"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it". – Henry David Thoreau
Initially, I set out to do a no-buy year. That didn't happen as I wanted. So, I swapped to a low-buy year.
During lockdown
My low buy year had a great start as I hardly spent anything during lockdown which I am pleased about. I don't know about you but I hardly bought anything that wasn't completely necessary. It just seemed like it wasn't worth risking someone's life to deliver something I didn't really need.
Unfortunately, I did stop making some of the sustainable swaps I had started making and just bought what I could—such as things like toothpaste and mouthwash. The main reason being was because I couldn't see my dentists discuss how safe the options where.
I wrote a post about how starting a low spend year has helped me during the lockdown, if you would like to give that a quick read.
Post lockdown
I've tried really hard not to buy backups of toiletries. The only thing that sometimes gets me is if there is a deal on something I know I will use up. For example, I have backups of hand creams because they were on offer. My hands are so sore and dry with the constant hand-washing.
After my massive declutters, I tried really hard to avoid buying clothes. The few items I have needed were some t-shirts and shorts when we had those scorching days and a few jumpers now its got cooler. For every item in, I have made sure to remove some items and add them to the donate pile.
A few things that I have bought that are unnecessary include a new backpack. The one I had always looked dirty so I've bought a plain black one.
My main success areas
No excesses toiletries. Toiletries were the main reason I started out with a low buy year as I had so many drawers and cupboards full of stuff I would never use. So I am really happy with my progress in this area.
I have also managed not to buy any stationery that I didn't need!
In terms of clothes, I still only have one wardrobe, which also includes my coats. This is in sharp contrast with a few years ago when I had both of the wardrobes in our bedroom and my coats in the cupboard in the hall.
In terms of clothes, I still only have one wardrobe, which also includes my coats. This is in sharp contrast with a few years ago when I had both of the wardrobes in our bedroom and my coats in the cupboard in the hall.
Where I need to focus on
To successfully complete my low buy year I need to stop impulsively buying things off Amazon. I did start putting stuff in my basket and thinking about whether I did actually need the items. However, the last few things I've bought were just bought off the hoof.
Are you doing a low buy year?
I would love to know how you're getting on!
Lots of love,
Helen x
No comments
Post a comment