aging · challenge · fitness

Sam is back on the buy-no-more-clothes wagon

Sam B

On June 1,  today,  I’m starting a 90 day buy no new clothes challenge.

“By challenging yourself to buy ‘no new clothes’ – whether that’s not buying anything at all, or prioritizing re-use and secondhand, you decide! – you will reduce your carbon footprint, build healthy psychological habits, limit the waste you send to landfill, and keep your hard-earned dollars from companies that don’t provide their garment workers living wages or safe working conditions.”

That last one I try not to do anyway. I almost exclusively buy made in Canada clothes from slow fashion companies. But even with that commitment, I still own enough clothes for a lifetime.

Don’t get me started on bike jerseys. Lol.

Also, I’m trying to organize my house and make it less stressful. For me, that means owning less stuff.

I’m feeling inspired by the Swedish Death Cleaning author whose book on aging exuberantly I just finished. There’s a great intro to the ideas here.

Wish me luck!

Published by Sam B

Philosopher, feminist, parent, and cyclist! Co-founder of Fit Is a Feminist Issue, co-author of Fit at Mid-Life: A Feminist Fitness Journey, published by Greystone Books.

4 thoughts on “Sam is back on the buy-no-more-clothes wagon”

  1. I think I’ll join you. It worked out great the last time; rather a relief not to think about buying clothing for a while. I certainly have enough to last for, well, forever… 🙂 Thanks for posting!

  2. Sounds great. I don’t have any spare hangers, so I generally don’t get anything additional. What’s your system if something just plain wears out? Something you use all the time, like favorite jeans or sweater or leggings? No, scratch the sweater – I already have a lifetime supply. And bike jerseys, yeah, no need there ever. But the bike shorts & some other active wear stuff do wear out, and I am small & sort of short-sturdy-legged so second hand isn’t too likely to fit. Hmm.

    1. For me, I have new bike shorts with tags in my house. They were a deal! Ditto bike shoes. And a helmet. I might be able to go a year before I need anything. That’s the problem. If you don’t have my problem you don’t need my solution.

  3. You’ve inspired me! I think I am to go back to that. I went on a wireless bra-buying tear recently, and also dresses for work. I bought new jeans and two new pairs of shoes. Now it’s time to hit pause again.

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