29 Comments
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Marie's avatar

I'm doing a low buy month this february and if i can successfully do it, i will join you on the challenge for the rest of the year (establishing a list and rules for myself also)

Thank you for sharing!

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Gillian's avatar

I'd love for you to join me! Good luck with February's low buy - you can do it!

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Karen Sellew's avatar

Well, I've put off doing a no-buy or low-buy, despite my desperate need to do so; I've just felt I wouldn't be able to do it. I finally had the "camel's back" moment, though, with a purchase of shoes from ebay. My weakness is online purchasing. I have decided to do a no-buy online for at least 6 months, and go from there (I really want to go for a year). I'm letting myself buy locally (but only vintage), as that doesn't seem to be a problem. I've been meaning to do this for a while, but figure if I "put it out there" I'll be committed to hold to it. Your no-buy 2024 really inspires me. Thank you!

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Gillian's avatar

Congrats on your decision to do a 6-month no-buy for online purchases, Karen! Coming from someone who also didn't believe that I could do it, I BELIEVE IN YOU! And I think that making the decision and then committing to it is the hardest part 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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Sarah Drake's avatar

I’m onboard! My personal weaknesses are personal care items (i.e. body wash, lotions, shampoos, etc.) and clothes. This year, I will only purchase more personal care items when I’ve gone through all that I already have. I’m saving for a new bed frame, which will be my major purchase this year. The only wearable item I know I will have to replace this year are my sneakers, which will wear out mid-summer (I’m a nurse so I’m on my feet all day, and I have work sneakers and home workout sneakers). If I do this year right, I’ll be able to eliminate debt and bulk up savings. Let’s goooo!

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Gillian's avatar

I'm so excited for you, Sarah! You have some really amazing goals and I hope that the low buy year helps you to achieve them all!

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Arlea Whelan's avatar

such a great resource, thank you!! jumping on board both for sustainability reasons (I’d like to attempt to ditch fast fashion completely) and to try and save more :)

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Gillian's avatar

So happy you'll be joining us, Arlea!

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Katie Sadler's avatar

I’m in! I don’t buy a lot at the minute, but am haunted by the idea that nearly everything I’ve ever owned still exists in some form somewhere on the planet, and want to focus my money on experiences with friends, not stuff. I’m allowing myself replacements and hobby materials if I’d genuinely something I don’t already have (ie: I don’t need more washi tape!)

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Gillian's avatar

That's such a great reason to do a no/low buy year! Have you watched "Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy"?

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Katie Sadler's avatar

No, the trailer was enough. I am already very negative about climate collapse, I think a show like that would tip me over the edge!

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Gillian's avatar

Yeah, best not to watch it then. It's petty sad to see the destruction caused by overconsumption.

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Louise's avatar

I think this is such a good idea. I'm planning on continuing no clothes-buying for as long as I can, but I think I need some accountability for buying everything else!

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Gillian's avatar

Thanks Louise! I'm so inspired by your continued no buy - you are doing amazing! And, I would be honored if you joined in 💕

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Louise's avatar

Oh, I will, just trying to figure out what I want to do!

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Stephanie Papa's avatar

Really love the idea of this, and thanks for the resource. Can't see a January in the months though! Maybe we just don't acquire anything in January 😆

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Gillian's avatar

Well, that definitely wasn't my intention 😅 Thank you so much for letting me know - I just uploaded a new one, with January in there!

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Tiia VM's avatar

I'm in!

My goal is 25 for 2025 (or under), and I hope to continue with "1-ish items per month" that I found helpful this year.

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Gillian's avatar

It sounds like you have a great foundation to keep building on, Tiia!

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Marie-Lilo's avatar

I am on board! I commented on another post that I didn't want to do a No-Buy, but that a Low Buy would take it's place. I had planned on 24 items too, so this is nicely aligned. The only thing I won't do is bring the "allowed" amount over to the next month if I don't use it. I feel like that would still lead to a bit of overconsumption even if it isn't on purpose. If I didn't feel like I needed it, good for me and no need to compensate the next months (that's how it feels to me personally, I am aware that's not the same for everyone)!

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Gillian's avatar

That's a really great point about rolling over purchases and overconsumption! I will definitely think about that as I work through this year. Thanks for sharing your plan!

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Xue's avatar

Looking forward to doing this together!

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Gillian's avatar

I love hearing this, Xue!!

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Catherine Simmons's avatar

I’m in for this! So addicted to the multiple dopamine hits I get from online clothes shopping. And buying clothes for lives I don’t live (or not very often at least). Thank you for the resources!

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Gillian's avatar

Love that you're joining in, Catherine! And I'm so glad that you liked the tracker :) I really relate to the buying clothes for lives that I don't live - I used to do so much of this!

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Ellen's avatar

Thank you so much for this resource. I struggle a great deal with compulsive buying. I find that I shop to deal with uncomfortable feelings- fear, loneliness and anxiety. I am going to join you in this effort. I’m so appreciative of your honestly and grateful for the resources. A lot of rules just overwhelm me, but I do like the 2 items per

Month idea.

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Gillian's avatar

Hi Ellen! I'm so happy that you'll be joining me for the low buy year. I hope you enjoy the tracker and please reach out whenever you need to - the community thread will be a great place of support for the year.

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Jan 2
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Gillian's avatar

Thanks for reading, Vita! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. A low-buy bingo sounds really fun - I'd love to hear more about it if you'd like to share. And if you're struggling at any point during your challenge, please make a post in the group chat if you'd like some support.

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Jan 2
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Gillian's avatar

This is so fun, Vita! Would you be okay with me sharing this in my January monthly summary?

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