“Reducing consumption” is a word that you hear more and more often. Consumption is a relatively new lifestyle that contributes to a better environment. You can actually see it as the opposite of today’s “consumption society”. Characteristic of this lifestyle is that the products or services that are purchased are not necessary. In this blog we therefore look at the best tips to reduce consumption.
8x tips to reduce consumption
When you want to consume less, that brings benefits: you save money, your impact on the environment is lower and reducing consumption also gives a feeling of peace and satisfaction. Look at what fits into your life to start reducing consumption. The best tip to reduce consumption is therefore to take small steps so that you can make permanent changes without becoming very unhappy.
1. Think about every purchase you make
Do you think about the shirt you buy or the fruit you put in your shopping basket? Most of our purchases have not been considered. If you would like to start reducing consumption, you can start delaying your purchase. When you really want or need something, it sticks in your head. The shirt you saw in the shop window? Try to think about it for a moment. You probably forgot about this the following week. Do you still think about it after a few days? Then you can make a well-considered decision whether you still want to make the purchase.
2. Visit the thrift store more often
Have you made an informed decision to buy a product? Then visit your favorite thrift store. Despite making your purchase, you are still consuming less. After all, the stuff you buy gets a second life, which extends its lifespan!
3. Big cleaning
A third tip when consuming less is to clean up your mess. Think about this: what do you need and what can you get rid of? Not a fun job, but useful. Try to tackle a small part of your house at a time. That way it doesn’t become time-consuming. You can repeat this tip once in a while.
4. Take the unnecessary stuff to the recycler
Do you suddenly have a lot of unnecessary stuff after doing your major cleaning? Then take these items to the thrift store. This gives your things a second life and extends the lifespan. Your Sinterklaas gifts from three years ago are guaranteed to make someone very happy!
5. Refurbished
For example, do you need a washing machine and do you not dare to buy it second-hand because you are afraid that the product has defects? Refurbished products are second-hand products that have been checked before they are put up for sale. The advantage of these products is that the product is as good as new but does not have to be produced again.
6. Jump on your bike more often
In addition to the purchase of new products, consumption reduction also concerns, for example, petrol. Do you need to go to the gym or the supermarket by car? Can you also cycle the distance? Then use the bicycle more often. Cycling is better for the environment and also better for your wallet.
7. Shop responsibly
Pay attention when you have to throw away frequently purchased products unopened. Make a well-considered choice in the supermarket whether you really need this product. For example, use a shopping list with this form of consumption reduction.
8. Unsubscribe from (online) newsletters
Do you always find that when you go through your mail you come across many newsletters? Consumption is more successful when you are unsubscribed from (online) newsletters that repeatedly persuade you to make a purchase.
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