Shop Smart, Buy Less
Buying stuff often just seems like a part of our everyday lives. But it’s actually a big deal! Every time a new product, like a shirt, phone or toaster is made, it uses a lot of resources — from natural resources like trees and water, to energy for manufacturing and delivering it to the store. In fact, if everyone on Earth lived the way we do in the U.S., we would need more than 5 earths to sustain us!
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 saving precious natural resources, reducing pollution and helping slow this unsustainable cycle. Plus, when you buy less you save money too!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Every time a new product, like a shirt, phone or toaster is made, it uses a lot of resources. That includes everything from natural resources like trees, minerals and water, to energy for manufacturing, and the fuel used to transport it to the store. It also creates waste from production and can create air, water and climate pollution.
It's hard to see the direct impact of the things we buy, and we often buy more than we really need. If everyone on Earth lived the way we do in the U.S., we would need 3-5 more planets to sustain our habits!
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 saving precious natural resources, reducing climate pollution and helping to slow down this unsustainable cycle. Here are a few simple strategies to get started.
Shopping smart and buying less:
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Saves precious natural resources
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Saves money and time
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Saves energy and reduces climate and air pollution
1Step 1. Think first and choose quality
Think first. Before you buy something new, think about how often you use it, and if you really need it.
Choose quality. If you’re purchasing something new, like furniture, appliances and toys, look for well-made items that will last. While you might pay a bit more upfront, avoiding products that will break and need to be replaced right away will save you money in the long run since you’ll buy less over time. It will also be easier to find a new home for the item if you no longer need it.
Look for items that can be recycled. If you have a choice, choose the item that can be recycled at its end of life. This will also save on resources, energy and money. Check out the Recycle action for more info!
2Step 2. Buy 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 into making new stuff.
Consider renting. For things you only need to use occasionally, another option is to rent. 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.
3Step 3. Slow 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 climate pollution each year along with significant water and microplastic pollution and waste. They count on us buying more than we need to and only wearing things a few times. They try to convince us that we need a new wardrobe every 6 months to keep up. 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 highly toxic byproducts. For sustainable alternatives, look for natural fabrics like linen, silk, organic cotton, wool and hemp.
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.
