This month is buy nothing new month in Australia. In a world where we’re flooded with ads that promote consumption, it can be hard to resist a good sale or stop shopping on impulse, that’s where the challenge comes in!
Sustainable shopping made simple
THE HISTORY OF BUY NOTHING NEW
The idea for buy nothing new month was first conceived by Australian filmmaker and sustainable living advocate, Tamara Di Matteo. In 2007, Di Matteo made a documentary called The Story of Stuff, which exposed the negative environmental and social impacts of consumerism. After seeing the film, Di Matteo decided she wanted to do something to reduce her own consumption.
So in 2008, Di Matteo challenged herself to not buy anything new for one month. She called it “Buy Nothing New Month” and blogged about her experience on her website. The challenge caught on, and people all over the world began participating in buy nothing new month each year.
WHY IS BUYING NOTHING NEW MONTH IMPORTANT?
Buy nothing new month is important because it raises awareness about the negative impacts of consumerism and encourages people to live more sustainable lives. By participating in buy nothing new month, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect the environment.
4 WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN BUY NOTHING NEW MONTH
There are many ways you can participate in buy nothing new month. Here are some suggestions:
It's that time of year again - buy nothing new month is upon us! This means that for the month of October, we challenge you to resist shopping and instead focus on sustainable living.
But what does it really mean to be sustainable? And how can you make a difference by participating in buy nothing new month?
Here are 4 ways to be more sustainable and resist shopping this month:
1. Shop secondhand
One of the best ways to be sustainable is to shop secondhand. This means buying items from thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like eBay and Mercari. Not only do you save money by shopping secondhand, but you also keep items out of landfills and reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Repair items instead of replacing them
If something breaks, see if you can repair it instead of throwing it away and buying a new one. This is especially important for electronics and appliances, which often end up in landfills. There are many online resources that can help you repair items yourself, or you can take them to a local repair shop.
3. Make do with what you have
Before you go out and buy something new, see if you can make do with what you already have. This might mean getting creative with your wardrobe or repurposing items around your home. For example, you can use an old t-shirt as a dust cloth or make a scarf out of an old sweater.
4. Rent or borrow items instead of buying them
If you need to use something for a short period of time, consider renting or borrowing it instead of buying it. This could include items like tools, party supplies, or sports equipment. There are many websites and apps that can help you find what you need to rent or borrow.
By following these sustainable living tips, you can make a difference this buy nothing new month!
If you’re looking for more ways to be more sustainable, join our private Facebook community! We interview sustainable experts live and provide handy resources for you to make sustainable living simple.
And if you haven't a chance yet, and want to shop more sustainably on Amazon: