New stuff sucks.

That’s right, you’ve read the title correctly. Who needs nice, new objects like the Pet Rock or the Digestive System Puzzle when places like Goodwill stores and freecycle exist for the acquisition of someone elses old stuff. I know, the Pet Rock and Digestive System Puzzle are not high on your list, but come on, they do show how silly people get when it comes to the crap we buy (though for those of you who know me, I’d gladly purchase a nervous system puzzle, even on my tiny student income). Seriously, have you ever stopped to look out how ridiculous we can be with the “new” things we buy just for the sake of buying them? Well, some friends in San Francisco decided to find out how bad their new-item consumption had become by not buying anything new for an entire year. Read about it here.

Basically, this couple and some of their friends, decided to not buy anything new in 2006 with food, essential toiletries, underwear and other items under health and safety categories as the exceptions. They used thrift stores, garage sales and Web sites to get items during this time. A user group of almost 3,000 people has started from this boycott which is named The Compact, after the Mayflower pilgrims.

I have to say that I am tempted to add this to my list of resolutions for 2007. If I do, that would bring my total of resolutions up to one. But, I am hesitant, and I don’t know why. I often tell people that I am not very materialistic, but I don’t know with whom I am comparing myself — certainly not the homeless or poor.

I like what the participants have learned so far. “One of the byproducts of The Compact has been I have a completely different relationship with the things in my life. I appreciate the stuff I have more,” said John Perry, founder of The Compact.

Now that is an appreciation I am willing to purchase.

~ by wilewis3 on January 8, 2007.