Mar
17
2008
17
2008
The Compact Revisited
Filed under: Consumerism, Stuff, Compact, Contentment, Simplifying, Possessions
When I committed to The Compact in October of 2006, I had no idea how radically it would change my life. I set out on a mission to simply stop buying new stuff…but instead the experiment changed my entire view of our consumerism-obsessed culture, marketing, wants vs. needs, giving vs. selling, the poor…the list goes on and on. While I did not complete the entire year of Compacting by my “rules”… I will be forever changed by this experience. I have blogged in the past about my journey, but here are some effects of The Compact that are still with me today:
- I LOVE buying used. It’s almost physically painful for me to buy things new/full retail cost. I could spend hours and hours at Goodwill…especially if I have a list of things I’ve been looking for. The thrill of the hunt is so fun. Whenever we need something, whether it be RV related, clothing, kitchen gadgets…we always turn to eBay, Craigslist, or Goodwill first before ever looking for it new. I would have to say that this ONE THING has been the biggest change for us.
- I’ve become appalled at the price of things…and have started to realize the crazy profit companies make on our purchases because we are just too lazy to search out the alternative. My current pair of jeans (yes I only have one pair) were 99 cents at Goodwill. Matt found them for me in the men’s section and said “here honey…these will be cute on you”. I LOVE them! And now, when I go in and I’m browsing the jeans, a tag for $3.99 seems ludicrous! Ha ha! How dare they think they can charge $3.99!
This also happens when I’ve been to too many garage sales…I get used to the LOW prices and it’s hard to go back to eBay or consignment stores after that! - I started to give a lot more stuff away. I think that when you come to the realization that it’s the STUFF that is bogging you down emotionally, mentally, and physically…you just want to get rid of it! So I got very good at filling boxes and going to Goodwill. Is there anything that feels better than handing over boxes of stuff that has been cluttering your home to the Goodwill attendant in the back of the store? I love it…a natural high!
- Handmade gifts are where it’s at…if it’s a handmade/recycled/found object art gift, even better! I think it was during my Compacting days that I discovered Etsy. Oh my goodness. How can you not love Etsy?!
- I am so much more sensitive to the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough. They want me to want something. They scheme all day long on the by putting “want creators” on TV, internet, billboards, junk mail…it’s rampant.
- Because I am more sensitive to these things…I can hardly stand to set foot in a mall. The bright lights, the busyness, the insane amounts of money being exchanged. It’s overload.
- I can now walk into a Target or any other store and actually only buy what I went in for. Prior to The Compact, I almost felt like a zombie as I walked out of Target…wondering what just happened in there! Last night, we went as a family to buy a few items that we’ve had on our list for weeks. And it felt so good to come out with just a few things on the receipt.
- Now that Bella is at the age where she can understand purchasing, money, wants, etc…it has become more time consuming to go into stores because I need to discuss everything with her as we go. She amazes me with her self-control though. When we walk by the $1 section in Target, she likes to stop and look, but is not thrown into a frenzy if we decide not to get something there. We talk through it and it becomes a teaching moment about consumerism, money, and priorities. We talk about whether or not we need it…does she already have something similar in the RV? And if we were to get that item, would she be willing to give something else in her toy box away to make room for it? Young minds are hungry for teaching…I try as hard as I can to teach her things that aren’t in a normal school syllabus! Of course, it’s pretty rare that we even go to Target, so I think this is the key to success. Keep children focused on the abundance they DO have…not what they don’t have. Gratitude breeds contentment.
- And oh what JOY will come if we can learn contentment! Pray for it…Christ wants to give it to you!
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation)
I would LOVE to hear from all of you who have committed to The Compact at any time (and for any length of time). Let us know how you felt about it and how it has stuck with you even after you were officially “done”.
Photo credit: Flickr/Creative Commons: ATIS547
Posted by Sara @ 4:18 pm | Leave a Comment
Sara
Daughter of the Almighty. Wife. Mama. Sister. Friend. Traveler. Photographer. Designer. Tea drinker. Reader. Knowledge seeker. Google lover. Kitchen dweller. Dreamer. Leader. Homebirther. Breastfeeder. Homeschooler. Lover of life.
17
2008
Well I have never even heard of the compact, but I had to smile when I read the changes it has brought about in your life. I can so relate to the “how dare they charge $3.99! reaction. Not many people I can relate to in real life about this so I especially enjoyed your post. Malls also make me naseous and give me a serious case of mego (my eyes glaze over).
