- The Compact
The Compact is a social and environment movement where members promise not to buy anything new for a year. It was started in
San Francisco . [http://www.startribune.com/business/13513951.html] The movement had about 50 members in2006 . [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/13/BAGH3H7DH71.DTL]Goals of The Compact:1) to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc; 2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er); 3) to simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)
Members of the Compact are only allowed to buy underwear, food, and health and safety items such as brake fluid and toilet paper. During their one year vow the the Compact members must shop only at second hand stores. They can also barter with each other for goods they want. One's trash is another's treasure. Finally, many Compacters use Freecycle.org where they post what they want and what they are giving away so that they can avoid buying new and still get the goods they want.
Members of the Compact frown upon material consumerism. However, they are allowed to use services such as movies, theaters, museums, massages, haircuts, and music downloads. There is a difference between wanting and needing and Compact Members know the difference. There are currently thousands of members and about 100 new members join every day. In San Francisco local Compacters have started the Really Really Free Market. Here members will gather in a park and give and receive goods they no longer want and what they want. Compacters prefer to shop at local food markets rather than supermarkets because they wish to support the local community. Notable Members include:Rachel Kesel,Kate Boyd,Shawn Rosenmoss,Sarah Pelmas, andMatt Eddy
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