Should we shop less, or just differently?
To reduce our waste, we need to go through stuff less fast, which may mean shopping less often. This may in itself release the bit of extra time needed to make more careful, informed choices of what to buy, make, hire or borrow.
If you need it, should you buy it?
- Can you provide it yourself? From your garden, by making it or adjusting something you already have.
- Does a friend or neighbour have it? You could barter, or borrow it - your eggs for my magazines.
- Can you get it through a formal bartering scheme? There are many schemes such as "Green Dollars" and Trade to Save.
- Can you repair it rather than replacing it?
- Could you hire it instead of buying it? - Do you really need to own a concrete mixer?
- Can you buy it second hand?
- Could you own it jointly with a friend?
- Will you still want/use it in a year's time?
- Have you checked out Fair Trade alternatives?
Don't be fooled by advertised "bargains". Always check the bottom shelf "own brand" products are usually of similar quality and cheaper than brand name products even when discounted.
Source of information
The information on this page is sourced from the Sustainable Living programme (opens in a new window).
Last reviewed: 15 Jul 2008 12:53pm
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