17
2008
Wow this is exactly what the Lord has brought us through over the last few years–it is amazing ad freeing isn’t it.
17
2008
I can’t remember the last time I got brand new clothing besides underthings (those I will not buy used). My philosophy most of the time is if I can’t get it at the thrift store, than I probably don’t need it.
17
2008
I haven’t officially Compacted, but due to financial restrictions these past 2 years, have mainly bought secondhand goods. I agree with all of your points, and ALWAYS have a running list of needs AND wants, so if the urge to shop strikes (and that is very rare these days!) I buy something that we will use. My goal this year is to only visit shopping centres once every 2 months (with my list) for things such as kids’ school shoes, other school-related items, underwear, etc.
17
2008
In April my family will have been on the Compact for one year. We haven’t stuck to it very strictly but I’m still glad we tries it for so many of the same reasons you mentioned. I discovered a new love of thrift stores but I also discovered it is possible to overspend even at those places. I got pretty good about getting around my own restrictions at times (i.e. antique stores, Ebay, etc.) I had to learn that just because it’s used and a good price, doesn’t mean I need it.
17
2008
This is a great post. Though I have not done the Compact, I have been learning many of these same lessons myself. Over time I see that my desire for “stuff” is decreasing.
I will say, though, that part of the reason Good Will is called “Good Will” is because it’s an act of good will to shop there. You expect to pay more than a garage sale because you know that the profit is going towards needed services for other people. It’s a way to give and buy at the same time.
18
2008
I first heard about compacting through you, and I think it is an absolutely amazing way to show us how much abundance is in our lives. I have always considered myself a naturally frugal person…I have always found it painful to spend money. But compacting showed me areas of needless spending that I was not aware of. And, it showed me that I can still be wasteful and overspend at Goodwill! Like you pointed out, it is all about contentment. The more thankful we are for all the blessings in our life, the less need we feel to go out and buy. Writing in a gratitude journal several times a week has helped me be more content. Seeing blessings in my life written down on paper is helpful to me.
As always, an excellent post, Sara!
18
2008
My year of Compacting was up last December. Although I’m no longer officially compacting,
I’m doing all the things you mentioned above.
Compacting completely killed my inner consumer.
While compacting, I became a library power user, I’ve kept up with that. Why pay $8 to rent a video now when I can wait a few months in the queue at the library and view it for free? I also always borrow any book I’d like to buy to see if it’s really something I need to own.
The most important thing I’ve learned while on the Compact was to ask. Ask for help, ask to borrow, ask around if someone has an extra of x item I can have. Asking people is no longer something we do. When we need something, we’re supposed to be independant: go out and buy it.
18
2008
Wow. So often i come to look at your blog - and you blog about something *I* NEED to read at that very moment of my life.
My life has been completely turned upside down for the last couple months and i went from an eco friendly anti consuming mama to a too lazy to recycle or care shopaholic.
My husband and I are going on a 12 hour drive to California this weekend with our almost 4 year old. She has never been in the car for more than 3 hours max. So what did we do? Went shopping for new clothes (this was actually a need - as it’s cold where we live and hot where we were going, but i could’ve checked goodwill first!!), then we bought a new portable DVD player (even though DH’s laptop would’ve done the trick if we bought a car charger instead), new DVD’s, a leapster and 3 games. You can imagine how much we spent. I don’t even wanna tally it up in my head.
We got into our car - stuffed to the gill with bags. DD was fussy, complaining that she wanted everything now - talking about what she wants for her birthday, christmas, yaddi yah. I just felt *SICK*. I had (have) buyers remorse big time, and am dissapointed in myself for getting so of track and in turn, turning my preschooler into a gimme gimme monster. I know that is my fault.
I am determined to get back to my “roots” and stop with the compulsive unnecessary shopping (and start back with my eco friendly stuff as well!!!).
Anyway, thanks for blogging! You are such an inspiration to me and my family.
18
2008
Funny, or maybe not so funny…
that I should read this in the midst of my own search for simplicity. We have slowly been moving to a more and more “compact” way of life due to our financial struggles over the past 10 years. God has been so faithful in this journey to ALWAYS provide exactly what we need when we need it.
I was recently given this link to your blog by a friend who noted that I would LOVE reading and she was right. I do enjoy your blog so much Sara. It seems since we are on this journey that I needed to see that others were, too. I am so glad I found your blog.
After reading this post I am thinking that I need to put pen to paper and set some goals and plans for this and not just do this willy nilly. I need to think through this… I feel a blog post coming on.
Thanks for sharing with us!
