Reflections

I walked dogs with friends last weekend and they congratulated me on my half way mark. It feels good, an accomplishment, a chance to take a proverbial breath and evaluate what I already have (which is plenty). As we talked, my friends asked if I was looking forward to buying new things. A few things, yes. “It’s probably going to be hard for you,” commented M, “hard to go back.” I hadn’t really thought about it too much, but I think she’s right. It’s not going to be difficult for me to replace some of my clothes, I will be very satisfied with the amount of use and wear I will have put them through by the end of the year. Yet, the more I think about it, there is very little I *really want*. I just hope my cell phone and laptop make it another six months.

I don’t know if I want to make the shift back to regular consumerism. This experiment has been freeing even though the premise is restrictive. When you’re not buying stuff, it eliminates the pressure and weird fear of missing out. I’ve built a stronger connection with my community through lending and borrowing, selling and gifting items, and just chatting about the many resources available to those who prefer not to participate in the standard consumer-driven economy. One thing I have noticed is that not one person has criticized my experiment as the slippery slope to the downfall of the American economy. I still shop for groceries, pay a mortgage and utility bills, enjoy meals out, go to the movies and concerts, and put gas in my car. I try my best to come away from experiences with nothing but memories or my own durable take-away containers filled with leftovers. I continue to be pleased by the positive reception I receive from wait staff when I whip out my own container from my tote bag!

Another connection I made through sharing my buy nothing experiment is Jenni through the OHSU farmer’s market. She runs a business called Organic Necessity (organic necessity.com) that sells soap seeds and wooly balls for use in the dryer or to keep clothes fresh. I have been intrigued by this non-detergent based approach to laundry, but I was also completely skeptical that these little seeds in a muslin bag could effectively clean clothes. A colleague used them on her daughter’s basketball uniforms and raved about them so I thought I would give it a go. I took Jenni’s information and explained that since I wasn’t buying anything and I still had detergent (from the bulk bins!), that I could not purchase anything from her that week. She was very kind and gave me some of her seeds and wooly balls as a gift. I haven’t had a chance to try them, yet, but her gift is a just one example of the generosity and support I’ve received during the last six months. I’m looking forward to trying out this zero-waste approach to laundry.

I have a lot to say about shopping the farmer’s market, Plastic Free July, and the Oregon coast, but I will save it for another post. Until then, I wish you a happy and safe Independence Day!