I've been watching your channel for a few months now and want to thank you for all of your great work. I hope you are aware of how important your efforts are in educating people and how beautiful and refreshing all of your content is. Keep up the good work! As to the no spend challenge, I see it as a very useful exercise to help people become more aware of how often and how much they spend money on things that are really not necessary. The goal, as I see it, is not to spend no money but to force yourself to stop and really make a conscious decision before spending. The result being that, in the future, you will be more aware of your own spending habits and will be much more selective in not only how often but also where you spend your money. And as a result, I think this will encourage people to spend their money on genuinely positive experiences and genuine/local/ethically made things with businesses and people whose practices and values they respect. After all, the way I see it, its not the act of spending money itself that we dislike, its the act of spending money that, somewhere down the line, supports practices and values that we do not respect that makes consumerism so distasteful. Thoughts?
YES YES YES! Thank you for your comment this is exactly my attitude towards the no spend challenge - it is not that I am depriving myself of ANYTHING - it is that I am seeking the true value in things, experiences, coffee afternoons, time with my friends and positively spending my money. I am already so much more aware of how I spend my money and I have built habits that I don't even miss the things I had previously spent my money on ! I don't think I emphasised these points enough in my video, because i'm not being hard on myself i'm just testing my limits :) All in a positive way haha. Thank you for your comment, and getting what I am trying to achieve here xx
Why not go at the “no spend” with the same attitude as “zero waste.” The less we spend the better, of course, but not being so hard on ourselves when the need to spend occurs. The more we do to reduce our waste and needless spending, the better. Let’s all be positive about the steps that we make to improve ourselves and our world.
you are one of the most genuine zero waste/minimalist youtubers i watch. you really question your actions a lot and it makes me question mine. but also don't be so hard on yourself! when you said february was shit i was expecting you to say something like you splurged on a bunch of new clothes or something, but you just took the train a few times in the rain?! girl. you are killing it. if you're cycling even once a week you're doing better than millions of people out there. i would say getting the train when its raining is essential for your health anyway. you're a boss!! keep being you
I am over 50 and your focus and caring heart are so uplifting. What you said about gifts that will help your friends move to more sustainability is something I am moving towards. Knowing that you are doing this challenge has made me aware of unnecessary purchases, and I thank you for opening up that level of consciousness. Wish the cups for periods had been more known about in my younger years, and I’d love to donate to provide RUMPS to those in need. Can you link ( or possibly do a video) projects like this so that we can give intentionally in this particular way? Please keep living close to your values; you don’t know how many you are affecting, and the ripple effect of your actions goes far beyond your videos. Thank you!
It’s almost more insightful to see how you struggled with it - With a lot of these challenges, it seems unattainable when someone finds no trouble with it, so thank you for sharing your experience honestly.
Hey, I found it hard with the lack of social aspect in the no spend challenge too. Instead of making it 'no spend' I limited it to 'what is essential when I meet my friends?' 9 times out 10 I would have tap water or a lime and soda when meeting friends at the pub (this never cost me more than 40p in London - bargain!). When going out for dinner I would limit myself to £10 (i.e a main or a few nice sides and water). My friends were all incredulous when I would get change 😂 and it actually encouraged them to follow suit when we would go out together after. In my heaviest month I spent maybe £25 and was out multiple times a week? Making it less strict means I have been on a 'Low/no spend' for 7 months. I'm taking this month off as I need to restock on some essentials (work clothes) but am looking forward to going back to it next month. Best of luck, it does get easier.
I'm doing a no spend challenge too! For this entire year. For me it helped to nail down my "rules" or boundaries in great detail. That way I don't need to think when a situation occurs, weather I'm "allowed" to spend or not (& that way reducing some decision fatigue!). For example, I decided I'm allowed to buy gifts, because I don't want this challenge to affect my relationships with people, and gift exchanges are sort of part of our social interactions. But just like you I try to choose thoughtfully & go for consumables, experiences or something eco friendly/low impact-y. I did also make an exception regarding eating out. I have to bring my own lunch, snacks & beverage on an everyday basis (so not allowed to buy food out on my own), but I am allowed to eat out in company with friends. In my case it doesn't happen very often though. I'm 38 years old & most friends are busy with children & family. So the few occasions that come my way are precious & far between so it's ok. If I was your age where you go out more frequently I might perhaps put a limit on max times per week or month? Or max amount of money alotted to eating out? And try suggesting get togethers at my home or others homes? I am also allowed to replace something that broke or finished. IF after considering really hard that I can't do without it. For example, if a t-shirt wears out, instead of replacing it with a new I have to consider first if I can make do with the other ones I still have? Finishing products before buying new ones, like eating all the stuff in my freezer before buying new frozen foods etc. I'm also allowed to spend money on transportation (public transport or bicykle repairs) food & cleaning supplies and nessesary health care (dentist appointment, medications, doctors app. Etc). So, no shopping for clothes, books, movies, makeup, nail polish, new bedding, no solo-eating out etc. My cat broke one of my house plant pots & I didn't have an extra in that size so I allowed myself to replace it. But I have gotten rid of some worn out garments without replacing them. So far so good this year. I find myself shifting my focus to cooking & meal planning & trying to reduce my food waste & that has done a huge finacial differece. But unfortunately I've had some rather expensive health related expenses in february so the savings haven't been so huge. And our dryer is on the verge of dying & I haven't decided weather that should be considered necessary to replace or if we could do without.... We'll see! It still sort of works, sometimes! ;-)
Ever since you posted your first no-spend video, I've become more conscious of my spending regarding packaged items. It hasn't been perfect, but I can feel the difference, and it feels so good!
my favorite gifts to give are simple experiences like an art workshop, a concert, an escape room etc especially to my close friends because we get to enjoy an experience together. A concert wristband may not be recyclable or maybe concert goers are contributing to waste created during transport or visuals etc. however our goal should be realistic low waste while still enjoying ourselves so it's okay in my opinion. an experience may not last as long as a product, but the positive emotion and memories are more valuable to me. i think there should be less shame and guilt in creating minimal waste for social experiences/ experiences that promote relationships and put a smile on us and our friends. buying gifts is not mandatory but lovely and totally okay. it's also a way to share something that made you think of them or that may improve their lives, so it adds great value. humans are very social beings and even though we shouldn't use this as a general excuse, we also shouldn't feel guilty if buying a gift, going out once or twice a month, going to a wedding etc. wins out in a cost-benefit analysis and you decide the minimal waste is worth it. i used to think i was a fraud for using any plastic as a vegan for harming sea life and so on but now I am not so hard on myself and I make swaps or create new habits gradually which makes them more stable and long-lasting in my opinion.
