When we hear the word “trend”, we tend to think of a new style of jeans or the latest pair of Nike sneakers. However, we rarely consider the reasons why we jump on a trend. Often, there isn’t a reason, aside from keeping up with the Joneses. Our mindless shopping habits have led to a collective rise in consumerism, which some argue has spiraled out of control. It’s become impossible for anybody to keep up with new trends as they emerge seemingly every week. 

Luckily, some people have woken up to the impact of their bad habits, and their shared love for the planet may be enough to break their shopping addictions entirely. With some becoming environmentally conscious and others affected by inflation, the general consensus is that over-consumption is no longer an option. Brands have taken this information and used it to predict their own consumer needs, leading to the creation of a variety of eco-friendly products that are not only reusable but also encourage fewer purchases, helping us save more money in the long run. If you care about the planet and love trends, but don’t want to fall victim to consumerism, try these four eco-friendly tips this Fall.

Cut Consumerism

The emergence of digital marketing has drastically altered our purchasing behaviours. Social media influencers and targeted ads compel us to make unnecessary purchases with every scroll. Think about the last few times you made a purchase – did you really need that bag? Was it necessary to buy yet another gadget off Amazon? Consumerism has led to excessive waste and pollution on our planet, with a large portion coming from the plastics used to package the goods we buy. By consuming less, we not only help the planet, but we also help grow our bank accounts. 

Swap or Rent

Occasionally, you may have an event to attend that requires you to wear something that you don’t own. Perhaps it’s a country music concert and you need a pair of cowboy boots, or maybe you are invited to a wedding, yet you don’t own a fancy dress. In these cases, your first phone call should be to close friends or family. Swapping items is more sustainable than shopping. Let them know that they can borrow anything of yours the next time they need it, in exchange for borrowing theirs. Usually, someone in your social circle will have just what you need. If there’s no such luck, consider a clothing rental company like Rent the Runway, where you can access a new outfit, without the commitment of a purchase.

Pro Tip: 

The next time you feel the urge to make a purchase, write down the item on your Wishlist and wait a week or two before revisiting the list. By then, you are less likely to feel that sense of urgency. Creating distance between the product and yourself curbs the impulse to purchase in the moment. 

Reuse 

We forget that every product we use contributes to our waste, but there are many eco-friendly alternatives that can help mitigate this.

Personal Care and Hygiene:

Over 4 million plastic toothbrushes end up in landfill or in the sea. Opt for a bamboo toothbrush like Plantish which are made from 100 per cent compostable bamboo, and the bristles are made from bio-based nylon. Makeup wipes and cotton pads are other examples of everyday waste. Instead of purchasing new ones each time you run out, try The Earthling Co . Reusable makeup rounds, which you can wash after each use. Made of 98 per cent bamboo and 2 per cent cotton, these rounds are compostable and long-lasting. Similarly, instead of purchasing feminine hygiene products, consider using a Diva Cup that you can clean and reuse. Disposable feminine hygiene products disrupt our ecosystem and bodies with chemicals, dyes, and plastics, but Diva Cups are a great way to have zero waste.

Shopping

When shopping for clothes, choose organic cotton or recycled fabrics clothing, or give thrift shopping a try. Not only is thrifting more sustainable, but you’re less likely to show up in the same outfit as someone else at your next dinner party.

Kitchen Staples

Food waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills globally, so if we reduce the amount of food we waste, we help our planet, and our bellies. Opt for Food Huggers instead of single use plastic wrap to keep leftover food and produce fresh for longer. Make the Switch to Papaya Reusable Paper Towels. Most rags and sponges breed bacteria, and smell after just a few uses. Papaya’s reusable paper towels are not only antibacterial, but they are a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to paper towels.

Jackie Marson | Contributing Writer