How to Shop Sustainably

Here’s an uncomfortable truth to swallow, we buy too much stuff. But not only this, we buy too much stuff that we don’t really need - stuff at low prices that don’t support homegrown talent and industries, it also won’t last that long before being thrown away, therefore contributing to fast fashion and impulse purchasing. 

Shopping more sustainably isn’t just about the environment, it’s also something that will help to nurture and develop new talents in different sectors of our society - we should be supporting local producers and creators instead of just buying what is easy or on special offer. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic wand to wave to make all the problems disappear overnight, but there are lots of steps to take in order to be cleverer about our purchases - from where they come from, to how they are delivered or to the materials they are made from.

Brands with a Sustainability Commitment

Choose to spend your hard-earned cash with brands that have a clear commitment to introducing more sustainable practices or who have a solid commitment to being eco-responsible. For example, Canadian manufacturers, CRP Products are focused on being environmentally responsible, through their sustainable recycled garden furniture. They have a strong core-focus on developing new and innovative ways to create sustainable, eco-friendly, beautifully crafted outdoor furniture. 

Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Local

As a society, we have been conditioned to buy (for example), new items of clothing with the changing of the seasons. Re-wearing last year’s fashion is seen as “uncool” or that you’re having money problems. Clothing brands are in constant competition with each other, who can produce the best clothes for the best price for consumers. Mass-produced garments that will only last a couple of years before being either thrown away or donated to charity. Choosing to buy clothing from local seamstresses, or producers is a step in the right direction, you’ll know exactly where your item has been made, who it has been made by and you can probably get a one-of-a-kind piece. 

Second-Hand Isn’t Taboo

I have no idea where the notion of buying/wearing something second hand is bad is from. Being sustainable and shopping for clothes or furniture that has been pre-worn or used isn’t a thing to be negatively judged for! Many people have jumped on the trend of selling their old clothing or furniture for a bit of extra cash, whilst their items move onto a new life with someone who actually wants them. 

Upcycling isn’t a new phenomenon, but after the recent UK lockdown, it’s built up some serious steam. People are buying pieces of clothing or furniture and they’re turning them into something completely different or simply giving them a new lease of life. Second-hand shouldn’t be seen as “being cheap”, it should be celebrated as being eco-responsible!