I totally felt the same way. I think it’s all about finding a happy balance. You definitely have helped me to be more conservative on what I spend on 😊
Thank you so much for all your work! I had been doing a no spend challenge myself. It was challenging to say the least, but I learned to be a little more practical with the challenge to make it work better for my lifestyle. I found that absolutely no spending wasn't worth the jealousy or frustration I felt not going out and my friends felt not being able to go out with me. My friends understood what I was going for, but they didn't like how my decision affected their weekend plans. I live in Colorado and there is a culture of going to breweries and listening to live bands on weekends. Obviously, going out would normally break the no spend challenge, but I don't feel like buying 1 drink at a local brewery and listening to live music is taking away from my goals. I believe the 6 dollar expense doesn't destroy the challenge because it adds to my life in a non-material way. I also started volunteering more and having more events in my home. I have been inviting friends to my house more for board games and dinner/drinks and we have all be switching host homes with each other. We have been going through our old art supplies, putting on Bob Ross videos from youtube, and going to town! I haven't been buying anything that has added clutter in my life, but I have purchased things that added happy memories. I wish you luck with your own challenge. I had to modify mine to better meet my lifestyle, maybe that could help with your current struggles too.
Last autumn I decided to not buy clothes this winter because I had enough actually. So I did it and it was a valuable experience. Now, I don't feel like I have to buy new clothes. I also started to sew old clothes and transform it in something "new".
I absolutely love what you are doing. You have been an inspiration on such a widespread level. You should be so proud of your positive impact in the world!!
this video was SO inspiring, I'm trying to start learning to save and spend more mindfully, and its embarrasing to admit that remembering how lucky I am to have an income that allows me to do that is something I have to remind myself of! and being able to donate regularly has been a goal, thanks so much for adressing this and the privilge that comes with being able to do a no spend challege!
I’m doing this as well for the year and posting videos on my channel too. January was really good for me. I spent less than $20. February was a little tougher and spent around $103. I’ve been trying to re-focus in March.
I have only bought a pair of jeans that I needed cause I only had 1 other pair of jeans and a new shirt that I’m going to use for my birthday party, also I bought all of my school books second hand! I’m saving SOOO much money and I’m so proud because now I can spend it in experiences like concerts and events rather than things
Love your video, people before things is so important. I use my no spend experiences to weed out habits and things that are not necessarily important to my life. Sounds to me like you made a success in your no spend challenge.
My friend didn't buy me a gift last year she made it and to be honest it's the gift I remember the most because she put more thought and time into it. She made me vegan chocolate and a body scrub.
I have been trying a no spend month; which is a HUGE step for me. But I agree with you, its hard to change just going for the easy/ bad habits. I have been struggling but we are both doing way better than if we weren't trying at all! Thanks for being so inspiring 😘
loved this video! i'm doing the same, and saving to travel indefinitely once i complete my masters in july. i have a spreadsheet so i can keep track of all my essential expenses, and then add in extra for fun, and other (e.g. if i need my bike fixing or i need to get the bus). by doing this i'm finally out of my overdraft, and am finally saving for the first time in my life. yes its hard, but i was definitely unnecessarily consuming and spending, and im so much more aware now. and it means that the time i do get to spend on activities with friends, that i cherish them so much more. its honestly changed my life to live like this!
So fantastic to hear this!! I have also been trying to have a no spend year.. Unfortunately, because I am moving to a new country I needed to buy new things. ( Work equipment etc) I love how genuine and honest you always are in your videos. Really inspirational.
I am doing a no spend February because I watched your video. You are right, it is tough sometimes! I am always using what we have and think really hard about replacing things when gone.
I'm at the beginning of week five of my "no spend challenge", which ends in about two weeks. For me, it is 90% to pack my lunch when I know I can't go home during lunchtime, which I will continue afterwards (mostly), and 10% not to go to second hand shops, which is a bit hard because I'm in between styles, but I have no time anyway. It really helps to keep my pocketmoney in my pocket (even though my parents gave me money to eat out, but I don't want to rely on them and eating out is expensive anyway). I just wanted to try if my willpower is strong enough, and so far it went ok. It really opened my eyes to minimalism, because I realized how little I really need. I recommend everyone to try it, for at least a month, it teaches you a lot about yourself.
In regards to the donation aspect, each week I have been purchasing KeepCups for colleagues (who sometimes consume 2-3 takeaway drinks each day!) to lower the cup wastage. It's a small thing, but they are using them, which is awesome!
I'd love to hear more about these charities on the low impact Instagram! I find things like that so encouraging to my own journey and gives me ideas of more ways to help!
We are 2 weeks into our first no spend, and have done pretty well, like you we had a social event (birthday) that I wasn't willing to miss so that did cost us a little but we have paired back on our spending so much elsewhere I feel ok about it. I have a week 2 update out this evening, and a bit of a should I / shouldn't I buy it dilemma!
I totally recognise this. I also set out to this challenge, but taking it one month at a time. I did really well in Jan, then not so well in Feb, but this month I'm more conscious again of what I'm spending my money on, and trying not to spend money on things I don't need. It's still difficult, and I'm not super strict with myself, but I'm doing much better than ever before. Thanks for inspiring me! x
I love your challenge and these updates (even long ones!). And it is normal to feel tired of it sometimes, motivation comes and goes, and I am happy that you're not beating yourself up too much about it. Finding extra motivation with donating is excellent and I am so damn proud of you!!! Keep it up! You are one of the few people who really, honestly inspire me! Sending you tons of hugs and positivity from Munich! ❤
Thank you so much for this. I am on the same journey of no spend and have failed many times over. I thought about quitting but as you said a bad month doesn’t make a bad year so I am continuing on.
