The Compact Challenge 2010 (formally "Need help for a challenge")

pink_numbers

missychrissy, thank you for sharing your story. I can't believe how resourceful you are!

Yes, I too tend to stock things when I see them on sale... some times too much (thus why I am going on this challenge!) I also try to keep turning the lights on till as late as possible. My OH often comes home and finds me sitting in the dark with just my laptop to light my way :rotfl:

Penelope_Penguin

After discussing this with the OP, we;ve agreed that as this isn't an Old Style topic, I'll move it to the Green and Ethical board, where others who are planning reducing their consumption will see it.

Good luck to pink-numbers and everyone else in the compact :j

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere (please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Caterina

Pink_numbers you are so inspirational, thank you for posting this challenge, I wish I could join you but my family members are quite resistant to what they consider too much simple living. Best of luck, I shall follow this thread with interest.

pink_numbers

Thank you for your kind words Caterina

I took thought there would be no way I could even try such a thing, only a year ago. We've steadily changed the way we shop since then, and we feel we're finally ready to give it a go. I'm sure if you work on your family slowly, they will start thinking it was their idea!

choille

Why not use earth from your garden for the litter tray - much more eco friendly?

What about fuel? Do you drive? Have a car?

pink_numbers

Petrol is a really good point, thank you choille.

We currently have 2 cars, which we really want to cut down to one car next year. Have so far moved house to be closer to my work so that I can walk in to work. Just need to see if OH's job situation becomes stable enough for us to get down to one car.

Buying petrol... I have been thinking about this for the last few days, and I'm not sure!! It's not really realistic to say "we're not going to buy any petrol for a year", but then again, I don't like making the title of the challenge any longer by adding more conditions.

What would you do?

greenbee

Go for the mooncup - it'll revolutionise your life! Obviously you'll then be able to trade your tampon supply with someone for things you need!

bebee wrote: »

Batteries for your smoke alarm/alarm clocks if that helps
and Good Luck Don't forget you could also use the recyling Groups for items as well as charity shops.

Batteries - ask for a recharger and set of each of the kinds of batteries you need for Christmas. This will have a hugely beneficial impact on your environmental footprint.

pink_numbers wrote: »

ohhhh house repairs... hmmm I know we have a whole set of screws... I bought a set for myself and one for OH when we were living seperately. Not sure about bits of wood or fillers, I will ask the OH, thank you so much for your ideas!

Freegle is good for these... I got rid of lots of 'bits' when I had to empty my garage recently.

I see you've had a lot of ideas around wool - which I guess you can use to deal with the presents you might need.

Petrol - I think you have to think of it as a consumable/essential like gas/elec as you probably need the car to get to work etc.

zzzLazyDaisy

Better still, ask for a solar battery charger....

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?detail=full&ModuleNo=48583&doy=22m2

choille

Well if you can walk to work - then that's what I would do.
If your husband can car share that would save quite a lot of fuel, or get public transport.

bigpaws23

What a fabulous challenge; I wish you so much luck! I tried to do a buy nothing month once but I only got to about 10 days. I really admire you taking it on for a month.

There have been some great suggestions, so I can't think of anything to add, it sounds like you have planned all of this really well.
Did anyone mention DVD / CDs for computer backups and printer cartridges? I skim read the posts, so they might be there already...

You can tell running out of computer supplies would be my biggest fear LOL!