18
2008
My husband and I did the Compact for two months last summer after reading about it on your blog. He suggested it, I was mad and drug my feet, but it turned out to be such a great experience for us!
I never realized how much I look for satisfaction and fulfillment when I’m lonely by just browsing and shopping in stores, especially when my husband was traveling and it was just me and the baby. I was so convicted by not letting Jesus fill that empty place in me and being content where I am.
We’ve always been conservative in spending, but now I dread trips to Target or other large stores, and only go when I have a list of things to get and only get that list. I don’t have to walk around and eye everything (and then want it all) anymore.
Just two months on the compact was so great for us. Thanks for blogging about it!
18
2008
Having a limited income “forced” me to live like a Compacter although I have never officially been one. I walked in my closet the other day and realized that about 90% of my clothes are all from thrift stores…and they’re my favorites! And as I look around my home I see that most of all of it came from thrifts, yard sales, or a scratch and dent furniture place….and I love it! It has taught me to WAIT, to get creative, to repurpose/restore, to watch/hunt, etc.
Now mind you, I still love going to Target and World Market and looking around or grabbing some clearance goods now and then. It’s not one or the other for me. For me it’s just being wiser with our resources and with the world’s resources, thinking/praying before buying, and finding beauty more in nature and people and the Lord than in one more thing for the home or for my body or whatever.
18
2008
I just had a question. I have followed your blog for sometime now and you always seem to be getting rid of things and in your pictures, you seem to always have new clothes? Bella always seems to have new toys or outfits too. Is this part of your struggle? I mean, if you live by what you write, you would not have to purge so often. I am not trying to be mean here, I am trying to understand. I struggle with this too and I find myself stuck in the collect/purge cycle, no matter is something is new or not. I am struggling to find that balance.
18
2008
Once again, I’m not the first Dawn to post a comment!
While I didn’t commit to the compact for a year, I did allow it to inspire me. For a few months, I honestly didn’t buy anything new because I, too, was appalled by new prices after perusing Goodwill and ebay all the time. Now, I will buy something new once in awhile, but ebay, Goodwill, half.com, the library, and other sources are always my first point of searching for something. I have saved a ton of money, and I’ve noticed that I only bring things into my home that I absolutely love. Thanks for the inspiration!
18
2008
Oh yeah!!! Compacting (via No Impact Man) and then the NYTimes article about the Freegans blew my mind. My husband and I had started out almost 2 years ago saying to one another, “I wonder if we can have this baby and raise him without buying anything new?”
I haven’t gone 100% on Compacting, but I can still count on one hand the items that I’ve bought new, and those were with gift cards or specifically directed gift money. I’ve become an avid scavenger of dumpsters, roadside debris piles and other people’s recycling bins (SOOO excellent for finding firewood, things to use as planters and the Sunday coupon inserts!). We even sold 2 of our cars and gave one away, though post-move we’re now back up to 2 cars, one of which is only driven once or twice a week and both of which were used and free. I think we’re eating a lot better, too- I’m no longer working and my Mr. gets a homemade lunch almost every day, and even the dog has her food made by me (the cats are fed for free, or close to free, using those aforementioned scavenged Sunday coupons).
Christmas was my anti-consumer gold mine holiday, when I received (upon request) a bag of one person’s hoarded hotel toiletries, heaps of used cardboard boxes (we were about to move) and a stack of cloth giveaway bags from professional conferences (which we redistributed among friends & relatives who needed more cloth bags).
And I’m totally with Malva on the library kick. We’re there at least a couple of times every week.
By far the best thing is that less stuff = less stuff maintenance. Being careful not to get clothes dirty means less laundry. A smaller house means less cleaning. One less job means one less job’s worth of stress. All of this translates into more of the things that we really appreciate- time together, reading time, time with God, time to get enough sleep, time to sew some cloth wipes or a set of kurta pajama for the little guy, time doing nothing but hanging out on the beach watching the tide roll out, etc.
And no more Target blank-outs or Costco headaches!
18
2008
i’ve not committed to the compact, and don’t even really know much about it, but i can really agree with you on so many points. i LOVE getting rid of stuff, and it’s true that the “stuff” is what bogs you down emotionally, spiritually, physically, etc.
i can remember being on mission trips and having only a backpack on my back, I’ve NEVER felt more free. it’s changed my perspective on how much we actually need. i’m trying to implement the same thing…when you get something new, get rid of something else to make room for it. a great feeling.
another great post sara. you have such a gift for sharing and explaining things so clearly and concisely.
thanks!