I am planning to start a No Spend Challenge. Was thinking to start with just 1 week challenge and go from there once I get my bearings. I love the pros you go over and what is avoided on going out that cost us. I hope my 1 week challenge goes well so I can do longer challenges! I do notice the trend over all that planning is needed before starting these challenges.
thanks for sharing. i can understand quite well, what you are going through. generally speaking i would put it like this: even if we ourselves manage to be part of the solution, we have to experience, that we are part of the problem as well. to see that clearly might just be next step. I hear a lot sentences like "don't be so hard with yourself", but for me gaining clarity is a real success.
You keep saying hopefully it won’t be so long, sorry this video was so long, etc. I always think not long enough!! I love your videos and I am learning so much and try to add things to our life to support the low impact movement. Currently doing a no spend month (starting small 😃). Thank goodness for my husband though because I find it a bit difficult at times. Thanks for everything you are doing.
Really nice video! I think the summer will be great! :) Then there will be so many posibilities to do something with friends without spending money. Barbecue, Festivals ( at least here in Germany there are always some for free), spending Time in the park or go swimming in lakes. Look forward to these times . And until then, you know what you are doing it for and just like you said you can learn alot from this experience. You inspired me to try something like this in the future!(maybe even next year? I don't feel ready for it right know...)
I wanted to start a no spend this month and failed miserably! 😅🙈 But like you say, it makes one a lot more aware of said purchases and of wants vs. needs. Being aware of our spending is definitely step number one.
mine challenge went terribly last month....I bought too many things but in upcoming month I only want to buy 1 thing which is a camera I'm buying from my friend. it's the one i was looking for a long time but its price sometimes is ridiculous online so Im glad I can get it by supporting a friend in some way. i don't want to mess this up because I CAN DO IT!!!
so i watched this video just as i decided i wasn't making my lunch tomorrow i'd just buy something at work. setting my alarm for a little bit earlier to make my lunch at home. thanks for this!
Love You video thanks for sharing we ate out once in February because it was my husband's birthday and we ate out today for lunch we've been trying not to eat out. We've been eating at home my husband does most of the cooking and we've been trying different new vegan recipes.
Also trying to do a low/no spend year started out just trying to see how long I can go without take out, but it's turned into more than that. My biggest slip up was forgetting some of my auto pay non-essentials.
Don't be too hard on yourself. If you're depressed and down because you can't spend for yourself or your friends maybe it's time to set aside a small budget for little things that you can buy that will have a large impact on your making your life and well being better. For example, there's nothing wrong with spending money on transportation if it buys you more time. And with that time, you may be able to spend it on doing things that would benefit and help others in need! After all, if you don't keep yourself physically and mentally healthy we won't have YOU. And YOU are making an impact on people all around the world.
Don't worry it was just the weather making me depressed / down not the challenge! It is really teaching me what is important to me and what value certain experiences have so all round it is a positive thing :) thanks for your concern xx
I'm low spend rather than no spend, I also do allow presents for others, I make these experience based/low waste. I also allow experiences for myself/family. The whole point of me doing low spend is to have the funds to have more experiences. Donating too, that feels good 😊
Hey! Good for you :) the whole point of my no spend is to find out what my real limits are and then work back from there each month - so yes its called a no spend challenge but it is all about finding how out to live your life comfortably and happily without wasting on unnecessary items! Sorry if this wasn't clear in the video
yeah, willpower fatigue is a thing. Usually caused, say psychologists, by eg low blood sugar, by trying too many challenges at once, by lack of sleep etc me personally, i differentiate between stuff for other people than for myself - i used to be fundamentalist christian, so i always see no spend as fighting greed and worldliness (love of worldly things - older name for consumerism!)
I’m on month 4, and yes I too succumbed to buying some items (I mean you have to have Gaz Oakley’s cookbook 😁). It is tough, but do love now NOT spending, so that’s huge. I think these things (zero waste, no spend) are all a process, each collective step we all make DO make a difference, despite how futile it all seems some times. Thanks for the honest inspiration to keep chugging away. 😘❤️🇨🇦
Haha I don't blame you at all !! Gaz Oakley's book looks awesome and you are helping support a young entrepreneur on his journey to educating people about plant based eating - it is a good purchase ! I'm just working out the value of different things and will probably arrive at some fun outcomes throughout my year !!
It's pretty amazing how much the weather has an influence on us. Definitely one of those things that's out of our control, but it's awesome that you don't let it deter you in the long run
Thanks a lot for your video and seeing that you're struggling too. First of all you are so right, that it's a privilege that we can just say "ok let's do a no spend month". Others may never be in this situation. People have different motivations for a no spend month. Some want to save money for a wedding, a car, a bag etc. My motivation is to see what I am really buying subconsciously even though I thought I wouldn't buy any stuff. I was so wrong. Of course I just buy second hand but still I don't need this stuff. I really have a lot! I have 350 € per month (without my apartment) and still spent the last months all the money. I struggled really bad. I spent almost no money until the 20th of a month and then said "oh it's ok to spend a little " -- BOOM it was gone! From today on I will leave my credit card at home and not buying any shitty stuff. Thanks for your motivation!
I like this video a lot, because if it went perfectly for you, I'd be more intimidated to try it myself. And you are so motivating and uplifting, that I went vegan because I liked the way you talk about it. So thanks! :)
gonna need a recipe video on that flat bread 😉 and great job in your no spend journey. i’m hoping to do this towards the end of the year when I get back from a trip out of my country 😁
I see having a social life, not alienating myself, and not skipping out on experiences just to not spend money a necessity. To my sanity. I get not spending in excess, and not spending on frivolous general "stuff", but cutting yourself off socially will likely just end in hurt feelings, bordom, and burnout.
