This is sort of a follow-up to my rule about shopping. If I must go shopping and buy stuff, I try to remember to ask myself these questions, or at least some of them!
- Do I need it?
- How many do I already have?
- How much will I use it?
- How long will it last?
- Could I borrow it from a friend or family member?
- Can I do without it?
- Am I able to clean, lubricate and/or maintain it myself?
- Am I willing to?
- Will I be able to repair it?
- Have I researched it to get the best quality for the best price?
- How will I dispose of it when I'm done using it?
- Are the resources that went into it renewable or nonrenewable?
- Is it made of recycled materials, and is it recyclable?
- Is there anything that I already own that I could substitute for it?
9 comments:
I needed this list. I am in a slump right now. This was right on time.
Just started reading your blog and came across your list. This is great. I am definitely printing this out and pasting it into my planner where I can see it everyday!
Part of your list belongs to Amy Dacyzn who writes the Tightwad Gazette. Great book and she has a newsletter also.
That's a great list to consider for a "stuff-obsessed" society. I think it's great to think a little bit about your environmental impact along with spending your money.
I agree, it's a good list. I believe I've seen it before on the website for Buy Nothing Day UK, but can't seem to find the link now.
Interesting piece you go there...
-Steven Burda
www.linkedin.com/in/burda
Do you memorise this list, or do you carry it with you? And how long have you been using it?
I don't have it memorized word for word, but I definitely try to think about these questions whenever I am shopping! Unfortunately I can't say I always say no to buying something based on the answers. But some of the time is better than none of the time!
Could it be this book: "Lighten Up" by Peter Walsh?
http://www.amazon.com/Lighten-Up-Love-What-Happier/dp/1439155143
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