Easy ways to buy nothing new and save money!

Become a borrower

• Join your local toy library – it’s a great way to get ‘new’ toys.
• If you are having a party, ask friends if you can borrow items such as plates and wine glasses rather than buying more.  
• Join your local library – you have a never-ending supply of great books along with all the other services that libraries offer these days such as movies and online magazines.
• If you know you’re unlikely to wear an outfit more than once, ask a friend if you can borrow something – or rent a beautiful dress or suit for a special occasion.  

‍Free stuff!

• Buy Nothing is a platform where locals give away their unwanted items to other locals. It’s a gifting economy and a wonderful way to get things you need (or give away things you don’t need).  
• Swap kids’ toys with friends. It’s a win-win and everyone gets something ‘new’.
• Have a clothes swap with friends – you’ll all get a new look without spending any money.
• How to get free plants for your garden

Look after what you’ve got

• With the swing towards 'fast fashion' clothes are discarded for the tiniest of reasons these days; but with a little work, they can have a new life in your wardrobe. Turn up hems, shorten sleeves and replace buttons and zips (and if you can’t do it yourself, there are plenty of businesses around who do alterations).  
• Fabrics you should always dry clean.
• Make your clothes last longer.
• How to look after your jewellery.
• Don’t buy a new sofa. Have the old one upholstered for a new look.
• Visit your local Repair Cafe – these are voluntary organisations run by people who want to reduce the amount of waste by repairing everything from garden tools to computers.  

Buy second hand

You don’t have to give up shopping altogether; try giving something a second life by keeping an eye out for a second-hand bargain.  

• Have an Op Shop Christmas! It’s never too early to start Christmas Shopping and if you keep a look out now, you might spot a hidden treasure that someone you know would love.  
• There are lots of shops popping up selling high-quality second-hand clothes for a fraction of the cost of their original price. And if you don’t wear it often, you can sell it again.
• You could furnish a house and fill a wardrobe with what’s on offer in charity shops these days – and you will be helping those less fortunate in your community. Top tips when op shopping

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