The No-Buy Embargo
It has been about two months since I began my no-buy embargo. I haven’t really discussed it, since I’m actually sort of embarrassed about it. What kind of capitalist refuses to buy things? Or do I mean consumer?
From June 16th until December 16th I’m not allowed to buy anything new. The exception is items that are literally consumables, such as food, underwear, and personal hygiene products. I can’t buy books, magazines, computer gear, clothes, art — anything, except of course if it is used, borrowed, or bartered. I’m not sure how this will work for holiday gifts, but I’ll cross that bridge when I reach it.
I’ve been quite successful except for twice: I bought a $18 book at Borders new and I bought a grounded power converter at Cole Hardware. The latter I took back to the store because well, why the hell did I think I needed that? It was another example of me buying random things I didn’t need.
The truth is that there isn’t anything that I need, or at least need to buy new. My backpack broke, so I rummaged through my closet and found out that I had another one anyway. If there is something I think I need, like at the moment I want a new Mac thin keyboard, I just have a discussion with myself as to why I really need this, decide to go without, and I’m fine with it.
The result is that I haven’t accumulated any crap these past few months. I’ve banked a large amount of money too, my budget was actually met this month. I don’t think that’s ever happened since I moved to the city!
So why should you go no-buy? You are tired of materialism. You want to save money. You want to travel light. You find yourself not wanting to own the new toys that everyone else has. You want to save the environment. You want to challenge yourself. You don’t want to be in credit card debt. You don’t have the room. You don’t have the time. The things you own end up owning you.