18
2008
Oh, this is a beautiful post. One of the things I love about your blog is the intelligent and compassionate face of Christianity that you offer to folks like myself who’ve been turned off for the past few decades by the marrying of religion and politics and the way in which Christianity has been presented as a religion of intolerance, homophobia, xenophobia, and rampant materialistic entitlement. Yours is a necessary voice that reminds us of Christianity’s radical roots and the history of Christian progessive thought (Unitarian, Quaker, etc.) within the American discourse.
God doesn’t want us to battle terrorism by going shopping, or to spend a billion dollars a day on war, or to remedy an economy 9.7 trillion dollars in the hole by taking our rebate checks to Wal-Mart. I’d love to see a blog post about this last topic; what to do with those rebate checks??
18
2008
I just heard of the compact and i think its cool, its hard for me to be content and it something that i am learning. However, i went to the thrift store the other day and man some things are so dang expensive, maybe they mark up our stuff too high. I kept thinking to my self, i can get this new at Ross or TJ Max for the same price…what is wrong here?
19
2008
I am amazed by you. I forget how I stumbled upon your blog in the first place, but I am glad I did. Your insight gives me pause to reflect on important things, and asks of me to figure out how I feel about similar things. It is good.
I want to learn about The Compact.
You make me smile.
19
2008
Sara,
I have been “compacting” for a while now. I grew up in a household where garage sales and homemade clothes were the norm. I admit, I hated it as a child. Being a mother now, I unserstand why my Mother did this. I learned a lot from her. Later on, I apologized to her, for my attitude towards these things. Now, I think of thrift shop hunting as a treat. You never know what you are going to find. Not only are you recycling, you are not supporting consumerism. I gave up buying anything new, last year. I do have to admit, I have had a harder time finding shoes though? I still look! Great post, by the way. Thanks for spreading the word.
Also, I am sorry I missed you in Lexington (14 Carrot). I saw you in the store, and then, the news crew showed up. It was my Husband’s Birthday, and I had left work early, just for the occassion. I really wanted to meet you guys.
19
2008
I’ve never technically committed to The Compact, but I have drastically changed the way we do things over the last few years. Almost all of our clothes are second-hand and we give a lot back to Goodwill and our local outreach center. I have taken the Handmade Challenge for gift giving this year and I almost forgot about it! I just almost went today and bought Easter goodies for the kids, from Walmart of all places. What was I thinking?! lol Instead, I’m going to crochet them some toys when they’re not looking and make them some treats to put in baskets we already own.
I love that most of our things had a life before they came to us. We’re not poor and we’re not wealthy, either. I do think most of our friends and family think we’re struggling financially because of the way I do things. Maybe I need to consider being a little more vocal about our choices and the reasons why we do things.
19
2008
Lisa…
I appreciate your observation. It may appear that we have a lot of new things, but following our life in just photos may be a little misleading :). The “new” clothes you are seeing are most likely gifts from our host families. Bella has received so many wonderful little outfits and small toys from the generous people on our journey and we love that. It’s a great way for her to remember those people that she met. If I need something, I might track down a Goodwill on the road and get a few things…a couple of tank tops for Florida, for example. At one stop I acquired a couple really fun hand me downs (clothing) as well. My wardrobe is probably 1/4-1/2 the size of most people, so I don’t have a problem with getting a few things used.
Great question
As far as purging, most of the stuff that we are getting rid of is stuff that we have had since the beginning of the tour, and throughout our travels have realized that we no longer need it, so we give it away. Other things we purge…clothing Bella is growing out of, clothing that doesn’t fit anymore (raw food diet!), excess kitchen items, etc.
You also made the comment that if we “lived by what you write, you would not have to purge so often.” However, your idea of purging and mine may be different. I may make a trip to the Goodwill just to bring one item, or a small bag of things. When you don’t have much to begin with, there isn’t much to get rid of
So in reality, we are not purging constantly in large amounts. Just maintaining.
Have a great day!
19
2008
Thank you Sara!!! I in know way meant to judge you, just wanting to “see” your way of thinking. You really are inspirational and no, pictures do not capture a person’s whole life. You discipline is fantastic and I can see how far you have come!!! The struggle is all part of the journey!!! Thanks for the honest posts!!!
Lisa
20
2008
Hi Sara
You have been such an inspiration to me. We’ve always lived more simply, but I wonder how do you reconcile making your home pretty without buying? We’re in a super cheap, not exactly attractive rental, so I’ve spent some money trying to make it seem like home, so that we’ll live here longer. Maybe I need to read more on what compacting really is. Maybe it’s just becoming more creative?
