Pixiepine Compact

I have been reading up on blogs like The Compact and Non-Consumer Girl. You may have noticed from my previous posts on holiday nuttiness and Buy Nothing Day, I am kinda jonesing to try something new, consumption speaking.

With all the big changes in my world these days, I'm not ready to commit to a year of The Compact, but I do want to try a month, much like people do when giving vegetarianism or veganism a shot. Here is my paraphrased version of the the guidelines of the compact, from the SF Compact website.

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.

2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes

3) to simplify our lives

The rules:

First principle - don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)

Second principle - borrow or buy used

A few exceptions - using the "fair and reasonable person" standard -- i.e., you'll know in your heart when you're rationalizing a violation:

food, drink, and necessary medicine
necessary cleaning products
socks and underwear

Utilitarian services (plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, veterinarians, dog/house-sitters, fire/paramedics, dry cleaners, house cleaners, etc.) -- Support local and encourage used parts (rebuilt transmission, salvaged headlight unit, etc.)

Recreational services (massage, etc.) & local artisanal items - Good sources for gifts, but should not be over-indulged

Charitable contributions ( Seva, Heifer, and the like) - an even better source for gifts


Plants and cut flowers - Whenever possible, cultivate from free cuttings or seeds. Ok in extreme moderation.

Art supplies - First line of attack: SCRAP. When absolutely necessary (for the professionals and talented amateurs in the group), from local businesses

Magazines, newspapers, Netflix - renewals only, no new subscriptions. Even better to consume online

V ideo rentals and downloadable music files (non-material) -- freely shared and legal, please

So here we go...these are a few of the pitfalls I see myself dealing with:

*my Etsy addiction

*feeling the need to buy shiny new things for gifts (although I usually wish I had taken the time to make something instead)

*stuff for the kidlets

*serious troublesome one here ( teehee!) : zines and papery treats (i.e. Sarah Kramer's new calender, everything in the Microcosm catalog)


And here are a few holiday loopholes: (I guess I will use these as needed, but probably save them for a rainy day)

*just received a shopping mall gift card good for 1 year


*just received a gift certificate to a local bakery/juice bar