DAY 20

Need to start thinking about Compact Christmas presents, might get bf a membership of English Heritage, its ok he won't read this He loves Whitby, so he could visit the Abbey as much as he liked and we can have other days out.
Also pants and socks as his have holes in!
Bought just a train ticket.

DAY 21
Lunch in 8th Day and train.

DAY 22
Train ticket and crisps - what an exciting life I lead!

DAY 23
Today has been expensive; needed to buy oil and filter for my car which was finally returned to me on Wednesday. The mot and insurance are due at the end of the month. Also spent a fortune on food - fresh veg, bread and takeaway for tonight.
Not bought anything non-compact wise. I have run out of white cotton thread and rediscovered that I can sew! I have also found a load of holes in my favourite patchwork trousers, so I will have to add a few patches of my own when some material presents itself

DAY 24 Its already the middle of August, but on a bright note I have almost done a month of 'the Compact'. Most of my family will be out of the country by the end of this week and I need to plan a green holiday for my bf and I, before the University term starts again.
I also need to get my car insurance sorted, the rear washwipe doesnt work either and the mot. My bf did the oil and filter today; the old oil will be recycled, but I've no idea how! Apparently its a good idea to get the spark plugs checked or changed, this helps save fuel, so will be greener in the long run. So its going to be an expensive month car-wise. I hope that a friend can recommended a mechanic, rather than take it to the main dealership.
On the plus side, I haven't bought anything today. We had the meal that I've been hoping for all year - made (mostly) from stuff off the allotment. Fresh peas are heaven!
I really need some white cotton and something to patch with. I have found a light blue dress with a broken strap, in my wardrobe, that needs sewing back on, but I can't do it with black cotton! The patches are for my favourite trousers

Day 25 Ah what the heck, I sewed the strap back on the dress with black cotton, it was pretty neat for me! I only bought compact friendly food today and train ticket.

Day 26 Just bought a train ticket. I have got a quote for my car insurance, I have done three price comparison sites and got a good quote. Also a compact-y tip, try Quidco when buying things, you can act as your own 'broker' and earn commision!

DAY 18
Train ticket, food, Kingfisher tooth paste. Leaf tea for Bf's 'gift voucher'. We found a loverly cafe in Scarbough earlier this year, serving Earl Grey Blue lady, which is Earl grey with lavender or something called Mallow added. Well it was really nice and so he wanted some for his birthday. I think it is an exception under 'food' :-)

DAY 19

Train ticket and lunch 8th Day. Left my carrot cake at home today, oops! Replaced it with crisps!
Had to pop into Tesco for milk and salad, must get more organised and avoid supermarket !

DAY 16

Today I have just bought food. We took our recycling to the collection point in town today; someone had dumped what looked like their carboot leftovers, there was a book on tropical fish; a bit soggy, but still good, my bf is drying it out, he is really pleased with it! I found a plant pot and matching base, which is perfect for my cactus, which needed repotting, brilliant! I also decided to list an ironing board and a bag of coat hangers on freecycle, within 4 hours someone has collected the ironing board and I got another email asking for it, I never knew ironing was so popular! Freecycle is great, I wonder if I will find a compost bin?

My list of toiltries (exceptions) is getting shorter;
Toothpaste (Kingfisher);
Toothbrush;
Hairbrush;
Shampoo bar; V
Conditioner bar; V
Soap;
Face cloth;
Sun cream (Yaoh); V
Sanitry products;
Deoderant;
Disposable razor - this needs replacing with 'green' alternative!

And apart from some Beauty without Cruelty makeup, which should last me a year, as I hardly wear it anyway, I think that is it. I think I am pretty frugal when it comes to toiletries most of the time. I don't have my hair cut, just trimmed, last time cost just £5.

DAY 17

Been to the allotment today, harvested the courgette, yes unfortunately, the only one I expect to get! I think it has been a lack of water, due to growing too close to a large tree. I carefully fried it in some olive oil and bf and I shared it, it was a sad moment!

OK, back to reality, I have bought fair trade coffee BOGOF from co-op, vegan wine and vegetable soap. I have baked vegan carrot cake, as we had the oven on for hotpot, the cake and hotpot were delicous! The cake was my triumph, as the last attempt wasn't fit to eat, it used far too much veg oil!! Yuk. I will post the recipe, it uses Pure, not oil and its great! My non-vegan bf loves it, I caught him nibbling it!
Had another two emails for ironing board, can't believe popularity of ironing or freecycle!

Vegan Carrot Cake
4 tbsp golden syrup
6 oz 'Pure' margarine
8 oz self raising flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
9 oz grated carrots
handfull raisins
Method:
Melt the syrup and marg together in a saucepan.
Remove from heat and add other ingredients.
Stir well.
Put into greased, lined with greaseproof, loaf tin.
Cook for 45 mins at gas mark 4. Check that a skewer comes out clean, then its done.

Sorry about the units, but most scales have Kg / Lb and oz on anyway, it would only get confused if I converted it!

Day 12

Today's spending was a train ticket, lunch and food shopping from The 8th Day, so not a penny in big chains!