I think you dont have to be so strict with yourself, you are doing a good job. If you are spending to eat out, so that you can meet your friends its not so bad, as if you are consuming only for yourself. :) i think i will also stop buying coffee outside and only drink it at home ( when I am alone)
I am currenrly on a 2 month no spend month challenge. I noticed this phase has been really amazing. I never knew i could stop buying unessecary items/tickets/etc. Basically it helped me open a new door where i dont need so many items, no multiples, no wasteful items, no wasteful togo foods that have wasteful togo containers. I have used my gift cards to a restaruant, a gym shop. I was able to get refunds after digging thro my subscriptions. I did spend money once a week for dinner date. And a mini wuick get away but spent no money on food we purchased grocceries before going on the vacation to last us which helped us not go out to eat at all/cafe. I continue to do so. But i am not intending to limit my date nights as it is only once a week or every other once a week
Forgot to mention I am a minialist practicing zero waste. Ive been using bunz to trade items and it really help so much with my commitment and no spending. Even when it comes to gifts
Thank you for your honesty =) It's very inspiring to think of the ways in which I can spend less- and because of your journey I have been inspired to buy and consume far, far less so far this year. I think you should think of it more as a 'low spend' challenge ;) In a similar way to the low impact movement it will allow you to not feel like failing of you want to buy a friend a gift or celebrate a birthday! You're doing such great work here. Thank you and Well done =D
Love how you called Feb a "Shit" month ! As mentioned in comments I'm from Perth , Australia , if your best friend needs advice or wants to chat to another Auzzie , I can help her out. I live in Cardiff though.
I m here with you I don't buy coffee, and eat out more than once a month I cook for next day lunch every day i think a year ago now Right now this one is very hard, as a pregnant today i might crave for something but next day a can't even look at that food. I promised myself a nobuy makeup and beauty product till May 1st, and other than deodorant and body butter for the belly i'm great. I bought all of my maternity and most baby stuff second hand what is great. I have 34 friend on FB, makes my like good, i liked all the cat pages, and like them.
I'm not sure if you are already doing this or not but if you open up a tip jar for others to be able to donate as well that would be cool. Then feature a whole video on the charity you donated to at the end of the moth with how much you've collected no matter how big or small that would be cool too. That way even if it's just a little it shows people no matter how much it is it's enough to give what you can at the time if you can afford it.
Do you have any tips on how to like to cook and bake? I don't like it very much and that makes me buy lots of things at supermarkets and dinner out.. 😑
Good points, maybe a low-spend challenge? Balance in a crazy meat-eating, waste-promoting environment is a huge challenge and may need a transition phase also. Totally admire your pioneering stance, especially helping others near and far through your stance. Many good ideas for us to think about here.
Hey! Yes after 3ish months I am now changing the way I approach this, and its all about testing myself to see where my real limits are rather than these ones I have made up in my head haha. I want to see what I truly value and what is just a bad habit that I don't actually enjoy very much! Its all positive and a great challenge - I guess I am really not being challenged at work at the moment so I am constantly looking for other ways to grow and learn :) xx
i'm just saving for a holiday. I don't earn much. I pay: petrol, canteen card (we have a canteen payment card because we can't carry money), library (my fines - paid twenty quid this month so far, three reservations and a dvd £6 too), leisure centre if i ever go there, phone, stamps, deodorant, toothpaste, parking, toothbrushes and floss. Also meeting friends, which is bus fares and cawl out. And food for my parents, and coffee (instant, jars of) for work (not fairtrade and comes in plastic cups). Trying to keep the rest to zero, but my long experience of these type of challenges is, give way on the little stuff or it'll build up steam behind closed doors then explode - eg shopping in the street (walk past cakeshop window, buy one) prevents suddenly buying a handbag online (more useless, more expensive, and more STUFF blocking up my house - that is part of my problem). I actually have a fair few vouchers i've been given that i've never used, so i've used those was one useful thing it made me do.
I don't mean for this to be a negative comment, but a little genuine constructive criticism from a subscriber who is considering unfollowing after this and your ultra-clickbait "I'm quitting zero waste" ploy last week: While at first I found your videos very relatable, if feels increasingly like you're on a soapbox with messiah-syndrone, throwing the baby out with the bathwater with each of your personal commitments. It sometimes seems like you view your low-waste and no-spend as the absolute highest priorities in your life, but the result of that is going to be Immy all alone in a room, not going out with friends, not going out fullstop, proud because she hasn't spent a since pound or wasted a single straw in years. I worry about the message that sends to your subscribers. We cannot make a difference in this world unless we put our relationships, both personal ones and those with the communities around us, absolutely above all, and then prioritize low-waste and no-spend within those relationships without sacrificing their quality. Advertising yourself as a martyr does not further your movement, it furthers guilt-complexes that cripple us. I hope that in the future your channel can return to inspiring positivity instead of perpetuating guilt and isolatory practices! Again, I mean this only with love and the deepest support for your lifestyle and your message--I just want it to be accessible and appealing for the widest audience possible! For example, your recent "beauty hacks" video was a fantastic example of content that teaches, inspires, and entertains, which is the best way to spread a message!
I've been watching your channel for a few months now and want to thank you for all of your great work. I hope you are aware of how important your efforts are in educating people and how beautiful and refreshing all of your content is. Keep up the good work!
As to the no spend challenge, I see it as a very useful exercise to help people become more aware of how often and how much they spend money on things that are really not necessary. The goal, as I see it, is not to spend no money but to force yourself to stop and really make a conscious decision before spending. The result being that, in the future, you will be more aware of your own spending habits and will be much more selective in not only how often but also where you spend your money. And as a result, I think this will encourage people to spend their money on genuinely positive experiences and genuine/local/ethically made things with businesses and people whose practices and values they respect. After all, the way I see it, its not the act of spending money itself that we dislike, its the act of spending money that, somewhere down the line, supports practices and values that we do not respect that makes consumerism so distasteful. Thoughts?
