PS – I spent a good deal of energy and frustration trying to send a picture from my Treo to put in this post. Apparently, VersaMail and Gmail aren’t friends. The end.
As part of our low-impact living lifestyle, Chris and I have made a decision to buy as little new as possible. I commend those of you that are at the 100% used level – we aren’t there and probably never will be. Yes, we bought a new video camera with *gasp* United Miles recently, but that’s been the only new thing as of late (aside from a Diva Cup, cut that’s another story for another time).
I think we might be purchasing bikes soon though because my small 120lb. *gasp – she told us her weight* frame has a hell of a time lugging around a 40lb. mountain bike and backpack at the same time, and Chris’ bike is very old and beyond rickety. I work about 20 hours of overtime a year right now, and since we don’t spend a lot of money on fun things for us, I consider any OT funds “extra” for those items I’ve wanted to buy for myself, but can’t stand the thought of spending money. I’m working 8 hours of OT this weekend, so I’ll have enough to buy a bike. Stay tuned.
Most of the time, used is just fine with us. But there is a line you have to draw somewhere, and with me it’s at shoes and undergarments.
I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a shoe hound.
A pair of CFM boots (you know the kind that go up your calf and make you look hot?
Except these were the only ones I could get over my grotesquely,
abnormally-sized calves - Chris bought them as a Christmas present for me like 6
years ago)
2 pairs of identical Reef flip flops (I wear them down to nothing, and I keep the old pair to use while showering at the gym)
4 pairs assorted heels (for job interviews, weddings, nice events, and very rarely, work
just so people can actually tell that I am a woman)
2 pairs work loafers (these stay in my cabinet at work since this is the only place I wear them,
brown and black)
1 pair hiking boots
1 pair Sorels (snow boots)
The only new shoes I buy anymore are tennis shoes. Since I hate having feet that hurt, this is a place where Chris and I don’t scrimp. Sometimes, it’s the expensive shoes that keep our feetsies feeling good. There’s a store here in the Sacramento area called Fleet Feet that is locally owned and run by knowledgeable staff that fit you for proper shoes. So I’m supporting a local business.
Next:
red underwear, white laundry, originally uploaded by gardenpunk.
Because I no longer shop at big box or mall stores, I have a little conundrum.
Brassieres.
I used to buy a brand (Bali) that can be found at Kohl’s and Mervyns because they fit, lasted a long time, were very comfortable, and because I don’t consider shopping “the great American pastime” – I know what size to buy without having to spend time trying them on. I need to replenish my stock as my old ones are not doing their job … ahem… as effectively as before.
My question is – do I continue to buy this brand, seeking out local stores that carry it? Or do I find another brand in a local store that is more sustainable? Do I buy sustainable online? A bamboo bra? Not for me. The chemicals they use to make bamboo soft outweigh its use for me. I’m thinking more like organic cotton…?
Please weigh in.
