Meet your needs without buying new stuff

November 7, 10:49 PMBaltimore Minimalist Family ExaminerJill Donahue

We all have needs.  Even minimalists.  But do we need to meet them by buying new things?  Not necessarily.  New things don't just cost us; they also cost the planet in terms of use of resources for the item itself, its packaging, and its transportation. 

But what are the alternatives?

1. Delay and defer.  This may ultimately be only a temporary solution.  But it does give you some breathing room to assess whether you really need the item or merely want it (not always a bad thing, but worth knowing). Surprisingly often, the need (or desire) vanishes before its filled.  And if it doesn't, well, that's balm for the conscience.  Delay also gives you a chance to assess whether you can get the benefit of buying the item new in some other way.   

2. Perhaps by borrowing it.  This is an especially good solution for tools, books, special occasions (clothes, serving dishes for a special dinner), or when trying something for the first time (say, developing your own film or riding a horse).

3. Check Freecycle.   There is an active circle in Baltimore.  Freecycle is for people who either want to obtain something or want to get rid of something.  As Freecycle itself puts it, "It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and thus keeping good stuff out of landfills. Membership is free, and everything posted must be FREE, legal and appropriate for all ages." 

4. Buy second (or more!) hand.  Craigslist, the Sun classifieds, and eBay are all great sources even for hard-to-find or obscure items.  Not only will you save money, but you'll deplete a little less of the earth, as well. 

5. Try making your own.  At the very least, this will give you a greater appreciation for what goes into the object in the first place.  And -- if you're anything like me -- it'll certainly make you think twice about whether you really need it or not!

Sometimes you might have to buy a new item, even after exhausting all these options. But if you can run through this list first, often you'll find you didn't need it new.