From clothes to oven cookers, most products are damaging to the environment before they’ve even been purchased. Resource extraction and industrial manufacturing require immense amounts of water, power, and labour.
Buying second-hand is a proactive choice and with commitment, it can directly reduce our carbon footprint and tackle the issue of overconsumption.
From ownership to stewardship
An important aspect of being environmentally conscious is by changing how we operate when it comes to facilitating major purchases.
A mindset shift is required for embracing stewardship. Consumers should steer away from simply owning new items – and replacing them when they’re no longer the favourite – to repurposing or recycling them. For the most sustainable approach towards shopping, we should actively choose pre-owned goods.
Championing pre-owned goods helps to reduce the wider demand for mass manufacturing, which is commonplace in the fashion industry. In fact, fast fashion is the second-biggest global consumer of water.
Supporting quality, not quantity
Frameworks for second-hand resale, refurbishment, and reuse are being developed by retailers and online platforms. With the rise of consumer interest in developing sustainable habits and infrastructure, second-hand options will become increasingly viable and trusted too.
For example, any motoring enthusiast will tell you that reliable and high-quality used cars often make a better choice than factory-fresh vehicles. This is because so many of them boast proven and long-lasting performance.
Our practical tips for buying responsibly
Of course, there are some important things to bear in mind when you’re buying second-hand goods. It’s easy to get misled, oversold or sometimes even let down. Furthermore, cyber criminals and fraudsters often operate on online marketplaces, so you’ll need to be prudent.
In your journey of finding items that are genuine and sustainable, make sure that you ask for documents to help confirm the authenticity of an item , confirm the identity of the seller by asking them to meet in a public place and bring a trusted friend with you if you feel unsure and finally check the condition of the item by taking the time to thoroughly inspect the item and don’t hesitate to ask to test it, wherever possible.
Keeping goods in circulation
Buying used goods helps to postpone the inevitable disposal, which is inherently damaging to our planet. By having the conscious choice to keep goods in circulation for longer, extends their lifespan and often gives them a new purpose.
Buying used is just a smaller part of the bigger picture, feeding into a circular economy that not only promotes a sustainable attitude but helps to cut carbon dioxide emissions. It’s time to think differently about being a consumer.
