The things we buy take a lot of energy to source raw materials, manufacture, and transport. The more mindful you are about your purchases (need vs. want) and cut down on items that are optional, the less energy will be consumed on your behalf and less waste generated in the end.  

How do we become more mindful about our consumption? First, take a pledge to think whether each potential purchase is truly a ‘need’ or a ‘want’. Then commit to reducing what you buy.  Reflect on your experience after your commitment period and think of how you could incorporate ideas gained into your life permanently. 

Some ideas:

• Write down things you would normally order online for three months and look back to see if you really need them at the end of the time period.  

• Commit to buying no new clothes for 6 months. Stick to the motto “Use it up, wear it out, or do without.”

• Buy food that is seasonal. The strawberry you bought in December likely was transported all the way from Ecuador or another South American country at a high cost of carbon (airplane, truck, or train).  And we know they are significantly less tasty than locally grown in season.

• Borrow or share tools and equipment with neighbors and friends. 

• Check out the blogs of other MassEnergize community members who have taken challenges (e.g., search ‘buy nothing challenge’).  

• Commit to purchasing secondhand, and purchase new only if not available used. Groups like  “Buy Nothing Dover/Sherborn, MA”  and “Dover-Sherborn Garage Sale” offer many used items for sale and for free. Retailers like Savers and consignment clothing stores offer clothing in good condition at deeply discounted prices.

Additional tips:

• Be sure to sell or give away unwanted items so someone else can benefit from a secondhand pay forward.

• Find out where you can recycle textiles, and commit to doing that.

• Remove yourself from merchant mailing lists to avoid temptation!