Day 13

A good thing I'm not superstitous! Still no car, but lost a little weight due to all the walking; about 4 miles per day. Bought Lunch.

Day 14

Bought lunch in a sandwich-chain, but usual veggie cafe closed for decorating! Bought dinner in a pub (chain), not doing very well with where I am spending on food. Train ticket.

Day 15

So far, I have cycled to the station, bought a ticket and some crisps, as cycling makes me *so* hungry! Car still not ready, so another weekend of no cars. Bought lunch from The 8th Day.

Day 5

Bought a train ticket and postage (post swap book). Fairtrade choc for BFs birthday.

Day 6

Bought my BF (for birthday) a cycling drinks bottle, as old one leaks and will be recycled.
I bought myself some solid conditioner from Lush (essential toiletries are allowed, but not bubble bath, facials etc) I have put it in a soap dish and now there is a loverly smell in the bathroom; cant wait to try it! Been out for the day in Chester, went in every charity shop and there are lots, and didnt buy a thing! There is nothing I actually want, let alone need! Getting worried about BF's DVD as not actually arrived yet; Royal failed again! Bought him lunch, locally made pasties, yum, in paper bags, that I've recycled. Yay!
Steered him away from plastic / paper cups of tea, instead went for a proper cup in a cafe. Much nicer.
Will have to wrap presents tomorrow if DVD turns up! I have a stock of wrapping paper, as that's not allowed, I had it anyway, I didnt stock up before the challenge.
Been on ebay and saved searches for outdoor type clothes so will be able to find easily if I get the urge to shop!
Nearly forgot, I took two pairs of old specs to Vision Express for Vision Aid. Glasses go to someone who wouldn't otherwise get glasses & not into landfill. Life would be tough without my glasses!

DAY 7

I haven't actually bought anything except food today. Good day. Tried Lush conditioner bar and its as good as it smells, hmmm.
I have requested some car bits being offered on freecycle, a door mirror (mine is looking sorry for itself) and an indicator switch, my BF fixed mine a while back but its on its way out, so will be handy to have a spare. My first freecycling, so can't wait for reply.
When I get my car back, must do carbot sale! Hopefully next week...
Now BF and I are walking or cycling everywhere, as his car is playing up, faulty brakes, so cannot drive anywhere. Actually feels quite good in a strange way, saving all that CO2!
Read INEBG forum again tonight; its a great inspiration, all those people not buying new for a year! I have failed on the present buying though! BF not doing challenge, excuses...
I have seen some brilliant home-made cards, one with a photo on and one with a painting. My watercolours aren't up to much, so I will have to find some photos that I can turn into cards, but how to get card blanks without buying new? I think I've already said new stuff off ebay isn't allowed as its like buying from a shop? I'm just making up the rules as I go along, but in the spirit of not buying anything new!

DAY 8

Bought coffee for 2 in paper cups (naughty!). Caught bus where normally wuld have driven (cars out of action) I did buy some *new* card blanks to make my own greetings cards. Not sure if this is really bad on only day 8 or if it counts as a 'gift for other people', they will be. It has got me painting and creative though. I did check ebay and loads of charity shops first though. BF's birthday present did finally arrive today and we've watched it, 'In the shadow of the moon'. The story of the apollo astronauts in their own words. It's very compelliing viewing. I recommend renting it to everyone
I need some glue and some photos printing for gift cards, so if I can't 'borrow' the glue, it might have to go under 'gifts' again... I can do without new stuff for myself, but not for others, as they seem to expect new stuff!
I made my BF some "gift vouchers" and then stuck them on the fridge, tv etc for him to find :-) He cashed one of them in today - socks! They are exempt as they count as underwear and they were a gift.

DAY 9

I haven't bought anything except food today.
I have put a bid in on a shirt and a top on ebay. They end tomorrow. So I will see how it goes! I don't recall having the urge to buy anything else. I am using my PDA with character recognition. It is like learning to write again! Feeling demorolised over allotment, as still buying most of veg!
Had a read of the Yahoo group called the Compact. They're the people who started "don't buy new for a year". It has made me more determinded to carry on!

DAY 10

I have only spent £2.74 on a walking top off ebay. We have only eaten home cooked food and I've cleaned with bicarb and vinegar. So a pretty successful day.

DAY 11

Only bought a train ticket and a packet of crisps today. Walking everywhere as my car is still not ready! Grrr. I only won one of the tops I'd bid for on ebay, but that should be on its way this week. The car spares on freecycle had already gone sadly. I will keep looking out for stuff though. I should have some things to list after I've done a carboot :-)
I had one of the many swaps I offered for books accepted, I got the book on Saturday, Colin's Gem Guide to the Seashore, so I will look forward to using that on my next trip to the (British) beach.

Day 1: I only bought a train ticket, off to a good start!

