I read this a few days ago, and like LisaP, am fascinated by this subject. I went on a real tangent from it reading the Ceit Flanders blog and some of the stuff she linked to as well. Some of which I loved (including some links to people on the limits of mininalism)

I read the NYT articles and listened to some of the interview, although didn't have the patience to go through to the end.

I like the aspect of not spending time on shopping. Apart from my time here on YLF, I don't spend much time shopping either, as I find it tiring.

I always wonder how well placed someone is to do this challenge in the first place. Could I go without clothes for a year easily? - well yes, but I'd be looking shabby. Since I restrict myself anyway with a small budget and a limited number (12-20 items a year) much longer than that and I'd have completely worn out some items like shoes).

Another thought - in my household we run out of shampoo and conditioner probably every fortnight!! (we have 3 daughters with long hair)

Gosh, I'm sounding so banal and not able to communicate all the thoughts that came to me on this topic since you started the thread. I should just go and get on with the organizy tasks I've set myself for the last week of hols.

Thanks for sharing this. I think on practical terms I could get through a year without new clothes, accessories or footwear. One or two exceptions - gym shoes, a raincoat and a swimsuit (I have of each and I would be in trouble if the items were lost or wore out). But with five pairs of jeans they won't all wear out, neither will three wool coats or six sports tees.

Emotionally would be a lot harder. I have been trying to change some aspects of my own behaviour and it is not easy - especially when it is voluntary. Of course if you cannot afford to shop that is harder - I know what that is like.

I don't plan to go this shopping fast but am strategising how to create less waste in other aspects of my life- food packaging in particular.

Anne -- you sound so much like my DH and his mum; they both abhor the process of shopping. Luckily, they both found partners who are happy to do the groceries, research cars, keep an eye on sale flyers, etc.

Sal -- I struggle with food packaging too. Especially with kids lunches, it can be so hard to avoid the gimmicky single-serve stuff. My child comes home from school begging for yogurt in squeeze tubes, etc -- I'm trying to teach him that anything with its own wrapper is a special treat, not a daily staple (and is probably made entirely of sugar...sigh).

Clothing is such an odd category, because it falls in between consumable goods (like food) and durable goods (like furniture). Especially as people lose the ability to repair their own clothes, and so many clothes are too cheaply made to repair anyway, it's hard to figure out what a healthy level of consumption actually looks like.

I identify with Suz: any sort of grand plan involving self-denial just makes me want to act out, so schemes like this always backfire for me. The truth is, I haven't shopped much this year because I've seen so little that tempted me. But when I do see something I really need or want, I buy it happily, grateful that I can afford to do so. Last week, I found a pair of warm shearling gloves to replace the ones I'd worn out last year. They were half-price on sale, and so was a cashmere shawl that a friend of mine had been longing for, so I bought both, and was thrilled with the purchases. Now my hands will be warm, and my friend will have a little unexpected and well-deserved luxury. In sub-zero, post-flu January, that made me happy!

I love shopping a little too much. I'll never be a minimalist, and a self-imposed shopping ban won't work for me - though as an environmentalist, I applaud the effort! It's worth reading and thinking and talking about, even if it's not for all of us.

I am going to try to channel my urge to shop into other creative endeavors. As a large hint, my husband got me a gc to go towards a jewelry making class. (He doesn't judge, but is aware that we have small space and thinks I'd be happier if I shopped just a bit less.)

I meant to add - wow Karie- that's a great effort re the sewing. What a cool
And successful challenge!!

My mother is very frugal, too. She can afford to buy whatever she wants, but she doesn’t want anything. In her case, I think it’s because she was a child of the Depression. When I was young I remember looking in my parents’ closet, and there was hardly anything in it.

I just think some people think of this shopping ban as a fun game—the self-denial is a fun challenge.

I personally would never do this, because I feel like I’m constantly denying myself things all the time. I mean, that’s just life.

I should soften that statement: I deny myself stuff but I also indulge too. There’s always a balance.

It is interesting that people feel like they need to do the opposite when told to deny themselves something. I don’t feel this way at all. I guess I am not rebellious in this area of life.

I just want to say my technique is to yell ‘penguin killer!’ re. children and excessive packaging desires. Lol - this is esp good since dd is 25...

I read this article when it came out and found it really inspiring.

La Ped. I only let the kids have the gimmicky stuff once a year, on their birthdays. Though I don't stop them buying things with their own money. I make yoghurt at home (they don't take it to school, too hard to transport) so if I ever buy "shop yogurt" it's a real treat!.

Also wanted to say that the beginning of the interview mentioned the time of the year, which I think is significant. I'm saying that because we having to do a major clean out of my kids' room, partly prompted by where to put the Christmas presents. (And that's even with me giving "experiences" and a Kris Kringle type arrangement with one side of the family.)