Conscious by Chloé

Chloé Lepeltier - Conscious By Chloé

A Sustainable Lifestyle Blog focusing on Zero Waste, Slow Living, and Ethical Fashion.

An Unintentional Buy Nothing Challenge

Smith Rock State Park Oregon Hike Buy Nothing Challenge Shopping Ban by Conscious by Chloé

This jacket is the last thing I bought for myself. I received it on December 31st 2020. I had waited for as long as I could to get a proper winter jacket - I hadn't had the chance to bring back from France the one I already own - but it was starting to get really cold and I hadn't found what I wanted at the local thrift store (or on my favorite online thrift stores).

Little did I know that 2.5 months later, I would still have not spent any money on myself, besides groceries. No clothes, no beauty products, no home decor, no DIY supplies.

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I haven't really planned this no spending period. It kinda just happened. As I wrote down in my 21 for 2021 list, I had plans to pay off my credit cards and track my budget a little better. And since I like to simplify things, the best way to track your spending is... to not spend any money.

I also wanted to break the vicious cycle of spending money out of boredom, or envy. To reach this goal, I distanced myself from the sources of my spending frenzy.

Smith Rock State Park Oregon Hike Buy Nothing Challenge Shopping Ban by Conscious by Chloé

First, I used the strategy of inconvenience by deleting the apps on my phone that make shopping and browsing easy (Poshmark, Craigslist, Etsy, Pinterest, etc.).

Then I muted ALL of the accounts I follow on Instagram...

Now you're gonna think I'm crazy, but I adopted the same strategy on Facebook by unfollowing my friends (not unfriending, just unfollowing). That way, I can still check in on what they're up to - by actively looking for that information rather than being flooded with unwelcome content as soon as I open the app.

Side note: I did quit Facebook and delete Instagram a bunch of times, but would eventually always come back. This in-between method works for me, you do you.

Smith Rock State Park Oregon Hike Buy Nothing Challenge Shopping Ban by Conscious by Chloé

So how are things going you might ask?

Well, I sometimes get the urge to see what my favorite brands have launched, and I sometimes go have a look at their websites. Sometimes I feel that tingle in my belly, the urge to adopt the latest trends, fearing that I might miss out on something. But ultimately, I feel a great sense of relief by simply closing the tab and getting back to whatever I was doing before this virtual-windowshopping session.

I go out on walks as usual but do not enter any shop, even thrift stores, event re-stores, because I know I do not need anything and I also know I might see something I really really like so why would I put myself through the process of either abandoning it or breaking my self-imposed challenge?

Smith Rock State Park Oregon Hike Buy Nothing Challenge Shopping Ban by Conscious by Chloé

Outfit Details:
Quilted Jacket (S) - Everlane
Leggings (S) - Girlfriend Collective
Socks - Smartwool
Boots (AUS 5.5) - Blundstone

Obviously, I have the privilege of embarking on such an adventure. I have everything I need (and more) at home to keep me clothed, comfortable and entertained. I live in a place where I can (safely) go on long walks in nature whenever I feel too cooped up or stuck to my screen.

I don't know how long this "challenge" will last. I haven't come across a major buying decision yet and I have yet to use up all of my crafting supplies.

For now, I simply enjoy the absence of an urge to buy, I get creative with what I own. I have moved the furniture in the house about 100 times already, I'm in the process of converting old bed sheets into a braided rug and I'm finding more ways to use up my DIY supplies (soap, bath bombs and solid shampoo are next on my list).

Would you try a shopping ban / buy nothing challenge?

Smith Rock State Park Oregon Hike Buy Nothing Challenge Shopping Ban by Conscious by Chloé