YES YES YES! Thank you for your comment this is exactly my attitude towards the no spend challenge - it is not that I am depriving myself of ANYTHING - it is that I am seeking the true value in things, experiences, coffee afternoons, time with my friends and positively spending my money. I am already so much more aware of how I spend my money and I have built habits that I don't even miss the things I had previously spent my money on ! I don't think I emphasised these points enough in my video, because i'm not being hard on myself i'm just testing my limits :) All in a positive way haha. Thank you for your comment, and getting what I am trying to achieve here xx
Why not go at the “no spend” with the same attitude as “zero waste.” The less we spend the better, of course, but not being so hard on ourselves when the need to spend occurs. The more we do to reduce our waste and needless spending, the better. Let’s all be positive about the steps that we make to improve ourselves and our world.
you are one of the most genuine zero waste/minimalist youtubers i watch. you really question your actions a lot and it makes me question mine. but also don't be so hard on yourself! when you said february was shit i was expecting you to say something like you splurged on a bunch of new clothes or something, but you just took the train a few times in the rain?! girl. you are killing it. if you're cycling even once a week you're doing better than millions of people out there. i would say getting the train when its raining is essential for your health anyway. you're a boss!! keep being you
Keep being human. You are really good at it xx
I am over 50 and your focus and caring heart are so uplifting. What you said about gifts that will help your friends move to more sustainability is something I am moving towards. Knowing that you are doing this challenge has made me aware of unnecessary purchases, and I thank you for opening up that level of consciousness. Wish the cups for periods had been more known about in my younger years, and I’d love to donate to provide RUMPS to those in need. Can you link ( or possibly do a video) projects like this so that we can give intentionally in this particular way? Please keep living close to your values; you don’t know how many you are affecting, and the ripple effect of your actions goes far beyond your videos. Thank you!
Idea Baker love this comment. I'm 46 and I just love this girl. She's made me be more aware of what I'm doing in my life. 💕
It’s almost more insightful to see how you struggled with it - With a lot of these challenges, it seems unattainable when someone finds no trouble with it, so thank you for sharing your experience honestly.
Hey, I found it hard with the lack of social aspect in the no spend challenge too. Instead of making it 'no spend' I limited it to 'what is essential when I meet my friends?'
9 times out 10 I would have tap water or a lime and soda when meeting friends at the pub (this never cost me more than 40p in London - bargain!). When going out for dinner I would limit myself to £10 (i.e a main or a few nice sides and water). My friends were all incredulous when I would get change 😂 and it actually encouraged them to follow suit when we would go out together after. In my heaviest month I spent maybe £25 and was out multiple times a week? Making it less strict means I have been on a 'Low/no spend' for 7 months.
I'm taking this month off as I need to restock on some essentials (work clothes) but am looking forward to going back to it next month.
Best of luck, it does get easier.
I'm doing a no spend challenge too! For this entire year. For me it helped to nail down my "rules" or boundaries in great detail. That way I don't need to think when a situation occurs, weather I'm "allowed" to spend or not (& that way reducing some decision fatigue!). For example, I decided I'm allowed to buy gifts, because I don't want this challenge to affect my relationships with people, and gift exchanges are sort of part of our social interactions. But just like you I try to choose thoughtfully & go for consumables, experiences or something eco friendly/low impact-y. I did also make an exception regarding eating out. I have to bring my own lunch, snacks & beverage on an everyday basis (so not allowed to buy food out on my own), but I am allowed to eat out in company with friends. In my case it doesn't happen very often though. I'm 38 years old & most friends are busy with children & family. So the few occasions that come my way are precious & far between so it's ok. If I was your age where you go out more frequently I might perhaps put a limit on max times per week or month? Or max amount of money alotted to eating out? And try suggesting get togethers at my home or others homes?
I am also allowed to replace something that broke or finished. IF after considering really hard that I can't do without it. For example, if a t-shirt wears out, instead of replacing it with a new I have to consider first if I can make do with the other ones I still have? Finishing products before buying new ones, like eating all the stuff in my freezer before buying new frozen foods etc.
I'm also allowed to spend money on transportation (public transport or bicykle repairs) food & cleaning supplies and nessesary health care (dentist appointment, medications, doctors app. Etc).
So, no shopping for clothes, books, movies, makeup, nail polish, new bedding, no solo-eating out etc.
My cat broke one of my house plant pots & I didn't have an extra in that size so I allowed myself to replace it. But I have gotten rid of some worn out garments without replacing them.
So far so good this year. I find myself shifting my focus to cooking & meal planning & trying to reduce my food waste & that has done a huge finacial differece. But unfortunately I've had some rather expensive health related expenses in february so the savings haven't been so huge. And our dryer is on the verge of dying & I haven't decided weather that should be considered necessary to replace or if we could do without.... We'll see! It still sort of works, sometimes! ;-)
Ever since you posted your first no-spend video, I've become more conscious of my spending regarding packaged items. It hasn't been perfect, but I can feel the difference, and it feels so good!
my favorite gifts to give are simple experiences like an art workshop, a concert, an escape room etc especially to my close friends because we get to enjoy an experience together. A concert wristband may not be recyclable or maybe concert goers are contributing to waste created during transport or visuals etc. however our goal should be realistic low waste while still enjoying ourselves so it's okay in my opinion. an experience may not last as long as a product, but the positive emotion and memories are more valuable to me.
i think there should be less shame and guilt in creating minimal waste for social experiences/ experiences that promote relationships and put a smile on us and our friends. buying gifts is not mandatory but lovely and totally okay. it's also a way to share something that made you think of them or that may improve their lives, so it adds great value.
humans are very social beings and even though we shouldn't use this as a general excuse, we also shouldn't feel guilty if buying a gift, going out once or twice a month, going to a wedding etc. wins out in a cost-benefit analysis and you decide the minimal waste is worth it.
i used to think i was a fraud for using any plastic as a vegan for harming sea life and so on but now I am not so hard on myself and I make swaps or create new habits gradually which makes them more stable and long-lasting in my opinion.
totally agree xx
I totally felt the same way. I think it’s all about finding a happy balance. You definitely have helped me to be more conservative on what I spend on 😊
Thank you so much for all your work! I had been doing a no spend challenge myself.
It was challenging to say the least, but I learned to be a little more practical with the challenge to make it work better for my lifestyle.
I found that absolutely no spending wasn't worth the jealousy or frustration I felt not going out and my friends felt not being able to go out with me. My friends understood what I was going for, but they didn't like how my decision affected their weekend plans.
