The Compact Movement Asks: Can You Go a Year Without Buying Anything New?

The Compact movement started in 2004 when a group of 10 friends at a dinner party in San Francisco, Calif., decided to do something about their frustration with recycling and what they saw as the lure of consumerism.

They agreed among themselves not to buy anything new, with the exception of a few things like medication, underwear and food, for a full year.

What eventually resulted was a social movement called Compact, which was founded in February of 2006. Although somewhat extreme, it puts a new twist on recycling and encourages us to think outside the box when it comes to doing good things for the planet, while saving money at the same time.

In the Dec. 26 SmartMoney online article entitled "Consumer Sophistication on Environmental Issues and Global Products Affected Holiday Spending," it says the annual KPMG Consumer Survey conducted in December found that nearly 90 percent of those surveyed were very concerned about the environment. Also, consumers were buying less and attempting to save more. So what does Compact do that encourages both?

Basically, those who sign up with the Compact agree not to buy anything new for an entire year. Exceptions include food, medications, underwear, consumable items such as soap or shampoo, things made by local artisans, items sold by charity organizations, fresh flowers, etc. The idea is to stay away from big box stores and buying things from retailers that are either unnecessary or brand new, versus recycled or previously owned. It sounds simple, but it's not easy to do in America where it's seen as our patriotic duty to shop for the sake of the economy and spend our money on the latest fashions, furnishings and technological devices.

So how does it work? Worldwide, there are about 50 users groups on Yahoo. Users sign up and agree to basically two things: Don't buy new products of any kind (from retail stores or online) and what you need you will borrow, barter or buy used. During the course of the year, members blog about their experiences, frustrations, questions and anything else that comes to mind.

Compacters, as Compact members call themselves, swap items online; dumpster dive; frequent garage sales, auctions and flea markets; barter with others; borrow when they can and just generally discourage wasteful consumerism.

Although I would not consider myself to be a Compacter - or even remotely so - I have learned a great deal from those who do; I religiously practice what Compacters preach when it comes to gift-giving. I'm keenly aware of what people in my life like and where their interests lie. And I love to frequent garage sales and auctions. Need I say more? I know it's a small part, but some of the most appreciated gifts I've given have come from what others have discarded.

As with any group, there are fanatics, complainers, those who follow somewhat and those who drop out of their Compact. But for many others, Compacting becomes fun and a personal challenge that pays off both financially and positively for the environment.

Resources:

Compact; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/

Article, "Consumer Sophistication on Environmental Issues and Global Products Affected Holiday Spending, Annual KPMG Consumer Survey Says;" http://www.smartmoney.com/news/pr/index.cfm?story=PR-20071226-000366-0950