So have you ever heard of a 30 do nothing challenge? That is our families challenge for April, and we are hoping to have you join us so we're not alone! The true challenge will be to not spend any money, or buy anything but food. Yes, this does include not buying gas!
We have had a few days to prepare for this, so I had my kids make a list of items we "must" buy before April 1st. We had to buy such things as toilet paper, female items, razors, and other necessities. I am teaching my girls how to make a razor last forever. Perhaps I should put that tip in another post. :) Food is the only thing we are allowed to buy in April and that does NOT include junk food or going out to eat.
Wow, in preparation for this challenge I have come to realize how much we depend on "stuff". I say that because I have felt an almost panic feeling as I want to make sure I have EVERYTHING I need. What if I forget something, what if we have to go without something we need to survive? *sarcastic* What's funny, is there has probably been times before when I have gone an entire month w/out making a purchase, but it wasn't intentional. Who knows, maybe I haven't!
As some of you may know, Earth Day is in April and our family does something every year even if it is just to plant some flowers. This year, we want to make it a month long celebration that we can carry throughout the rest of the year. So, we will not be consumers this month, we will use less, get rid of more, recycle, have a 24 hour "electronic" fast, a 24 hour food fast, and buy NOTHING but food. I hope you will join us and leave comments on how your family is doing. If I were more computer savvy, I would leave a link to sign up for the challenge. I will have a special challenge for Earth Day which is April 22nd.
Interesting, but how is buying things before hand in preparation for a no shopping month any better than going out in the month to purchase those same items?
ReplyDeleteAmy, I failed to mention in the post that we live 20+ miles from shopping (one way), and not buying any gas is part of our 30 day challenge. Also, my kids helped to make the rules and they only wanted food on the list of things we are allowed to buy. Even with the food, we are making strict menus to shop with and will only be going to the store 2 times. We would only go once, but we eat lots of fruits and veggies. I do have to say that the reason the kids didn't want the "necessities" on there is because it would cause too much temptation to purchase other unnecessary items. =)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the challenge, when we lived 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store we took coolers and ate a lot of frozen fruits and vegetables. We would do 1 shopping trip a month because it was just to much hassle to go more often. Those 11 months I learned a lot about my shopping habits and it helped to break them. I doubt I'll ever rent a place that far out ever again, unless they would allow us to have a large garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was actually thinking about doing a lot more smoothies during the month so we could still get our fruits and veggies in by way of freezer instead. Wow, 45 minutes! I thought 25 minutes was bad. =)
ReplyDeleteHi. I just found your blog a few days ago. I think this challenge is great. I will definately be doing it right along with you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary! I just finished up my last minute shopping today and topped off the gas tanks I preparation. We are actually excited! Keep me updated on how you are doing.
DeleteI don't think I could do it! Well, I probably could, but I don't want to. Haha! I think maybe next year, when I'm not six weeks away from moving overseas it might work for me. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI heard you were moving to Hawaii, so jealous! Moving is the wrong it e to do a challenge like this. Good luck with your move. Now maybe the time for you to become minimalist :)
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