Less is More
January 10, 2007 by kate baggott
Filed under Finances
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
Good luck! Even small steps wil help defeat rampant consumerism.
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….
Duck- I completely understand.
Tiffany- I think cutting up credit cards would help even more.
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.