Six Months With "No Stuff"

Julie Kimmel lives and works in Reston, so there are no shortage of places to shop in her daily life.

For six months, shopping isn't going to take up much time, though. That is because Kimmel, 30, and a friend, Melissa Batum, are in the midst of their "No Stuff Experiment."

No Stuff means just that. Buying necessities, but not "stuff," the clothes/DVDs/books/shoes and other items we can probably live without.

"I'm doing it for environmental reasons," said Kimmel, an editor at a trade association. She has a blog, The No Stuff Experiment, where she is chronicling her efforts.

"I just wanted to reduce my carbon footprint."

So also on the banned list: most disposable items, such as plastic bags and tin foil.

Kimmel has gone on a stuff hiatus before. A few years ago, she went three months without shopping. That seemed too easy, so now she is shooting for six months.

That's a hefty goal for someone who really likes shopping.

"I could spend all day at the mall," she says. "I love shopping. But I don't miss it."

Kimmel says that staying out of stores, canceling catalogues and unsubscribing from store e-mail lists has helped. She has also tuned out makeover shows lest she be inspired by a transformation on What Not To Wear.

She also planned ahead. Kimmel is a triathlete who purchased a new bike in December knowing she was undertaking the experiment Jan. 1. She asked for new biking shorts for Christmas. She has happily traded accessories and accepted offers of hand-me-downs from training partners.

Still, she has to weigh each purchase. What is a luxury? What is a necessity? Where does eating out at restaurants fall? (that's OK). How about race entry fees? (also OK)? Is an iTunes download stuff if it only exists in electronic form? Toothpaste is a necessity, but what about a new bag of cotton balls? (she put those back on the shelf as "stuff").

"I couldn't justify buying them, so I just have not been using toner," she said.

Kimmel says she is surprised she has not saved that much money. She has, however, gained time and perspective. The blog keeps her quest in line, as does meeting monthly with a voluntary simplicity group.

"This has been easier since I am doing it with a buddy," she said.

To check out Julie Kimmel's blog, visit http://nostuffexperiment.wordpress.com.