... and looking ahead

For 2010 I re-joined the Compact, a group started in San Francisco years ago. There is a Colorado chapter, and the groups are internet-based, not face-to-face. I have some exceptions, such as presents for the kids' friends and a nominal amount of new for my own kiddos. And any house expenses, such as new carpeting, new paint etc, have to happen. But in general, we should be able to easily do this. Here are the rules, per the site:

Welcome to The Compact.

We are a group of individuals committed to a 12-month flight from the consumer grid (calendar year 2010).

The Compact has several aims:

* To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step that, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact.
* To reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er).
* To simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)

We've agreed to follow two principles:

#1 Don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)
#2 Borrow, barter, or buy used.

I "did" the compact in 2007, not 100%, but like anything, just having it in mind curbs mindless spending. I hope that 2010 sees us in our new Boulder home, healthy and happy. And I wish the same for you! Happy New Year to all of you, and thanks for being a part of our lives this year!