We are already in one of the months with the most expenses of the year. Classes and new projects begin and we have to get equipped . And the excitement that comes with using new materials? We know it, we feel it too.
Today we want to suggest a reflection on beginnings and whether everything needs to be new. We are going to propose sustainable solutions (which are also more economical) , but which also give way to that illusion, to the renewed energy that beginnings give .
All the tips we are going to give are applicable to all the items that are most commonly purchased when returning to school or the office: clothes, stationery, books, electronic devices for the office...
USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Well, if we start like this… Hehe. Yes, I know it can be a bit depressing, but, really, the most sustainable thing for the planet is to use what we already have so that resources don’t have to be used to manufacture new things.
But to make it a little more attractive, we suggest you do a good review that will allow you two things:
- Discarding things that are no longer useful or used is a great way to create space and cleaner energy.
- Detecting needs , which do not necessarily have to involve buying new things. Maybe some things simply need to be moved so they fit better, so they are closer at hand... This will give it a fresh look.
REPAIR AND MODIFY
You already know which items you're going to keep. Is there any that needs a little repair? Do you fancy giving them a new look?
Extend the life of your objects by repairing them . If you don't know how to do it or don't have time, ask a professional for the service. Be part of the circular economy by generating income for third parties who have families like yours and mine.
If you're tired of the look of your belongings or they're a bit worn out but still functional, consider decorating or modifying them. As an example, you can check out these videos by Nica Bernica in which she creates her own stationery items with materials she has around the house and transforms the ones she already has so that they continue to be used and look prettier.
SECOND HAND
If you have detected that there is something you need to buy, why not consider buying it second-hand? We repeat, you will avoid using the planet's finite resources to manufacture new things .
For example, if you have to buy some computer equipment, consider whether something refurbished might be an option. It's quite surprising how quickly some people change devices, leaving the old ones in perfect condition; even more so if they've been serviced by a professional, which is what refurbishing means.
And of course, there are plenty of options for buying second-hand clothes . Have you tried this option yet?
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
If after reviewing and evaluating the repair and second-hand options, you come to the conclusion that you need to buy something, we encourage you to do so in a small shop, a personal brand , if possible, that uses sustainable materials and cares about the way its products are manufactured and distributed .
REUSABLE OBJECTS
Finally, we suggest you think a little about whether any of the things you use daily can be replaced by reusable objects .
For example, if you frequently eat out or your children bring their lunch to school, consider using non-disposable lunch containers . The same goes for drinks, use reusable bottles and cups .
If you have to brush your teeth outside the home, take your wooden toothbrush with you in its case , also made of wood.
Another interesting resource is washable cloth handkerchiefs , which come with their own cover. A small change that has a great benefit, not only in terms of the manufacture and distribution of the handkerchiefs, but also in terms of reducing waste generation.
Are you considering any of these actions to get back to your routine? Do you have any other ideas? We would love to hear from you on our social media.
