a month without supermarket - new challenge for 2011 starts at post 1013

Jolaaled

I would love to try this challenge, although confidence is a bit low.

If I can just at least, cut down my visits to Mr T, I may stand a slim chance of keeping in budget in January 2011!

Great idea!

Psykicpup

Count me in!

artichoke

hi all

ok - if we get a couple more takers for this challenge do you think we might be able to start a new challenge on a new thread for this for 2011..

lets see if any one else jumps in before the 31st... and then we can start out challenge for january and see how many days we can go without going into a supermarket....

I have a freezer full of food so should be ok, but fresh veg is in short supply and i am not sure when the next farmers market will be in the new year...

it is thinks like toilet rolls that i need to think about....i dont know anyone who makes "local" toilet roll - maybe that is a gap in the market that needs investigating;)

art

kymbogs

I'm tempted to join in, but having been thinking about this very topic over the last few days, I can't think of where I can source things like cat litter and loo roll from cheaply enough so that I'm not cutting my nose off to spite my face (these are pretty much the only things I do buy from Tesco/asda now).

I've been making my own bread for years, get milk from milkman, eggs and meat from the market in town and have today started making my own yoghurt. But I still have my monthly Ocado shop for bread flour,sugar etc and breakfast cereal, tinned beans and tomatoes which we get through quite a lot of. Also I need to find a better source of veg and fruit if I'm to cut out getting it from Ocado as the main fruit and veg stall in the market, I've tried their produce on numerous occasions and always been disappointed.

So I don't know if I can join in, other than saying I am trying!

artichoke

hi

i must admit i have not read ALL of the original thread but perhaps we can make this a dont shop in supermarkets for FOOD thread, and just try and use the supermarkets for others produce, toilet roll, cat food or wahtever,,, it would be interesting for me to see what stuff can not be purchased except via a supermarket so that i can think about how that might be resolved in the future..

art

greenbee

artichoke wrote: »

I have a freezer full of food so should be ok, but fresh veg is in short supply and i am not sure when the next farmers market will be in the new year...

it is thinks like toilet rolls that i need to think about....i dont know anyone who makes "local" toilet roll - maybe that is a gap in the market that needs investigating;)

Small local shops me well still stock loo roll... I buy mine either in my local hardware shop (also does pet food and cat litter...), village shop, independent health food shop or online from natural collection/ethical superstore (I prefer recycled loo paper).

Fresh veg I'm lucky enough to be able to get in my village shop, farm shop, independent greengrocer, market or farmers' market. It's worth finding out from other people locally where they shop, or having a wander round town away from the main streets to see where the independents are.

Penelope_Penguin

artichoke wrote: »

ok - if we get a couple more takers for this challenge do you think we might be able to start a new challenge on a new thread for this for 2011..

No need to start a new thread - just carry on with this one :j There's so much information on here, it would be a shame to lose it all.

A Board Guide could always tweak the thread title, if that would help.

artichoke

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

No need to start a new thread - just carry on with this one :j There's so much information on here, it would be a shame to lose it all.

A Board Guide could always tweak the thread title, if that would help.

thanks - i did not really want a new thread as i agree keeping all this advice and support together is essential - but a new title for the new year would be great if that is possible...

can i be cheeky and ask if you could also post a link to the recent thread about 'would you pay a bit more to support local businesses" or something along that lines thread? as i think that had lots of comments that might be usefull to digest re the dilemma of local or big chain and the cost impications both short and long term..

thanks

art

Penelope_Penguin

artichoke wrote: »

can i be cheeky and ask if you could also post a link to the recent thread about 'would you pay a bit more to support local businesses" or something along that lines thread? as i think that had lots of comments that might be usefull to digest re the dilemma of local or big chain and the cost impications both short and long term..

Do you like the new title?

Sorry, I remember the thread, but can;t find it. I'll have another look tomorrow.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

When i done this all those years ago...lol..

I found it wasnt as bad as i thought, there was only the odd thing i found i couldnt get at a local store.

I also wanted to support independant businesses, but there was no such thing as approved foods online then,

You find that local cheap shops stock loo rolls and some toiletries etc, and its suprising what your local chemist stocks too, with some great prices...while your cupboards are full after christmas, its a great time to sit down and think of exactly what shops are within travelling distance of you, and use the time to find out exactly what they stock,

Some people who done the first challenge wanted to buy locally produced produce, and for me it was all about supporting the small independant businesses,

and yes i found some things were alot more expensive, and other things cheaper, and some things far better value and better quailty for the money.

I bought less with my money, but again it was better quality, and it also kept me within our budget, as there was no impulse buys etc, when i only wanted milk or washing pwder, i would only come out of the shop with just that, not 3 bags and £20 lighter.....lol...

It worked for some people, it didnt work for others...