Not Buying it – No-Buy 2024
Introduction – Not Buying it – No-Buy 2024
It is 2024, and I am doing a No-Buy Challenge. Yep, you heard that right; I will spend a whole year not buying anything.
Long-term readers of my blog will remember that I did a No-Buy February in 2022. (Read about it here.) My challenge did not quite go as planned as I broke my rules several times: ‘Let’s get the scoring out of the way. I failed! No, ten out of ten.’ I wrote on my blog.
Long-term readers will also remember that my verdict was not 100% positive. (Read about it here.) So, what has changed? Why am I doing it again? Why am I doing an even longer challenge other than having masochistic tendencies? Well, there are several reasons.
Firstly, I practice minimalism and have become progressively more minimalist, so not bringing unnecessary stuff into my life is a principle I live by.
Last year, I bought very little, and I regrated most of what I bought later. Impulse purchases: I am not immune to advertising or a nice window display!
Climate change, however much we kid ourselves, there is no way we can shop ourselves into a net zero future.
I have not always been a minimalist. I started about five years ago. I still have lots of toiletries and store cupboard stuff from before minimalism and COVID. So, before buying anything new, I will use what I have at home.
So, how will I go about my no-buy challenge? What rules have I set myself? Hang on, not so fast! Before I outline my own rules, I will briefly overview a No-Buy Challenge, explain how it works, and state what I perceive the benefits to be.
What is a No-Buy Challenge
A No Buy Challenge and its cousin, a Low Buy Challenge, is precisely what it says on the tin. For a set period, a person buys nothing but the essentials. This could be a week, a month, or a year. Andrew Krosofsky, in an article on Greenmatters, sums up a No Buy month as follows:
‘A no buy month, otherwise known as a no spend month, is a month (though it can be longer — some people do entire no buy years) where you don’t spend money.
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The parameters of no buy months are up to individual interpretation, but most of them suggest that you don’t buy anything you don’t absolutely need. That might mean that you end up eating all the food you still have cluttering up your pantry and freezer. It might mean you end up using the “bad smelling” cleaning products sitting in the back of the cupboard.’
A low-buy challenge is slightly less restrictive and allows for more leeway in buying some non-essential items. This could include a souvenir on holiday or an odd piece of clothing.
A No Buy Challenge is simple as a concept: you stop buying, you stop spending money, and you start saving. But how does it work in practice?
First, you decide on the length of your No Buy Challenge. Mine is going to be a year. Second, you need to determine what the rules are. What items do you include in the not-to-buy list? What items do you deem essential?
Reasons for doing a no-buy Challenge
Why do people do a no-buy month or year? The reasons are varied. Some people want to save money, and others want to do their bit for the environment.
YouTuber Christina Mychas spoke to Select about how people can use a no-buy period to save money and spend less:
‘Mychas emphasizes that the goal of a low buy or no buy period is not only to achieve your financial goals but to change your mindset around shopping. After your no buy or low buy period, you might be more intentional about your purchases and may be able to delay instant gratification by waiting to make new purchases.’
My Rules for a No-Buy Year
When I did my no-buy February a few years ago, I set myself the following rules:
For my challenge, I will not buy clothes, books, CDs, gifts, random knick-knacks, stationery, take-out coffees, drinks or deli food. I will, however, still go for my weekly visit to the café as I like to be amongst people when I feel lonely. I will buy groceries and replace toiletries should I need to. If my washing machine or any other household appliance breaks, I will allow myself to replace that. Fingers crossed, it won’t! I am also travelling to Scotland mid-month and will allow myself to buy food and drink at the service stations.
This time around, my rules have slightly changed. I will not buy physical items such as books, clothing, knick-knacks, stationery, or electronic devices.
I will be allowed to replace things that have broken. I already know that my phone is on its last legs.
I am allowed to go out for meals and buy the odd coffee, but I am trying to keep those to a minimum.
I am still buying essentials such as food and toiletries, but I will thoroughly check my pantry and cupboards first.
Conclusion – Not Buying it – No-Buy 2024
I will update here in a few months to see how I am faring and what my experiences are. If you want to do a No-Buy Challenge too but need further assistance, get in touch, and I will help.
Have you done a No-Buy Challenge in the past? If so, I’d love to hear how you fared. Comment below.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,