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Spontaneous shopping is a thing of the past. More and more people want to shop and spend money consciously, and it’s not just about saving money. But what does “conscious consumption” really mean?
Many believe that our lives will become more environmentally friendly if we explore all options before we decide to buy something new. We offer our interpretation of the pyramid of sustainable consumption.
Instead of satisfying every need with a new purchase (to be honest, we often buy not only the essentials, but also the superfluous), we offer other alternatives. After all, you can get what you want in a different, resource-saving way.
Here are seven simple steps to “smart consumption”. We will move up the steps – from the base of the pyramid to the top, when a new purchase is indispensable.
Step #1: Use what you already have
Do I really need a new phone in two years, just because the manufacturer updated something on it, even though my old one still works great? Should I buy a new bikini just because floral patterns are in fashion this summer? What if you look great in last year’s striped style from your closet?
It turns out that we don’t really need many acquisitions if we continue to use the things we already have. With such a philosophy, you can not only save your own budget, but also many materials, minerals, energy, and also avoid carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Step number 2. Repair instead of replacing with a new one
One of the major concomitant problems of the “disposable society” was the rapid disposal of broken items and replacement with new ones. It would be much safer for nature and more economical for the wallet to use things for as long as possible and repair them if they break.
Most resources are used to produce goods, not to exploit them. Anyone who discovers the beauty of renovation will quickly realize that they can save money and enjoy old things.
Step number 3. Do it yourself, do not buy
Waste-free production is a favorite trend in the once Soviet industry. It can be applied in modern life. Homemade things help to reuse materials, save resources. This applies to both clothing and household goods and things. For example, why buy seedling boxes when you can use small jars or obsolete food containers. Or you can make a great shopping bag out of an old jacket.
Does everyone in the household constantly need a stepladder, drill or waffle iron? Sharing items with friends or neighbors helps you manage your house more efficiently, avoids cluttering your home with “one-off” items, saves energy, and reduces the number of unused “dust boxes.” It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors. In the age of the Internet, sharing has become even more possible – almost everything can be shared with others.
Step number 5. Exchange, not throw away
Of course, you have some things that you don’t need. Does your hand reach out to throw it away? Wait. Try to trade the excess for something useful to you. For example, this recommendation works great with books you’ve read that you can pass on to someone else and have something new to read right away. Today there are many forums, groups in social networks. And if there are no suitable ones, create your own exchange platform.
Step number 6. Buy used items
Used items do not consume new raw materials or energy, as they are already made. Buying “second-hand” allows you to reduce the burden on both the environment and the wallet.
Step number 7. Buy new, but eco-friendly
If all the listed alternatives are not suitable, and you are sure that you definitely need some thing, all that remains is a new purchase. But even in this case, it is possible to make consumption even more conscious. For example, give preference to products with a long service life. Abandon plastic in favor of more environmentally friendly materials.
Source: smarticular.net