There are Ten Guidelines if you’re up to the task:
- Be kind to yourself
- Buy it used
- Bring your own
- Get stuff fixed
- Buy services and experiences
- Support local
- Avoid excessive packaging
- Stick to the essentials
- Use your common sense
- Have fun
“Surprisingly (or not),” the BNN blog reads after one writer’s year-long experience with the challenge, “what I learned over the course of the year was that buying nothing new became more about focusing on quality of life rather than quantity of stuff, aka: Living sustainably means living well. The challenge transformed itself into an appreciation for all things minimalist and wholesome by virtue of uncovering a little bit more of my true self, sans accessories.”
“In other words, Buying Nothing New may sound like a superficial task but I assure you, the real work of this journey is an inside job. Thus, I see BNN as a lifelong challenge.” The message is clear. Stripped from the trappings of clamoring for things, those who attempt to abide by the BNN ideals are rewarded with a renewed sense of self, pride in their resourcefulness, and the fulfillment that comes with knowing their carbon footprint is a little smaller.
In a country known for its rampant consumerism, which U.S. city would be the best candidate for a Buy Nothing New campaign for a month? What would be your biggest obstacle undertaking a Buy Nothing New project in your own home? Are you up to the challenge? –Casandra Armour