Day 2: Bought a *new* DVD, checked ebay and more expensive without delivery than a new one and for my boyfriends birthday, so caved in to consumerism!
I also bought a 500g tin of coffee, which is excluded as its a drink, so bulk buying to save packaging. Feel guilty for breaking rules on second day! Presents for other people might have to be one of the exceptions?
I have put in a load of requests for swaps on http://www.readitswapit.co.uk It does what it says really, you list your books and then someone offers you a swap, you look to see if they have anything you like and accept the swap. You post the book and leave them feedback. A good way of reusing books! I have had 3 good swaps so far :-)
I posted a wanted notice on my local freecycle group for spares for my CD player, but its quite old so I'm not getting too excited. I have resisted buying a 'Remarkable' pencil case, mouse mat and pens today, and instead collected all the pens, pencils cases etc I have together so that I can find them when I need them.I don't think new recycled products, although green are allowed.
I have been looking at getting a folding bike, but I will have to use my (nearly new and probably lighter) full size bike or get a second hand folder from ebay. I have a load of stuff I want to get rid of, I want to do a carboot sale, but my car is being repaired by an insurance company, groan! (So no chance of using second hand parts either). My stuff is low-ish value so isn't worth puting on ebay. I'm considering listing it on freecycle.

Day 3: I didn't buy anything! My boyfriend bought me dinner though, nice guy.

Day 4: So far I have bought a train ticket and a birthday card. Not too bad, I don't think a hand made card would be acceptable :-) One of my requests for book swaps have been accepted, so I will post off my book tomorrow. Two have been declined and two are outstanding.

I thought I would post the link to the forum that gave me the idea for this, I am going to try it and see how I get on. http://www.itsnoteasybeinggreen.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2765&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

The idea is not to buy anything new for a year, not to buy nothing at all! There have to be a few exceptions, food and drink, medicines, things that are necessary for work, the list goes on and can be found on the INEBG forum.

I am going to start today. I will post how I am getting on!

Save batteries and stand-by power by getting a wind-up radio, you can get them in DAB and MP3 players too. I have a radio with a phone charger that I take camping, it is a bit noisy to wind up though!

I save batteries in my watch by using an automatic or self-winding watch, they cost more initially but will last a lifetime and never need a battery changing.

I have mentioned before about using electric toothbrushes, use them to save plastic over standard brushes, and use a rechargeable one to save more batteries.

When buying new torches or bike lights, go for LED ones. They tend to be brighter, last longer and you never have to change the bulb. The batteries will last much longer between recharges.

If you still have some single use batteries, when they are totally 'flat', Sainsbury's do a freepost envelope for battery recycling, so bag them up and send them off, save all the nasty chemicals going to landfill. If anyone knows of other places that do battery recycling, then perhaps you could leave me a comment?

Whilst in search of new green cleaning products (as Ecover is no longer vegan) I found out that if you mix Bicarb. of Soda with vinegar, then the fizzing will clean smelling drains. Bicarb is also great for cleaning out the fridge, dissolved in warm water. Use a little dry on burnt bits on pans and oven trays. Sprinkle on and leave for a while and then wipe off. Its kind to your skin unlike all those pungent smelling chemicals that don't break down in the environment!

Reduce Reuse Recycle!

Reduce what goes into landfill by selling unwanted items on ebay or at a car boot sale and make a little cash
I find car boot sales great fun, but be prepared to barter. Donate saleable items to charity shops or use your local freecycle network. That's free and recycled (reused) not free-cycling

Swap your digital clock radio (mains powered, with a power hungry display) for a battery powered clock that lights up only when you press the button and runs on rechargeable batteries; this can be a bit of a challenge as rechargeable batteries have a slightly lower voltage than standard batteries and if the clock has a voltage detector in it, it will always tell you the battery is low. Alternatively, you could look at some of the new eco-clocks, water, fruit or even potato powered! (But not my best home-grown organic ones!) You can even get water powered calculators, yes forget solar powered, water is the new eco-trend!

You can also get recycled notebooks, I love 'Remarkables' range of 'I used to be a juice carton' or a plastic cup or office paper or (my all time favourite) 'I used to be a car tyre', they do smell a bit rubbery though! Try an old fashioned analogue clock, with fingers, its easier to read in low light levels and will run off one AA battery for ages. Don't buy ordinary batteries, as yours run out, replace them with high capacity NiMh and a fast charger, a few hours is fast, not several days! Try to get one that switches off when the batteries are fully charged to save energy.

I have tried various solar panels, but without having the whole roof covered in them, I don't see how they are very useful. I have one that is meant to do AA batteries and I think it flattens them more than it charges! Don't waste your time with small solar panels!

I will be going on another camping holiday this year, as soon as it stops raining. I've already had a wonderful week under canvas and I look forward to it being dry and hopefully sunny for long enough for me to go again soon.
If you are going on a green holiday this year then don't forget to pack your sun cream, even in Britain you can get sun burnt in less than an hour! I recommend Yaoh organic sun cream, it comes in factor 15 or 30 and I got mine from The 8th Day in Manchester or Honesty Cosmetics do it too, see previous post. http://www.yaoh.co.uk They also do a Vegan lip balm, which comes in several gorgeous smelling flavours to stop your lips drying out when the British summer is less than tropical :-)