I live in Colorado and there is a culture of going to breweries and listening to live bands on weekends.
Obviously, going out would normally break the no spend challenge, but I don't feel like buying 1 drink at a local brewery and listening to live music is taking away from my goals. I believe the 6 dollar expense doesn't destroy the challenge because it adds to my life in a non-material way.
I also started volunteering more and having more events in my home. I have been inviting friends to my house more for board games and dinner/drinks and we have all be switching host homes with each other. We have been going through our old art supplies, putting on Bob Ross videos from youtube, and going to town!
I haven't been buying anything that has added clutter in my life, but I have purchased things that added happy memories.
I wish you luck with your own challenge. I had to modify mine to better meet my lifestyle, maybe that could help with your current struggles too.
Last autumn I decided to not buy clothes this winter because I had enough actually. So I did it and it was a valuable experience. Now, I don't feel like I have to buy new clothes. I also started to sew old clothes and transform it in something "new".
I absolutely love what you are doing. You have been an inspiration on such a widespread level. You should be so proud of your positive impact in the world!!
this video was SO inspiring, I'm trying to start learning to save and spend more mindfully, and its embarrasing to admit that remembering how lucky I am to have an income that allows me to do that is something I have to remind myself of! and being able to donate regularly has been a goal, thanks so much for adressing this and the privilge that comes with being able to do a no spend challege!
I’m doing this as well for the year and posting videos on my channel too.
January was really good for me. I spent less than $20. February was a little tougher and spent around $103. I’ve been trying to re-focus in March.
I mean you're doing incredibly well
I have only bought a pair of jeans that I needed cause I only had 1 other pair of jeans and a new shirt that I’m going to use for my birthday party, also I bought all of my school books second hand! I’m saving SOOO much money and I’m so proud because now I can spend it in experiences like concerts and events rather than things
Love your video, people before things is so important. I use my no spend experiences to weed out habits and things that are not necessarily important to my life. Sounds to me like you made a success in your no spend challenge.
My friend didn't buy me a gift last year she made it and to be honest it's the gift I remember the most because she put more thought and time into it. She made me vegan chocolate and a body scrub.
I have been trying a no spend month; which is a HUGE step for me. But I agree with you, its hard to change just going for the easy/ bad habits. I have been struggling but we are both doing way better than if we weren't trying at all! Thanks for being so inspiring 😘
loved this video! i'm doing the same, and saving to travel indefinitely once i complete my masters in july. i have a spreadsheet so i can keep track of all my essential expenses, and then add in extra for fun, and other (e.g. if i need my bike fixing or i need to get the bus). by doing this i'm finally out of my overdraft, and am finally saving for the first time in my life. yes its hard, but i was definitely unnecessarily consuming and spending, and im so much more aware now. and it means that the time i do get to spend on activities with friends, that i cherish them so much more. its honestly changed my life to live like this!
Loved it! Changing lifestyle is so hard and it's reassuring to see that I'm not the only one having difficulties!
Love xx
Each month I have failed. But you learn from your oooops. I'm happy to be on track for my bills. ❤️😁
Thank You for being so Bold & Honest!!! You are such an Inspiration!
dont be too hard on yourself youre doing amazing and will do better in the future
So fantastic to hear this!! I have also been trying to have a no spend year.. Unfortunately, because I am moving to a new country I needed to buy new things. ( Work equipment etc) I love how genuine and honest you always are in your videos. Really inspirational.
I am doing a no spend February because I watched your video. You are right, it is tough sometimes! I am always using what we have and think really hard about replacing things when gone.
I'm 3 months in on my own no buy year and I am really enjoying it so far!! Holidays and the summer will be harder I think!! Well done on yours x
I'm at the beginning of week five of my "no spend challenge", which ends in about two weeks. For me, it is 90% to pack my lunch when I know I can't go home during lunchtime, which I will continue afterwards (mostly), and 10% not to go to second hand shops, which is a bit hard because I'm in between styles, but I have no time anyway. It really helps to keep my pocketmoney in my pocket (even though my parents gave me money to eat out, but I don't want to rely on them and eating out is expensive anyway). I just wanted to try if my willpower is strong enough, and so far it went ok. It really opened my eyes to minimalism, because I realized how little I really need. I recommend everyone to try it, for at least a month, it teaches you a lot about yourself.
In regards to the donation aspect, each week I have been purchasing KeepCups for colleagues (who sometimes consume 2-3 takeaway drinks each day!) to lower the cup wastage. It's a small thing, but they are using them, which is awesome!
I'd love to hear more about these charities on the low impact Instagram! I find things like that so encouraging to my own journey and gives me ideas of more ways to help!
Such a gorgeous soul! You’re an inspiration🦋
We are 2 weeks into our first no spend, and have done pretty well, like you we had a social event (birthday) that I wasn't willing to miss so that did cost us a little but we have paired back on our spending so much elsewhere I feel ok about it. I have a week 2 update out this evening, and a bit of a should I / shouldn't I buy it dilemma!
Your honestly is refreshing. Same as Zero Waste we try every day to improve. You are an inspiration to many of us. Thank you. 💚
Immy, you're doing so much to have a positive impact on this world, you're a constant source of inspiration. Don't be so hard on yourself! :)
Oh don't worry i'm not being hard on myself i'm just testing my limits :) thanks for your lovely comment
Thanks for being so honest. These things aren’t meant to be a breeze! At least you’re 2 and a half months down!!
I totally recognise this. I also set out to this challenge, but taking it one month at a time. I did really well in Jan, then not so well in Feb, but this month I'm more conscious again of what I'm spending my money on, and trying not to spend money on things I don't need. It's still difficult, and I'm not super strict with myself, but I'm doing much better than ever before. Thanks for inspiring me! x
I love your challenge and these updates (even long ones!). And it is normal to feel tired of it sometimes, motivation comes and goes, and I am happy that you're not beating yourself up too much about it. Finding extra motivation with donating is excellent and I am so damn proud of you!!! Keep it up! You are one of the few people who really, honestly inspire me! Sending you tons of hugs and positivity from Munich! ❤
Thank you so much for this. I am on the same journey of no spend and have failed many times over. I thought about quitting but as you said a bad month doesn’t make a bad year so I am continuing on.
