We are a group of individuals committed to a 12-month flight from the consumer grid (calendar year 2008). The Compact has several aims:

To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step that, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact.

To reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er).

To simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)

We've agreed to follow two principles:

1. Don't buy new products of any kind.

2. Borrow, barter or buy used.

The exceptions:

• food, drink and necessary medicine (no elective treatments like Viagra or Botox)

• necessary cleaning products, but not equipment

• socks and underwear

• pajamas for the children

Sources: groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact, sfcompact.blogspot.com