If you do decide to buy new, it’s worth taking some time to think about the impacts your decisions may have on the planet.
Buy locally
Buying locally helps the environment by reducing your food miles and it’s more accessible so local businesses are able to operate in their local communities so you’re also supporting the local workforce.
Buy eco-friendly
Express your sustainability values through your everyday shopping and demand more information about what goes into our food and the production of our purchases.
Consider the packaging
Make sure you’re making purchases from places where sourcing, development, and use of packaging have minimal environmental impact and footprint.
Buy Fairtrade
Fairtrade Fortnight is a great time to get into the habit of thinking about where the things you buy come from. Buying items that have the Fairtrade or FairWear logo ensures a fairer price for workers.
Compare ethical credentials
Everything we pay for has an impact on people and the environment, even services you might not think about like your bank, phone contract, or energy provider. Check out The Good Shopping Guide and Ethical Consumer comparison websites that have already done the legwork and score companies for you.
Buy responsibly
Why buy new when you can find something more individual from charity, vintage, or second-hand shops? Always check online platforms such as Freecycle, Gumtree, Depop, Vinted, eBay and local facebook groups before you buy new. This saves buying things from the source, which means less production, and less waste.
Back to: Sustainability