20
2008
while i never officially committed to “the compact”, i did take a personal pledge along this theme after reading judith levine’s book, not buying it: my year of not shopping. the experience really taught me to look at “stuff” through an altogether new lens. my “year” quickly turned into a decision to take this pledge for life! i too learned many of the lessons you and others here in the comments have cited. in addition, it has taught me to truly consider and weigh over time any impulse i have to purchase almost any item, even used. do i really need it? will i truly value and use the purchase and not regret it? is there anything i already own that would serve as a substitute for this item? this habit has proven so helpful in keeping me from making a purchase AND in allowing me to truly value and enjoy the few purchases that have passed the cut! one aspect that i have been pleasantly surprised by is the increase in time! with a list in hand for ANY shopping experience (even groceries) i’m not pulled and distracted in a hundred “gotta check this out” lures. i’m in and out of stores in minutes! this keeps the money in my pocket, the “stuff” out of my life, and frees me to enjoy so many more hours with the people i truly care about without all those things in the way between us, mentally or physically!
20
2008
I have been downsizing everything lately. I just priced a ton of clothes for a consignment sale (nothing over $3) and what doesn’t sell gets donated. I just got every pair of outgrown shoes and donated to Shoes2share for children in Haiti. I have 2 bikes that are ready for donation to the third world when that organization comes to town. My new mantra is do I “need” that or “want” that. I’m sickened by neighbors who must shop at Abercrombie and Fitch and put down others stores, but don’t realized the clothes probably come from the same sweat shop. I prefer to buy my clothes at consignment also. I’ve gotton some very nice outfits that way.
20
2008
[…] I also came across a blog post by Sara at her Walk Slowly, Live Wildly blog. She has been living “the Compact” way […]
20
2008
Sara, Thanks for this reminder. It’s so easy to get out of focus in this area (and others:) )One of the best things that we have done is limited the kids to 2 types of toys. ie Tucker loves Star Wars and Legos, so that is the only thing he is allowed to purchase or ask for for birthdays etc, (this doesn’t include electronics..yet:) So when we go to a store etc even if he has money he knows that those are the two things he can bring into the house. It has simplified quite a bit. Maybe not major but it’s nice to have limitations. Hugs
21
2008
sara,
this post has got me all stirred up! there is something inside me that so resonates with this post and idea of compact living. i am seriously considering committing to this! i even posted my thoughs on my blog…as an accountability to actual do this. i have a habit of getting all fired up and then it fizzles. in many areas of our lives we are already doing this…i love finding furniture on the side of the road and fixing it up…finding new uses for old things. but, i haven’t made it official. i have been doing some research, what else do you recommend i read? do you know of a support group in DSM? if not, i am thinking of starting one…although i am probably the least educated in this arena.
thank you for always inspiring me to living a better, greener life! your blog is such a blessing to my life, truly inspiring.
meredith
21
2008
I am so glad that you updated us on your life post the compact. Two years ago I came to realization that enough was enough. There were more important things in life than ’stuff’, stuff that I was told I ‘needed’. My family and I have since then been getting back on track. Although we never commited to the compact, I kept handwritten journals of the things we purchased, even if it was just feed for the animals. I also wrote down who I was with, what I was feeling, etc. I also began to evaluate and pass along the ’stuff’ we currently had. It is an on-going journey. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement you offer us.
21
2008
All of the above (what you said), I’d say. The Compact has life-changing possibilities.
21
2008
I’m doing a modified version of the Compact this year–buying only secondhand or handmade (Aaah, Etsy–what would I do without you), and have been amazed with my thrift store finds. I’ve filled up an entire tall narrow bookshelf with beautiful handmade pottery, all of it signed on the bottom by its makers,, none of it more than five dollars. I couldn’t have afforded this when it was originally sold at craft fairs and art galleries, I’m sure. I’ve also gotten some funky mid-century modern dishes. For the person who asked about decorating, I think it’s easy to decorate secondhand if you’re persistent. Target regularly donates stuff to our local Goodwill; they’re recent ‘global bazaar’ stuff is ending up there now, all with the price tags still on, in whatever packaging it came in. Thrift stores are crazy warehouses of whatever style you want—antique-girlie-vintage, 70’s funkiness, contemporary Target/Crate&Barrel-ness, etc etc. I really think you can learn everything there is to know about America by going to a thrift store and seeing the perfectly good stuff that fills tens of thousands of secondhand stores, day after day, year after year. And by seeingg the variety of people there, too, from hipster upper middle class college kids thrifting ironically, to those of us shopping politically, to the many people who are there to buy their kids $1 shirts because WalMart and Target are completely beyond their means in the America they’ve been left behind by.
