It's hard to believe that I've been on this shopping ban journey for 9 months now. It really doesn't feel like it and I almost don't even realize I've placed these restrictions on myself anymore. I am still aware of them and do my best to stay within them, but I don't feel actually restricted. Here's some examples.
1. I was down to my last pair of non-gym style shorts and in need. It's hot as hell here (almost literally) and I just can't make it all summer in jeans. So I went to a local secondhand shop and managed to find 3 pairs of shorts for $22! Normally one pair brand new would have cost me around that so it was definitely a win. Also they look brand new and nobody is going to know I didn't buy them new unless they come read this and ask me about it.
2. I am allowed to buy things to replace items that are legit worn out, and I've now busted 2 pairs of field pants and 2 field shirts in the last few weeks so I bought 1 new pair of pants, repaired both of the pair I wrecked, and bought 2 new field shirts. I am not confident one of the repairs will last very long so another pair was definitely needed. And my long sleeve sun shirts lose UPF rating over time and I wear them constantly so I rotate out the older ones and buy 1-2 new ones every year anyway. Field gear is a weird category because I'm fine with buying used pants (but couldn't find any in my size) but want brand new shirts for max UPF protection. South Louisiana is brutal and I work outside all summer. Sun safe, y'all!
I'm also doing some fundraising for an exciting new adventure (which I will announce publicly soon!) and I'm offering some perks in exchange for donations. I've given myself a shopping ban hiatus on a few things so that I can achieve this goal. I needed photo mats, shipping envelopes, thank you note cards, and photo prints for this and went ahead and bought them. I don't think this counts as shopping, necessarily, because it IS for a project and it IS well thought out and it IS basically going to be gifts to people for donating to the fundraiser. So all that is fine in my opinion.
I also bought 0 books in June, but did immediately reach my $25 limit for books in July. I bought a digital copy of Bird Therapy by Joe Harkness and so far I LOVE IT. I also bought some books for the OC Book Club, used of course, from Thrift Books (which is possibly my favorite website ever after www.howmanyaltuves.com). I have been heavily using the library for some research reading (yay public libraries!)
I have yet to purchase anything under the new Rule #3 of the shopping ban, which is to allow purchases from local artists. I have one in mind but have yet to pull the trigger on it. I tend to overthink purchases ANYWAY and this one is no different, even though it's allowed in the rules.
Keep being conscientious consumers and do your best to minimize your impact!
No comments:
Post a Comment