Not Needing New (a guide to the joy of ‘enough’)
Not Needing New is just one book in a growing number, from writers who are inspiring others to say ‘no’ to economic growth and endless consumerism, and give up buying rubbish they don’t need to please others or themselves.
This book is the ultimate toolkit for embracing sustainable second-hand living, and letting go of the constant need for ‘more.
Don’t give away items that could harm wildlife like strimmers (recycle them and get edging shears instead). The Lullaby Trust does not recommend donating (or buying) second-hand baby items like mattresses or car seats (and never use cot bumpers). Its site has more info on preventing crib death.
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people and pets. For tinned foods, remove and pop lids inside, or pop ring-pulls back over holes (pinch top closed) before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped. Also read about pet-friendly gardens to know toxic plants and flowers to avoid.
In challenging financial and emotional times, the author transformed her life by finding the joy in enough, and now wants to show you how to do it tool. She offers tips on:
- Discovering second-hand style
- Holidaying on a budget
- Simple parenting
- Saving money
- Learning to do things yourself
I was (am) in a financial situation where it was the only way to manage. People kept saying things looked good, or cool, or stylish and I heard myself saying over and over, that it was from the charity shop, from the tip, found in a freebie box etc. Anna
About the author
Anna Kilpatrick is a single mum who after her children’s dad suffered a stroke, lost their family home and now she and her children live in a small flat (she hasn’t had her own bedroom for eight years, and they have no garden). She works for a vintage car restoration company and personal circumstances means she had to give up her teaching career.
She has 14 (!) siblings, a builder boyfriend single dad and a faithful dog. She is proud that she keeps going on limited means and even gave up alcohol, and now feels even better! She writes that despite everything, she now has pretty much everything she wants or needs. And hopes to inspire you to feel the same!
