Landscaping on The Compact

I heart Twin Cities Free Market (TCFM). Even better than Craigslist, where you can find used stuff for cheap, TCFM is FREE!

The Husband was talking about putting edging in around some of our gardens and around the pine trees in the backyard and then filling them in with woodchips or rock. I reminded him of The Compact and I also felt sad about the thought of buying an enormous amount of plastic that perhaps someone else would be willing to get rid of.

And, that's when I started checking Craigslist, and after a few days wasn't having any luck. It was then that I was reminded of TCFM, and sure enough 350 feet of plastic edging someone wanted to get rid of, in our own city, no less. The recycler had looked all over, even went to the city to see how he could recycle this massive amount of plastic and was turned down. However, they did tell him to try posting it on TCFM. And this is how we ended up with 125 feet of just what we were looking for!

The pictures taken are just of the plastic placed on the ground, we have yet to dig in and make it a permanent part of our landscape. We'll do that whenever this rain stops and we start getting some June weather.

Now, I'm on the lookout for free rock or woodchips, I am so resourceful.

Our lives as Compact(ors)

Week 5 of our pledge not to buy anything new for a year:
The Compact pledge has gone well in our house thus far. We had purchased a few Mother's Day cards, because I was too lazy to make them, though our Father's Day cards will be hand made (I hope). The Husband also had a real need for new hiking shoes, and because hiking shoes count as an exception (they are a consider a health and safety item) we felt justified in making the purchase. Aside from these two buys, we have been dilligent about following the Compact.

So far this pledge has forced us to really think about the things that we want and need and how to get them. The Husband has not been as excited to take this journey as I have, but I think he is coming around.

I am in real need of summer clothing. Normally I would head out to the mall and make the purchases I need (want). However this pledge has forced me to find another way, and I have -- Savers.

Last Friday's Saver's Purchases All for $31.00:
Ann Taylor tank top (tag attached)
Abercrombie khaki shorts
Larry Levine black capri pants
Merona shorts (tag still attached)
Gap shoes for The Boy (like new, size 7 for this Fall or Winter)
Rugrats Puzzle (still in the wrapper)
Diggers and Dumpers book
Elmo's Takes a Picture book (with a little camera that flashes)
Tonka Tractors book

Did you hear that? Only $31.00!

Here is another local story about a family following The Compact.