21
2008
I didn’t commit to your pac, but your previous posts on it encourage me to shop differently.
I too have a hard time paying more than $1 for clothing. I shop at our local Salvation Army and on Friday’s they run a deal 5 clothing items for $5. Love it!
I was at Meijer today buying a few things for our two kids Easter baskets. The woman in line ahead of me spent close to $400. Yes, that number is correct. She had stuffed animals, movies, magazines, gift cards, and tons of candy. I was totally floored!
I actually started tearing up looking at my two little toys and one bag of jelly beans in my cart. Why couldn’t I buy more for my kids?
Then, I felt sorry for her. We are not driven by how much we can give our kids. Candy is a treat. Store bought playdough is a treat. I know they’ll be thrilled tomorrow morning with their ’stuff’. The woman ahead of me had different priorities. After I realized that, I think I actually gave her a pity smile.
21
2008
Hi Sara! As you know, I’ve never been a compacter, but I avoid big box stores like the plague. If I need something, I can find it from a locally-owned store or from a small business online.
I also try very hard to avoid buying things from sweatshop-labor countries.
We still have way too much stuff, but we try to give away a box or two of something each month.
I agree with those who recommend using the library more–we are also heavy users. Even so, we buy a lot of books and CDs.
I had a very disappointing experience this week that made me think of you. I am not a shoehorse and never have been. I have a few pairs of shoes that I wear all the time. This winter, the soles of my wonderful, wool-lined Ecco boots that I bought in October 1999 finally came apart. Those boots kept my feet warm and dry for nine winters in three countries.
It’s warm at last, so I took the boots into the Shoe Repair shop at Valley Junction, and he told me they cannot be resoled! There is something about the material Ecco uses for the soles. He said I was the third person this week to bring in Ecco boots that can’t be repaired.
I agree with you that spiritually, it is wrong to get attached to material objects. But so much of my own history is connected to those boots. I wore them every day during some very hard months, and I wore them during happy times too. They were perfectly broken in, and I was counting on many more years of using them. It makes me sad to have to throw them away.
21
2008
I have been looking around your blog and find it to be thought-provoking and inspiring. You have so many readeres and commenters! I added you to my blogroll so I can remember to come back often, and spread the word to others.
Are you living in Bozeman now? I’m in Kalispell, MT.
Jessica
www.practicalnourishment.com
24
2008
I’ve Compacted, found enlightenment, then slipped up in June around my birthday, and it was downhill from there.
This year we didn’t commit to it, but I certainly thrift for as much as possible- we live in the mountains and our little town has a surprisingly good thrift store. I find things for pocket change all the time.
I’m so glad to hear you are doing this again- we are trying to write some sort of manifesto similar to the Compact for our own family- something we feel we can really hold up. At least for now.
25
2008
Your post is so “right on.” And, such a great reminder. We need to do more compacting at my house. Thanks for the words of wisdom!
25
2008
Sara,
Isn’t God amazing! Unfortunately the post will be in my Finnish blog so you won’t be able to read it but it’ll be very much on the same lines you just wrote 
I just went grocery shopping this morning and walked home thinking about money and consumerism and decided to blog about my thoughts. I wanted to refer to your blog as I love the way you write about these things and when I came over I saw your post. It’s exactly what I think too and you even used the same Bible verses I was going to use today!
I haven’t heard about the Compact but I guess I’m living pretty much the same way you described in your post.
Thanks again for this post and for all the other super inspiring posts you’ve written in the past!
25
2008
How encouraging. I have become a professional yard-sale shopper, and it’s the most fun I ever have. Love it!
THis was good to read today. I just finished posting about my stuff struggle. Jesus has a pretty strong opinion about it. Ouch.
25
2008
What a great post. While I don’t compact, I find that this idea really makes you stop and give “thought” to the items that are brought house and your life. Do I really want this in my life? Is there something else that I already own that will do the job? Or can I simply live without it? Does it add to my life or take away?
We, as a society, have been so conditioned to believe that bigger and more is better. Just look at the size of the “average” house. Reality for me is that smaller and less is better. It allows you to really concentrate on who you are, who you are supposed to be. Living with less distractions allow you to find your “sweet spot”.
Thanks again for the reminders.
