Shop Smart, Buy Less
Buying stuff often just seems like a part of our everyday lives. But it’s actually a big deal! Everything we buy uses resources - energy and raw materials like trees, minerals and water. Shopping smart and buying only what we really need helps use our precious resources wisely, lower our carbon emissions and save money.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
As shoppers, the toxic process of making a polyester shirt or the carbon emissions from shipping a TV are mostly invisible to us. The environmental cost of producing these goods isn’t reflected in the price tag, leading us to purchase more stuff than we really need. In the United States we use a disproportionate amount of our planet’s resources. If everyone on Earth lived the way we do, we would need 3-5 planet Earths to sustain us! In fact, 99% of consumer goods sold in the United States are trashed within 6 months of purchase.
It’s easy to make a difference! Value what you buy. Think about whether you really need it and if it is built to last. When you buy less, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to slow down this unsustainable cycle. Here are a few simple strategies to get started.
1Buy used and consider renting
Buy used. When you buy used, you can save lots of money and end up with some unique finds! There are tons of places to find used items - neighborhood lists like Nextdoor, marketplaces like Ebay, yard sales, and consignment and thrift stores. Every time you buy used, you save all of the energy and resources that would have gone to making new stuff!
Consider renting. Another option for things you only need occasionally is renting. It’s easy to rent tools at many hardware stores, and sports equipment like skis and tents at many sporting goods stores. You can also rent prom dresses, tuxedos and other special-occasion wear! And if you only need a car once in a while, join a car-share service like ZipCar instead of buying your own. Some other great rental items include bikes, party supplies, and textbooks.
2Slow down on fast fashion
Slow down on “fast fashion.” The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, producing up to 10% of global carbon emissions each year. They also count on us buying more often than we need and only wearing things a few times - it’s easy to think we need a new wardrobe every 6 months to keep up. This is a trend that the fashion industry would love us to buy into (literally), but we have a choice. If we all stop buying based on every new trend, more companies may start producing more quality, sustainable clothing.
Instead of stocking up on cheaply-made, trendy clothes, try slowing down and only buying things that you really like and will last you a while. When you are considering purchasing a new top ask yourself - do I like this enough to wear it often? If not, maybe skip it. Once in a while it’s ok to get that special occasion dress or suit, but in general, try to purchase things you will use and enjoy often.
Do your research and buy sustainable. If you’re really committed, take some time to learn how particular items are made and find brands that produce their goods sustainably. A good place to start: clothes made out of polyester, acrylic or other synthetic fabrics leave behind extremely toxic byproducts. For sustainable alternatives, look for natural fabrics like linen, silk, organic cotton, wool and hemp. This is becoming easier thanks to helpful apps like Good On You and browser plug-ins like Done Good that can inform you about a brand’s sustainability while you shop.
3Choose quality
Choose quality. When you’re purchasing things like furniture, appliances and toys, look for well-made items that will last. While you’ll pay more upfront, avoiding products that will break and need to be replaced will save you money - and you’ll buy less over time. Here are a few useful places to start:
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Furniture like sofas and chairs will last longer if they’re made with wood joined at the corners rather than glued or nailed together.
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When looking for appliances, simplicity is key. The more electronic functions an appliance has, the more parts there are that can fail and be too expensive to fix. Also, be sure to look for the Energy Star label!
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Did you know that 90% of childrens’ toys are made of plastic that can’t be recycled? Toys made out of other materials will last longer and are more sustainable. It’s so fun to buy toys for children, but they often play with items a few times before losing interest. Look for toys that will stand the test of time and hold childrens’ interest for longer.
Congrats! Choosing to Shop Smart and Buy Less is a big move - one that has positive ripples in many directions to help create a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.