Less is More
One of the things you learn quickly as a new mother, is that most of the things you’re told you’ll need for your baby are basically unnecessary. True, perspectives change from parent to parent and baby to baby. We found that a change pad on the dresser and later on the floor were safer and more back-friendly than a specific “change table.” We also find that taking the garbage out is cheaper, less smelly and more environmentally friendly than any of the contraptions that wraps poopy diapers in a plasic case. We also don’t need a bottle warmer, about 1/2 the clothes or a bath seat, which are just a danger to everyone. Yes, kids are expensive, but they don’t need a lot of the stuff we buy for them.
I am not surprised that parenting bloggers are throwing their support behind The Compact in which participants attempt to buy nothing new for one year with a few exceptions such as food, underwear and tooth brushes. Christina at Inside Motherhood and Solo Mother is in. The Nature Moms, whose fantastically-written and well researched blog is helping all of us live greener lives, are also spreading the word.
I like to think I don’t buy what my family doesn’t really need, but I just bought three pairs of socks for each child and, while I was at the family clothing store, picked up another shirt for me that I probably don’t need (it was on sale). So, I am not sure I can commit to a year, but I am going to try it and see what happens
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POSTED IN: Finances
8 opinions for Less is More
Tiffany
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:32 am
Good luck! Even small steps wil help defeat rampant consumerism.
MamaDuck
Jan 10, 2007 at 11:35 am
Even if buying “nothing” new is too difficult or impractical for your family, the mindset behind this idea is the important thing IMO. Even just considering whether you truly need the thing that you just put into your cart/picked up off the shelf/etc. will make a remarkable difference & cut way down on your impulse purchases.
Of course, I do enjoy a few impulse purchases, like a sheet of Cars stickers for the little guy or a small toy that brings hours of playtime and joy. Now to rid all the Christmas gift clutter from my home….
kbaggott
Jan 10, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Duck- I completely understand.
Tiffany- I think cutting up credit cards would help even more.
Christina
Jan 10, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I just ran across my first dilemma… I don’t have any decent paper to print my resume! I’m going to have to ask my friends if they have any I can borrow. LOL isn’t that just something? I didn’t buy any nice paper today… I’m hoping I don’t cave tomorrow.
Sheez. It’s hard.
I’m not giving up my Lush fix though. I just discovered them all over again, and well, I’ve got to have one addiction or I’ll just start swearing like a sailor again.
Solo Mother - I’ve joined the Compact
Jan 10, 2007 at 7:36 pm
[…] No, it’s not a cult. Kate over at Babylune is in, how ’bout you? […]
Play Library » Lanka Kade Fair Trade Toys
Jan 11, 2007 at 11:29 pm
[…] Since watching the documentary, I actually have been giving more thought to how certain products make it into our home, and trying to figure out how be more careful about what does make it in. Of course, one way is just to buy less! Being more aware of the types of companies I support when I do purchase toys can also have an effect on the lives of toy makers. […]
Babylune - Top Five New Things to Try
Feb 16, 2007 at 9:49 am
[…] 4. I think it’s time for me to try a new look. Motherhood gave me a style identity crisis. The challenge, though, is to try something new without buying anything new. It might mean a return to my teenage thrift store adventures or trading an outfit with a friend of similar size. One thing is certain, I am getting too old to wear black all the time and it’s time for me to add a little colour to my fashion palette…perhaps even something not navy or gray. […]
Babylune - “But I Want A Lot”
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:45 am
[…] No, there is something else that makes children vulnerable to unhappiness and I think it is the dual forces of advertising and materialism, two forces that are stronger in the US and UK than in other countries (Canada didn’t do particularly well in the report either), but not for long. […]
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