26
2008
I participated in my own version of The Compact after loosing my job. I was unemployed for 8 months and realized what I truly need in life to be happy. During my time of unemployment, I realized I had forgotten all the things I loved to do, and most of them were free. Things like reading, doing yoga, writing etc.. were all things I never took the time to do.
Now that I am back to work I find myself falling back into the consumerism trap. I’m trying really hard to live simply. I realized that is when I am the most happiest.
26
2008
For me, committing to a modified Compact (only secondhand OR handmde for 2008) has radically impacted my relationship to the stuff I already have. This weekend I went through my closet & whittled everything down to Tens; I now have ten pairs of pants, ten tops, ten dresses, ten pairs of shoes, plus two sweaters, two coats (one light, one heavy), two sets of sleepwear, and assorted underwear. Everything else (three trashbags full) has fone to Goodwill. The crazy thing is that when I look at my new minimlist closet, I realize that what’s left is really abundance; I don’t need ten of everything. What seemed like too little before now seems like too much. (Sara or anyone, could you tell me the name of the book where families from around the world drag everything they own outside & are photographed with it? I can’t for the life of me recall what it’s called…)
31
2008
Oh my goodness! Your post and challenged and convicted me. Thanks for the food for thought!
1
2008
sara,
thanks for your thoughts. i am a new mom who loves jesus. i am attempting to live a complete gospel and it is rough! last year i “committed” to not buying clothes for the whole year and wound up preggo in the middle of it all. that was a lesson on deciding that fine line of need and want. not that i walked it perfect but i learned a whole lot along the way.
anyway, i am enjoying reading your thoughts on the world. it is nice to see that there are other moms out there attempting to live the anti-american dream in hopes of grasping the kingdom here.
any good books, or resources for new moms who love jesus who want to see his kingdom come AND raise this little one?
kellen
2
2008
This is an ‘all about me’ comment
With a huge ‘thanks to you’!
I just got a Klean Kanteen and a blender for my b-day. I love my Kanteen! It’s so light weight and it doesn’t leak at all! And, it’s really kinda fun to drink out of.
I asked for a blender for my b-day because I have a hard time eating my fruits each day. I know, I’m probably the only person who doesn’t care for fruit very much. It’s too sweet for me. It’s funny, I can down a 2liter of Vanilla Coke but the thought of fruit turns my stomach and makes my teeth shiver.
So I thought I would do a smoothie a day. When I saw your green recipes I was so excited! Now I’m getting a serving or two of veggies at the same time!
My kids love it too. Our favorite so far (we’ve only done it 4 times) is frozen banana, fresh strawberries, and fresh spinach. No extra water or ice.
Thank you so much for sharing all of your ideas and passions about life. I have learned so much from you about health and being more conscious about our earth. May God bless you in a new and fresh way because of the blessing you’ve been to me.
2
2008
I also own one pair of jeans - from Goodwill!
I was in Haiti a couple of weeks ago discussing that same Phil 4 passage - with a few US&Can missionaries - we were commenting on how DIFFICULT it is for us to be “content in EVERYTHING” - we discussed finding more discontentment over the “everything” of life in the US, than the “very little” of life in Haiti. Its the quickread assumption of the passage that the struggle would be in “very little” living - but for those like you and me, how do we learn to be content surrounded by “plenty”?? It was a fabulous discussion that night in Haiti… would love to hear your thoughts also!
2
2008
Sara,
I haven’t heard of “The Compact” yet, but I’m excited to discover it. As I read your entry, I wondered if you have heard of the book COLOSSIANS REMIXED
3
2008
Sara,
I have been enjoying your inspiring blog very much for a little while now! also following your tour and experimenting with green smoothies! Most of my clothes are “op-shop” (as we tend to say in Australia)- even there I have to practice contentment and not end up with too much stuff.
I was away from home for 10 days in January and I found living out of a suitcase a wonderfully freeing and simple thing.
I appreciate too the comments about marketing - I hadn’t thought of it quite like that - not just advertising for a particular product but actually creating the desire to want and the seeming inadequacy of my present state.
A note to Karen (Mar26)
(I hope you keep coming back to the comments to see if anyone else has written anything like I do!) -
Peter Menzel is the author of Material World : A Global Family Portrait. I have just found a reference to another book of his - Hungry Planet - What The World Eats (you can see some photos at www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519,00.html)
What a wonderful idea and such a great insight into our world. Both of these are a real wake-up call to getting out of the rut of thinking that our consumerist Western culture is average and ‘normal’.
Thankyou Sara for sharing your thoughts and your journey - it gives me courage and energy every time you have written a new post - and when I re-read the old ones!