I am planning to start a No Spend Challenge. Was thinking to start with just 1 week challenge and go from there once I get my bearings. I love the pros you go over and what is avoided on going out that cost us. I hope my 1 week challenge goes well so I can do longer challenges! I do notice the trend over all that planning is needed before starting these challenges.
thanks for sharing. i can understand quite well, what you are going through. generally speaking i would put it like this: even if we ourselves manage to be part of the solution, we have to experience, that we are part of the problem as well. to see that clearly might just be next step. I hear a lot sentences like "don't be so hard with yourself", but for me gaining clarity is a real success.
You keep saying hopefully it won’t be so long, sorry this video was so long, etc. I always think not long enough!! I love your videos and I am learning so much and try to add things to our life to support the low impact movement. Currently doing a no spend month (starting small 😃). Thank goodness for my husband though because I find it a bit difficult at times. Thanks for everything you are doing.
Really nice video!
I think the summer will be great! :)
Then there will be so many posibilities to do something with friends without spending money.
Barbecue, Festivals ( at least here in Germany there are always some for free), spending Time in the park or go swimming in lakes. Look forward to these times . And until then, you know what you are doing it for and just like you said you can learn alot from this experience.
You inspired me to try something like this in the future!(maybe even next year? I don't feel ready for it right know...)
I wanted to start a no spend this month and failed miserably! 😅🙈 But like you say, it makes one a lot more aware of said purchases and of wants vs. needs. Being aware of our spending is definitely step number one.
mine challenge went terribly last month....I bought too many things but in upcoming month I only want to buy 1 thing which is a camera I'm buying from my friend. it's the one i was looking for a long time but its price sometimes is ridiculous online so Im glad I can get it by supporting a friend in some way. i don't want to mess this up because I CAN DO IT!!!
so i watched this video just as i decided i wasn't making my lunch tomorrow i'd just buy something at work. setting my alarm for a little bit earlier to make my lunch at home. thanks for this!
Love You video thanks for sharing we ate out once in February because it was my husband's birthday and we ate out today for lunch we've been trying not to eat out. We've been eating at home my husband does most of the cooking and we've been trying different new vegan recipes.
Also trying to do a low/no spend year started out just trying to see how long I can go without take out, but it's turned into more than that. My biggest slip up was forgetting some of my auto pay non-essentials.
Don't be too hard on yourself. If you're depressed and down because you can't spend for yourself or your friends maybe it's time to set aside a small budget for little things that you can buy that will have a large impact on your making your life and well being better. For example, there's nothing wrong with spending money on transportation if it buys you more time. And with that time, you may be able to spend it on doing things that would benefit and help others in need! After all, if you don't keep yourself physically and mentally healthy we won't have YOU. And YOU are making an impact on people all around the world.
Don't worry it was just the weather making me depressed / down not the challenge! It is really teaching me what is important to me and what value certain experiences have so all round it is a positive thing :) thanks for your concern xx
You make me wanna be the best version of myself. I love it.
I'm low spend rather than no spend, I also do allow presents for others, I make these experience based/low waste. I also allow experiences for myself/family. The whole point of me doing low spend is to have the funds to have more experiences. Donating too, that feels good 😊
Hey! Good for you :) the whole point of my no spend is to find out what my real limits are and then work back from there each month - so yes its called a no spend challenge but it is all about finding how out to live your life comfortably and happily without wasting on unnecessary items! Sorry if this wasn't clear in the video
yeah, willpower fatigue is a thing. Usually caused, say psychologists, by eg low blood sugar, by trying too many challenges at once, by lack of sleep etc
me personally, i differentiate between stuff for other people than for myself - i used to be fundamentalist christian, so i always see no spend as fighting greed and worldliness (love of worldly things - older name for consumerism!)
I’m on month 4, and yes I too succumbed to buying some items (I mean you have to have Gaz Oakley’s cookbook 😁). It is tough, but do love now NOT spending, so that’s huge. I think these things (zero waste, no spend) are all a process, each collective step we all make DO make a difference, despite how futile it all seems some times. Thanks for the honest inspiration to keep chugging away. 😘❤️🇨🇦
Haha I don't blame you at all !! Gaz Oakley's book looks awesome and you are helping support a young entrepreneur on his journey to educating people about plant based eating - it is a good purchase ! I'm just working out the value of different things and will probably arrive at some fun outcomes throughout my year !!
I still haven’t bought shoes clothes make up or perfume. Yay!
Love this! You did not let one month derail your efforts - great stuff!
It's pretty amazing how much the weather has an influence on us.
Definitely one of those things that's out of our control, but it's awesome that you don't let it deter you in the long run
Thanks a lot for your video and seeing that you're struggling too. First of all you are so right, that it's a privilege that we can just say "ok let's do a no spend month". Others may never be in this situation. People have different motivations for a no spend month. Some want to save money for a wedding, a car, a bag etc. My motivation is to see what I am really buying subconsciously even though I thought I wouldn't buy any stuff. I was so wrong. Of course I just buy second hand but still I don't need this stuff. I really have a lot! I have 350 € per month (without my apartment) and still spent the last months all the money. I struggled really bad. I spent almost no money until the 20th of a month and then said "oh it's ok to spend a little " -- BOOM it was gone! From today on I will leave my credit card at home and not buying any shitty stuff. Thanks for your motivation!
I like this video a lot, because if it went perfectly for you, I'd be more intimidated to try it myself. And you are so motivating and uplifting, that I went vegan because I liked the way you talk about it. So thanks! :)
gonna need a recipe video on that flat bread 😉 and great job in your no spend journey. i’m hoping to do this towards the end of the year when I get back from a trip out of my country 😁
Definitely getting that flat bread recipe up this weekend
I see having a social life, not alienating myself, and not skipping out on experiences just to not spend money a necessity. To my sanity. I get not spending in excess, and not spending on frivolous general "stuff", but cutting yourself off socially will likely just end in hurt feelings, bordom, and burnout.
