to exert all efforts to purchase used items (at consignment stores, thrift stores, etc.) and only if they are truly necessary. Some exceptions are the purchase of essential toiletries, underwear (it's funny as one was quoted as she'd rather make her own underwear than buy used), medicine and food. It's not all too dire, however. Once a year Compacters get what's called a "Jubilee Day" wherein they give themselves the greenlight to purchase whatever they want regardless of its condition.

Now, I was initially intrigued with the movement (if I may call it that). To NOT buy anything NEW is simply astounding for me. I know that I'm not as much a shopaholic as I was a decade ago, but still, to NOT BUY ANYTHING NEW?! But as I look around my own home and see the mind-numbing clutter that never seems to get in control, I began to understand the need within me to do something. So, seeking inspiration and ideas, I joined the compact egroup (JUST the egroup!), and it was really interesting what kind of thoughts and ideas that were bounced around. Anyway, for better or for worse, I thought that I might as well take some baby steps towards Compacting.

First of, let me make clear that I don't think that I can compact for a year. I think that I can do it for myself alone, but I can't do it for my family's behalf. There's a suggestion to do it from month to month. Even that might prove to be too tough for me. So I've decided to just take it from week to week beginning this Sunday.

And now, before I begin, I am going around the house taking stock of all the stuff that I and my family have accumulated. I think that I've mentioned this before, but for a struggling family, we piled on quite a heap. Sorting through my children's clothing, I never realized just how many clothes they both have. While I am happy when they are gifted with clothes, I take a bigger part of the blame with their bulging closets. Although I usually buy on clearance, getting those $5 shirts still add up and my children can very well go through all their clothes in a month without me having to do their laundry. And these are children who are both under five! And please don't let me start on their toys!

And then I also found a few knickknacks that I bought just because it's super cheap, but have now ended up being tucked away in drawers. There's a cookie cutter set that I got two years ago that I have yet to use. They're Halloween themed and I usually cop out to buying candies on Halloween rather than baking sugar cookies and decorating them. There's a complete twin bedding set that I got on sale. In truth, the set is really lovely, and for the price and brand, quite a steal. I bought it last year picturing it on AT's bed, a perfect complement to her room. The only problem is, AT still sleeps in her crib and may not even be ready to move on to her toddler bed until Spring! So I'm guessing that this bedding set will make its way out of the bag by the time AT turns four and that's TWO YEARS AWAY!

So maybe, this really is my call to curb my needless spending more than anything else. As important as it is to save the earth, it's just as important to save myself. To get a grip and just put true value on whatever is necessary. A plush towel might be dirt cheap at $2, but do I really need one when I've already got ten in the linen closet? I guess that this might be my year to simplify my life and pare down the excesses. Let's just see how far along I can go.


Compact sources:
http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/

Daring Myself to Make New Year Resolutions

At last, the last reminders of Christmas have been carefully packed and tucked away in the deep recesses of our garage. It is New Year's Day and my house if looking like its normal self again. Cluttered and sans the holiday decorations.

Aside from the fact that we seem to be passing around the cold and cough bug within the family, the holidays passed swiftly and most pleasantly by. We all had a great time visiting friends and family in New Jersey and New York. AGT's wedding went off without a hitch. Its simplicity and intimacy bellying the depth of love and excitement that was shared by everyone who witnessed it. Then by the time we drove home, it was Christmas Eve. After a quick Christmas Eve meal, both kids were in a rush to get to bed for once. AJ wanted to make sure that he was asleep by the time Santa Claus peeked in his window to see if he and his sister could get their presents. True enough, he was the first one up and half dragged me and his father down the steps to witness the spectacle that Santa left behind.

Then, there were the usual gatherings among our friends here with tables groaning of food and drinks and stories overflowing. Between our brief holiday out East and tonight, I think that I have packed in an extra layer of fat as a sweet remembrance of the holidays.

Of course, I have to mention that my darling AT turned two years old before the year was over. Although still a baby in my eyes, I'm expecting her to just "mature" exponentially this coming year... just like her older brother. One day it's all just baby talk, and the next you'll be conversing to each other and realize that you can understand each other intelligibly.

So for the new year, I look into this screen and try to anticipate what the coming year brings for me and my family. Now, more importantly, I guess that I should also think about what I can do for myself and my loved ones for this year.

A very good friend from high school has always been encouraging me to write down my goals (reasonable ones, no winning the lottery sort of thing) since it will help propel me towards achieving them. So now, I'm giving it a try and hopefully when I look back on this post same time next year, I'll be able to tick everything off with aplomb.


2007 Resolutions:

1. Make myself and my family healthier by eating sensibly and exercising more.
2. Stick to my budget and lower our debts.
3. Keep my home AND car tidier.
4. Learn at least two new skills.
5. Have more quality family time together.

So, good luck to me then.