5
2008
Sara,
What a breath of fresh air you are! I’ve never heard of The Compact, but it’s very interesting. I find myself so down and discouraged after I come home from the mall or Wal-mart because I think, surely it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve wanted to live differently, but just don’t know how. I do know the joy of getting rid of things. I do that all the time, and it always feels so much better to have less. I find myself looking for things to take to Goodwill. Anyway, I am encouraged and challenged by what you have to say.
5
2008
hi,
i enjoy your blog so much and feel we have so much in common. I live in Texas with my wonderful husband and little boy named Rev. We are in love with the Lord as well adn attend an amazing church here. God is doing amazign things in our city and town. Thanks for sharing your life, ideas, dreams and heart with the world. Your site is part of my daily surf!!!
Cheers,
emily
8
2008
I need to find out what the Compact is. I am so in favor of everything you wrote here. I love getting rid of things!
This is good stuff!
10
2008
My husband and I decided to start “compacting” in February 2007. I actually had never heard of that term until now…we were doing this as an exercise in sustainable living. We thought about making it a year-long commitment (which was up in Feb 08) and are now hooked. I, too, am addicted to Goodwill and the treasure hunt. We moved to a new city during this past year and had a blast finding all sorts of goodies at thrift stores and in the free section of craigslist. After getting so many wonderful things for free (and stretching my creative muscle to make them look fabulous with a fresh coat of paint, new fabric, etc…), it is hard to pay more than $0-$7 for anything. As I said before, we are hooked - and I know that we will continue to live this way regardless of our annual income.
10
2008
What a great post! I am a Goodwill junkie! lol I have a question about the Compact. Can you buy new handmade items?
Amelia
13
2008
Hi Sara, I really enjoyed your blog. i found it very inpsiring and informative. Especially the green lliving posts. Thanks.
15
2008
I know this post was a while ago… but it struck me as how true this all is.
My parents were minimalists (actually my dad still is)… they were determined to live at the ‘world mean of income’ and self sufficiancy long before it was ‘cool’ to do so. (http://goddesshobbies.blogspot.com/2007/09/nostalgia.html)
For a long time, I felt that becuase it wasn’t easy to find things used, or keep things nice, that it would be ok not to do it. Boy… it is amazing what 6 months of the compact will do to revisit that view. We need so little. And it is so amazing that we have so much, and want so much.
Thank you for that post.
It made me smile and think. The best posts always do.
Blessings,
Val
15
2008
Thank you for sharing this post. I’m new here. Found you through flickr links, and am so glad that I have. Your words come to me a good time, when I’ve been thinking about the excess with which I live and the waste. So glad to have found my way here this evening. - Molly
15
2008
HA! I love your thoughts on Target. I’ve been known to be a Target zombie too. What I love about not buying new is I feel like it really helps me rely on God. Instead of running out to where I know I can find something NEW, I ask God to provide it somewhere free or used. I’ve also found He likes to surprise me with beautiful treasures I wouldn’t have thought to ask for as I’m on the hunt at the thrift store.
17
2008
Thanks for introducing me to the Compact! The day after I read your post, I decided to start it. It’s amazing how much you appreciate the things you already own when you realize that you can’t buy anymore new things. You’re really able to understand the value and the versatility of every object. Thanks again!
18
2008
Hi Sara - I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your site and commitment to living simply. It’s an inspiration to me and a constant challenge to reevaluate my relationship to stuff (having, getting, etc.). Thanks.
21
2008
I appreciate your post, a lot!
29
2008
Hi! Your friend Jacqulyn Miller sent me over here
I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs and looking at your gorgeous photography. You are soooo talented! How amazingly brave and awesome that you sold everything and are living on the road. I’m sure you are learning incredible things about God’s provision 
Love, love, love your blogs!
30
2008
We began simplifying about a year ago and now that we have cured my Fibromyalgia, we are about to take the big plunge and auction all of our belongings and buy a school bus.
A reader of our blog sent me here.
Love your site!
5
2008
I have an ongoing struggle with this. In fact, I was just thinking that I need to do The Compact again. Have you watched www.storyofstuff.com? I think about it all the time. Thanks for a great blog!
22
2008
[…] would someone feel like this? Is it consumerism? Is is my crazy material world? Is it the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough? I don’t know. Do you ever feel like purchasing a […]
6
2008
I just broke into tears reading your blogs. I too have compacted. I’m almost through my first month, and I’m trying to convince my husband and two kids to committ to one year. You will see me frequent your site-So HELLO.
TwoFish4