October is Buy Nothing New month!

Buy Nothing New Month is about taking just one month to pause and ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ If the answer is a big ‘Yes,’ ask yourself:

• Can I find it second-hand or rent it?

• Could I borrow it from a mate?

• Maybe I can swap something with my neighbour?

It’s all about thinking twice about where our stuff comes from and where it ends up when we’re done (hint: more often than not, landfill). There are loads of fab alternatives out there to keep our ‘stuff’ in action and out of the rubbish dump.

Make a difference with one small change

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Team up with a friend: Make the pledge together to buy nothing new (except for the essentials).

• Go second-hand: Buy something pre-loved.

• Pass it on: Sell or donate something second-hand.

• Rent or borrow: If you really need something, try renting or borrowing before buying new.

• Mend it: Fix instead of replacing to give your items a longer life.

• Join local groups: Check out Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group to give, get, swap, or sell.

• Gift smart: Give a plant or something second-hand (and let them know you’re taking part in Buy Nothing New month).

• Op-shop adventure: Find the best op-shop or second-hand boutique nearby and pay it a visit.

How to blitz Buy Nothing New month

This isn’t just about cutting back on stuff you don’t need; it’s about rethinking how you look at the things you already have.

Vote with your wallet

Want more sustainable products? Look into where your purchase comes from. Is it locally made, designed to last, or a cheap import with loads of air miles that will soon be landfill? Sometimes a bargain isn’t such a bargain in the long run.

Try the ‘one in, one out’ rule

Keep your ‘stuff’ in circulation with the ‘one in, one out’ method. Every time you buy something, can you donate something else from your wardrobe to charity?

Welcome to second-hand wonderland

If you haven’t discovered the joys of second-hand shopping, you’re seriously missing out. You can find pretty much anything second-hand, and the best part? Your money often supports community programs.

Keep a diary

Note down all the non-essentials you bought last month, then compare it to your spending during Buy Nothing New Month. The difference might surprise you!

Rent, don’t buy

Got a fancy party to attend, or maybe a wedding. If it’s a one-off event, consider renting rather than buying. It’s cheaper and greener to rent or borrow instead of buying new. Simple as that.

Don’t shop, swap!

Host your own swap party and invite friends to bring five things they don’t need. One person’s unwanted shirt could be another’s new favourite

Repair, don’t replace

Got a hole in your favourite jumper? Patch it up with some funky fabric for a unique look. Not a sewer? Find a local seamstress to help out.

Get fit or find a hobby

Did you know that 47% of Australians admit to buying stuff simply because they are bored?

Once Buy Nothing New month wraps up, remember that not all new things are bad. Some are made responsibly with sustainability in mind. After the month ends, aim to be more mindful about your purchases and look for things s that are made to last. 

Before you spend, ask yourself:

• Do I really need this?

• What’s its lifecycle?

• What went into making it (time, labour, resources)?

• Are there alternatives?

• Where did it come from and how did it get here?

• What’s its environmental and social impact?

• Who benefits from this purchase? What’s in it for me?

• What’s it made of, and who made it?

For more information, visit the Buy Nothing New website

Source: https://www.buynothingnew.com.au