12 Easy Ways to Change the World While You Shop
…
Starting. It’s the hardest part of making any sort of change.
But that’s why we’re here. :) We’ve got some easy and approachable first steps towards using your everyday spending to send a message and shape the world around you.
A couple of ground rules before we jump into practical ideas:
Start Small:
If the first change we make doesn’t totally disrupt our life—or even makes our life easier—our chances of making the next change increases… psychology says so (#science.) So for your sake and ours, please PLEASE start small.
Start with Non-Necessities:
Don’t start by swearing off all plastic in your grocery shopping or buying all organic clothing for your children—it’s just not realistic. It’s much easier to change your spending habits on things that you don’t truly need and therefore won’t significantly affect your life.
For example, eight years ago I committed to only ever buying ethically sourced jewelry. Since I don’t actually need more jewelry, this is an easy commitment to keep… it basically just keeps me from impulse buying cheap, slave-made jewelry at mall stores. Now, when I do buy something (every couple of years), I cherish those pieces because a) it was a thoughtful purchase that really brings me joy, b) I spent significant money on it, and c) I know my purchase supported something worthwhile. Plus, there are dozens of outstanding ethically sourced jewelry companies (MADE and Noonday are a couple of my favorites), so I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Focus on breaking your shopping and spending habits:
Start by simply noticing of where you spend your money, how often you shop, and why you buy. Until we cut back on the time/energy/resources we spend consuming, we won’t have enough resources to invest in things that are truly meaningful to us… and investing in those passions is how we change the world!
Here are some easy, small ways you can start breaking consumerism’s hold over us and send a message that you want a better world: *Reminder: You don’t have to do all of these right now… that’s not starting small! Just pick a few and get started. Then, once you’ve got the hang of them, add a couple more.
Buy Fairtrade sugar, coffee, chocolate, and tea.
It’s right next to the regular kind and is usually only a dollar or so more—a small price to pay to know you’re not supporting slave labor.
Don’t get a cart when you go to a one-stop-shop like Target.
Without a cart, you’ll get annoyed by how much stuff you have to carry and won’t meander through the store picking up and buying random crap. If you have little kids, it’ll also drive you crazy to not have them contained and you’ll get out ASAP. If you need to buy a lot of things, stick to a list and avoid the departments you don’t absolutely have to visit.
Stop watching shows that make you feel like you need something.
Whether that’s a show that makes you want to buy new clothes or makeover your house, this kind of entertainment is designed to make you feel discontent/inadequate so you’ll spend more money… it’s unlikely that you actually need anything.
Unsubscribe from ALL of your shopping, coupons, and flash-deal websites.
You don’t actually need anything they are selling and buying something just because it’s cheap won’t actually bring you joy.
Buy a pair of period underwear from Thinx, reusable pads, and/or a menstrual cup and save hundreds of pads and tampons from ending up in the landfill.
They are not as weird as they sound (I promise!) and in the long run, they will make your period easier, cheaper, and less wasteful.
Avoid the mall – just don’t go.
There’s almost nothing in the mall that you actually need. Figure out how to get whatever it is you want without going to the mall. That way, you only buy the thing you’re looking for, rather than stuff that catches your eye.
Eat vegetarian (or vegan!) one day a week.
Eating less meat and animal products even one day a week saves countless gallons of water, tons of corn and wheat (which are usually genetically modified and require mass amounts of chemicals that end up in our oceans), and sends a message to the meat industry that they need to clean up their act.
Borrow anything you only need to use once instead of buying (ie: a fancy dress, a tool for a project, or a single-use kitchen gadget.)
If your friends don’t have what you need, check Facebook. Some areas have “Buy Nothing” groups where you can borrow, swap, and trade with people in your neighborhood.
Commit to only giving ethically made or sustainable gifts for a year.
We don’t give that many gifts in a year so this shouldn’t be too hard. Think plants, homemade items, something thrifted, experiences, or ethical jewelry.
Or… if you do better with a support system, rally your friends and choose a way to start small together!
Challenge each other to not buy anything you don’t absolutely need for 6-8 weeks (pick a realistic timeline for you.)
It’s harder than it sounds, but it will help you recalibrate your spending habits.
Organize a clothing swap the next time you feel discontent with your wardrobe and feel the urge to shop.
It’s fun, free, and good for everyone.
Look up the 333 Challenge and see if it’s something you’d be into.
If you have the right group of friends you might be able to borrow each other’s clothes often enough to make this really fun.