Yep totally agree, lesson very much learnt!
I think you dont have to be so strict with yourself, you are doing a good job. If you are spending to eat out, so that you can meet your friends its not so bad, as if you are consuming only for yourself. :) i think i will also stop buying coffee outside and only drink it at home ( when I am alone)
I am currenrly on a 2 month no spend month challenge. I noticed this phase has been really amazing. I never knew i could stop buying unessecary items/tickets/etc. Basically it helped me open a new door where i dont need so many items, no multiples, no wasteful items, no wasteful togo foods that have wasteful togo containers. I have used my gift cards to a restaruant, a gym shop. I was able to get refunds after digging thro my subscriptions. I did spend money once a week for dinner date. And a mini wuick get away but spent no money on food we purchased grocceries before going on the vacation to last us which helped us not go out to eat at all/cafe. I continue to do so. But i am not intending to limit my date nights as it is only once a week or every other once a week
Forgot to mention I am a minialist practicing zero waste. Ive been using bunz to trade items and it really help so much with my commitment and no spending. Even when it comes to gifts
Will power fatigue is such a cool expression!
Thank you for your honesty =) It's very inspiring to think of the ways in which I can spend less- and because of your journey I have been inspired to buy and consume far, far less so far this year. I think you should think of it more as a 'low spend' challenge ;) In a similar way to the low impact movement it will allow you to not feel like failing of you want to buy a friend a gift or celebrate a birthday! You're doing such great work here. Thank you and Well done =D
Love how you called Feb a "Shit" month ! As mentioned in comments I'm from Perth , Australia , if your best friend needs advice or wants to chat to another Auzzie , I can help her out. I live in Cardiff though.
I m here with you
I don't buy coffee, and eat out more than once a month
I cook for next day lunch every day i think a year ago now
Right now this one is very hard, as a pregnant today i might crave for something but next day a can't even look at that food.
I promised myself a nobuy makeup and beauty product till May 1st, and other than deodorant and body butter for the belly i'm great.
I bought all of my maternity and most baby stuff second hand what is great.
I have 34 friend on FB, makes my like good, i liked all the cat pages, and like them.
I'm not sure if you are already doing this or not but if you open up a tip jar for others to be able to donate as well that would be cool. Then feature a whole video on the charity you donated to at the end of the moth with how much you've collected no matter how big or small that would be cool too. That way even if it's just a little it shows people no matter how much it is it's enough to give what you can at the time if you can afford it.
Do you have any tips on how to like to cook and bake? I don't like it very much and that makes me buy lots of things at supermarkets and dinner out.. 😑
what is that pizza crust-like bread at 3:03? it looks so delicious
Homemade flat breads
i'm getting hungry just looking at it.
if you ever plan on making a video on how you make them, i'll be here to watch it
Please can you make a recipe video? I love your tortillas and these look even more amazing! :-)
Yes will definitely make a video! Hopefully this weekend 💚
Good points, maybe a low-spend challenge? Balance in a crazy meat-eating, waste-promoting environment is a huge challenge and may need a transition phase also. Totally admire your pioneering stance, especially helping others near and far through your stance. Many good ideas for us to think about here.
Hey! Yes after 3ish months I am now changing the way I approach this, and its all about testing myself to see where my real limits are rather than these ones I have made up in my head haha. I want to see what I truly value and what is just a bad habit that I don't actually enjoy very much! Its all positive and a great challenge - I guess I am really not being challenged at work at the moment so I am constantly looking for other ways to grow and learn :) xx
Are those Hayao Miyazaki posters in the background that I see? :)
Yes! Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro x
Sustainably Vegan They are so cute! 😍
Definitely going to try this
i'm just saving for a holiday. I don't earn much. I pay: petrol, canteen card (we have a canteen payment card because we can't carry money), library (my fines - paid twenty quid this month so far, three reservations and a dvd £6 too), leisure centre if i ever go there, phone, stamps, deodorant, toothpaste, parking, toothbrushes and floss. Also meeting friends, which is bus fares and cawl
out. And food for my parents, and coffee (instant, jars of) for work (not fairtrade and comes in plastic cups). Trying to keep the rest to zero, but my long experience of these type of challenges is, give way on the little stuff or it'll build up steam behind closed doors then explode - eg shopping in the street (walk past cakeshop window, buy one) prevents suddenly buying a handbag online (more useless, more expensive, and more STUFF blocking up my house - that is part of my problem). I actually have a fair few vouchers i've been given that i've never used, so i've used those was one useful thing it made me do.
Morning!
Thank you for sharing! :)
I agree with not buying coffee and Lunch outside . What does your partner feel about this? Do you force this on him as well? I
He's his own person
You're such a beautiful soul ♡
Shame the oddbox is only London :(
like to dislike ratio woooo 👌🏼👌🏼🎉
🖤🖤🖤
I don't mean for this to be a negative comment, but a little genuine constructive criticism from a subscriber who is considering unfollowing after this and your ultra-clickbait "I'm quitting zero waste" ploy last week: While at first I found your videos very relatable, if feels increasingly like you're on a soapbox with messiah-syndrone, throwing the baby out with the bathwater with each of your personal commitments. It sometimes seems like you view your low-waste and no-spend as the absolute highest priorities in your life, but the result of that is going to be Immy all alone in a room, not going out with friends, not going out fullstop, proud because she hasn't spent a since pound or wasted a single straw in years. I worry about the message that sends to your subscribers. We cannot make a difference in this world unless we put our relationships, both personal ones and those with the communities around us, absolutely above all, and then prioritize low-waste and no-spend within those relationships without sacrificing their quality. Advertising yourself as a martyr does not further your movement, it furthers guilt-complexes that cripple us.
I hope that in the future your channel can return to inspiring positivity instead of perpetuating guilt and isolatory practices! Again, I mean this only with love and the deepest support for your lifestyle and your message--I just want it to be accessible and appealing for the widest audience possible! For example, your recent "beauty hacks" video was a fantastic example of content that teaches, inspires, and entertains, which is the best way to spread a message!