Who isn’t feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by the political mess that America has become? Regardless of which way we’ve voted, we all know the system is broken and little is going to change by arguing about it on Facebook or Twitter. How can we feel consistently empowered though when we only get to vote every 2-4 years and go to marches here and there? This is a time to rise up with creative problem solving.
That’s why I’ve launched the #ReshapeRetail 60 Day Challenge, a way to inspire each other to change the system…with how we spend our money everyday. If we truly want power to the people we have to vote with our money rather than fund the lame corporations that fund lame lobbyists and lame politicians that have their greedy, corrupt agendas in mind instead of our best interests. We need a detox from buying whatever we want (or have been programmed to want through relentless marketing) and take a stand for integrity, sustainability, and labor rights on a whole new level. After all, having clean air, water, and land works for all of us. Having living wages and businesses as well as a government that’s accountable, works for all of us. This isn’t a singular boycott. It’s an opportunity to re-evaluate our relationship with retail and turn things around for our health and happiness, for the wellbeing of the planet, and for workers all around the world who are underpaid and mistreated. This is about supply and demand and we are absolutely in charge here.
For too long we’ve been lured into “retail therapy” and have been convinced to buy new stuff that clutters our homes and landfills. We’ve been pushed towards the quick high of buying a new outfit for every reason imaginable. We’ve been convinced that our status and worth is determined by how new and fancy our electronics and gadgets are. When the shopping high wears off though, and it always does, we’re often left with more financial stress and an urge for the next high.
So, let’s free ourselves from toxic consumerism! By thinking outside of the big box store, ditching the mall mentality, and seeking out secondhand treasures instead, we can reshape the health of our culture, political landscape, and the planet.
Here’s How The #ReshapeRetail 60 Day Challenge Works
Don’t buy anything new that you can go without for 60 days. That means things like clothes, shoes, gadgets, extra beauty products, housewares, etc. Instead, you can buy secondhand, trade, or borrow. Of course, food and supplements don’t count.
Here’s How to Join In and Make the Most of It
- Mark 60 days on your calendar with #ReshapeRetail
- Set up lots of reminders in your phone, plus a visual reminder on your credit cards (like a sticker) so you don’t slip into mindless shopping
- Post photos of your secondhand finds and be sure to
Hashtag your photos with #ReshapeRetail
Tag me @RachelAvalon for Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest
Tag me @HolisticLivingWithRachelAvalon for Facebook
- Encourage your friends and family to join in to create momentum
- Have a good time because that inspires more activism
Examples of Secondhand Treasures to Seek Out Instead of New
- Clothes
- Accessories
- Shoes
- Electronics and gadgets
- Housewares
- Furniture
- Tools
- Arts & crafts supplies
Resources to Reshape Retail
Acquiring used items and passing them on has never been easier thanks to community events, local businesses, and online businesses. Here are some resources to explore:
- Clothes swap parties (host your own or join a group)
- Fashion resale websites
- Estate sales (join an email list to preview items like art and jewelry)
- Consignment and thrift-stores
- Craigslist (great for furniture, bicycles, and kids’ stuff)
- Freecycle
- LetGo
- Ebay (look for used only)
- Local, used book stores
- Amazon (look for used books only)
- Yard sales and garage sales
- Dumpster diving
- Antique stores
Work with What You’ve Got
Before fast fashion was popularized and much of what we wear or own was considered disposable, people used to clean up and repair things. Many of these ideas are easy life skills still worth having and teaching:
- Clean up or fix your shoes
- Sew buttons back on when necessary
- Sew holes in clothes or blankets
- Wash your clothes only as needed to extend their use
- Utilize glass jars, baskets, and other items you have
- Make the most of the arts and crafts supplies you have
- Be creative with natural materials from your garden or neighborhood
- Repurpose and upcycle things
Borrowing Buddies
It’s amazing how much you can borrow for free when you just ask. Whether it’s a dress, a power saw, a book, or some kitchen tools. Here’s who to ask:
- Friends
- Family
- Neighbors
- Community groups you belong to
Good to Know: Having a library card makes it easy to borrow books, music, and videos. You can even petition your local representatives for a Library of Things, which loans out everything from prom dresses and sewing machines to board games and GoPro cameras.
Health & Happiness Benefits
By refraining from retail, whether temporarily or as often as possible, you can gain some wonderful benefits like these:
- Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals common with new merchandise and packaging
- Enjoy cleaner air in the home (especially important for children)
- Enjoy not overspending
- Enjoy not cluttering your home
- Enjoy extra money to put towards things like healthy food or causes you believe in
- Enjoy community building and socializing through secondhand-focused events
Protect the Health of the Planet
When we vote with our money and enjoy the abundance of great stuff that already exists in the world we help move sustainability forward and:
- Reduce air, water, and soil pollution from factories
- Reduce habitat destruction from sourcing materials
- Reduce plastics in the oceans and waterways
- Reduce harm to wildlife and marine life
- Reduce landfill waste
Progress, Not Perfection
All in all, this #ReshapeRetail 60 Day Challenge is about shifting the way we think about materialism and its impact on us, our political system, and the planet as a whole. It’s realizing that we can begin the healing right now and truly make a difference through our purchasing power every day. No matter what this journey brings, remember that the process doesn’t have to be perfect. If you space out and buy something new (and can’t return it), start again. New habits take patience and positivity. So, let’s do this!
My mission: As a Holistic Health Coach & Eco Expert, I’m dedicated to leading you straight to the core of what it takes to enjoy a new level of vitality, desired weight loss, and detoxification. I love helping clients across the U.S. transform their lives.
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