It all started out innocently enough. I was listening to NPR on the way to work when I heard an interview with Judith Levine, the author on Not Buying It. For those unfamiliar with the book it’s one of the many books in the new genre of doing something for one year and writing about it. The books deal with a multitude of subjects, like spending a year following all the rules of the bible in “The year of living biblically” by A.J.Jacobs, “A year without “Made in China” by Sara Bongiorni, “Give it Up” by Mary Carlomagno where the author gives up one item per month and “Plenty” by Alisa Smith about a year of eating locally.

I thought the book would be a fun read, but soon forgot about it. Then last year while attending the alternative energy fair in Custer, Wisconsin the book fell into my hands and sealed my fate. I thought it was an odd thing to buy a book called “Not Buying It” and the irony was the Carnegie Library had a copy, but nevertheless I bought the book and read it cover to cover in three days. It would have taken me less time to read it but I ended up sharing long passages from my book to my husband. (He is now reading the book and sharing long passages with me)

The book gave me a lot to think about. It's not always an easy read challenging the reader to examine the many reasons we purchase. Each time I’d step into a store, I’d pause, albeit briefly, and think about my purchase. Then a radical idea hit me. I will do it. I will not buy anything for a year! And what better time to start then the New Year?

So although I’m a baby at “blogging” - I will keep everyone updated on my progress this year. Here are my self imposed rules for the year.

1.   Only Groceries
2.   Only Necessities
3.   No Clothing
4.   No Takeout Food
5.   No Takeout Coffee
6.   No Magazines, No Books
7.   No Bottled Water
8.   No CD’s, DVD’s
9.   No going out to the Movies
10. No exotic foods
11. No Dollar Stores
12. No thrift Stores

I have allowed myself some luxuries - Lemons, Q-Tips and Coffee are allowed. I just can’t live without any of those.

[CLICK HERE] to read Eva's blog         Question or Comment? Email Eva