One Month Challenge Starts Tomorrow

As if asking 3 teenage boys to eliminate trash from their lives wasn't enough, I have decided it would be fun to commit to Spunky Avocado’s Facebook challenge of not purchasing anything during the month of May. I have been inspired by reading different blogs about families that do not purchase any material items over a one year period, 6 months or a month.

Why a month? Honestly I am not ready to tackle a 6 month or year commitment at this time. We are moving 3,000 miles in June. We will need to purchase bedroom and living room furniture for the new house.  After we are settled, and if all goes well in May, we will then reevaluate and decide if we want to make a longer commitment.

The only rule is to not buy any material items. Here will be our modifications:

     1) Buying food will be allowed

    2) Bathroom items are allowed, such as shampoo, toothpaste, medication,     sunscreen, etc. We will be mindful of these purchases and only buy if           necessary.                           

     3) Repairs or replacement to appliances or vehicles are allowed

     4) If an emergency arises we will purchase item at a second-hand store or     website, such as Goodwill, Craigslist or Freecycle.

Why are we doing this? One of the reasons is to be more appreciative and aware of items we already have in our home and to use the clothes, toys, books, etc. we already have.  We de-cluttered our house a year ago, giving away hundreds of books, board games, and clothes to Goodwill. Slowly, over the year, our house is becoming cluttered again. This will stop us from bringing anything new into our house.  We are also doing this to lessen our carbon footprint, since purchasing new items uses valuable environmental resources and energy. Lastly, to save money. Extra money will allow for more of our family adventures and lasting memories.