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Reduce your consumption

Why?

Everything we purchase has a carbon footprint – fossil fuels and energy have been used to extract virgin materials, manufacture and transport every item- often across the globe.

Fore Street Flea Market in Exeter, people walking on street surrounded by market stalls.
Photo Credit: Joe Baker. “Less cars, more fun. Fore Street Flea Market”. If you do have buy new, try to support local businesses.

How?

  1. Ask yourself whether you really need to make a new purchase at all?
  2. Maybe you could repair the item? You’ll find fix-it videos on YouTube for almost anything or you could take it a professional repair shop or your local repair café.
  3. If you do need to make a purchase:
    • Consider second-hand:
      • Find your local freecycle site online where people offer unwanted items for free
      • Try to shop in local charity shops, supporting a good cause whilst avoiding fast-fashion. You can even use charity shops online.
      • Use online marketplaces and auction sites where you can find second hand things.
    • If you need to buy new:
      • Try to select items that are made from recycled materials and materials that are easily recycled
      • Visit Ethical Consumer for advice on purchasing a wide variety of items.