Give overconsumption the middle finger in 2026

No New Things Together starts January 12th. Are you coming?

It’s perhaps the biggest understatement of the century to say that there’s a lot going on in the world right now. And if you’re feeling heartbroken, pissed off, powerless, helpless, like Hulk Hogan-style elbow slamming everything, and a whole host of other feelings whilst billionaires fortify their island and Martian palaces and you determine whether you can afford apples or coffee this week, well, you’re very much not alone.

Y’all can’t be mad at me bc I did not make this image, but I am pretty sure this cat hates Jeff Bezos

The starfish analogy and consumerism

Yes, I know. Overproduction exists without the old chestnut of supply and demand. And the ultra-wealthy captains of industry probably don’t feel it much when we refrain from impulse buying their garbage. But in case you’re new here (and if you are, welcome!), we focus on the things we can control, like our individual consumption habits. For too long, climate change and attendant topics have pandered to the ‘oh well, nothing little old me can do’ crowd, and not only is that apathy porn (not sure if this is a term, but let’s go with it) harmful, it’s simply untrue. I’ve said this so much that I hope y’all put it on my tombstone (along with playing Garth Brooks’ The Dance at my funeral), but YOU are powerful. Yes, you. Just as you are. Even on bad hair days. Even when you’re under-caffeinated and the sound of your partner’s breathing makes you want to throw a grenade. And because you’re powerful and powerful people aren’t taking apathetic brain rot into the new year, we are making moves to control what we can control.

This was a popular IG post I made (and also an actual pasta I made from scratch), which yes, making posts and pasta can help you eschew consumerism

Do No New Things with me? (and a bunch of other people?)

Which brings me to the whole dang point of this post. I’m launching No New Things Together here and on my social channels starting Monday, January 12th. Yes, like this coming Monday. I know the crush of the holidays and getting back into the work-life rhythm of the new year can be A LOT, so I wanted to give folks some time to get settled and emotionally, logistically, and spiritually (haha) ready for what I think is one of the greatest undertakings ever - No New Things. Do it because the clutter in your home is making you batty. Do it because you want to save some coin. Do it because you want to sucker punch a billionaire. Do it because you don’t think you can but you kinda wanna see if you actually can. Do it because, deep down, while you’re no shopaholic, you’d really like to see what your days and life are like without so much stuff browsing, spending, and maintaining (hint: way better and really good).

This magical creature landed on me in New Orleans and taking that as a good omen for 2026 has become my entire personality

How it’ll work

Sound good? Great. Stoked to have you aboard! Here’s what you need to know and do:

1. No New Things Together follows the general flow of the book, but it’s not a substitute for it (in fact, I recommend you pick up a copy to get all the detail, charts, historical background, and to support your girl).

2. It’s free. Thank you to the folks who’ve already pledged money for this Substack. That makes a gal feel really nice. And maybe someday I will monetize this, but for now, the whole Challenge is free for all. If you’re getting value from the Challenge and the content, I’d again encourage you to grab a copy of No New Things and also leave a positive review wherever you like to do that.

3. Make sure you’re following and subscribed to this Substack, The Ethical Edit. I will be posting weekly themes here to give you background on why we’re doing what we’re doing each week, and also to get you hyped for the week to come. I’ll also be watching comments, so we can all have some solidarity and guidance as we move through the 30 days together.

4. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram and TikTok, because I’ll be posting the daily action item videos there every damn day.

5. Tell your friends. Rope your circles into doing it with you. The more the merrier. While No New Things is awesome solo, it’s even more fun with people to connect with. You can do that here and on the socials, but it’s also nice to have folks in your immediate orbit who’ve committed to the 30 days.

6. If you can’t start right on January 12th, or you’re traveling midway through, don’t let that deter you. The content will be up for the full 30 days so you can access and practice it at your own pace!

Guys, this is real! This is BEFORE & AFTER doing No New Things for 30 days. (Jokes and filters, but anything is possible)

And that’s it! I’ll see you on Monday, January 12th with bells on.

In the meantime, drop a comment to let me and everyone else know you’re doing the Challenge so we can all get real friendly-like. Mwah!