Well, ‘buy worse’ would be a very tough sell.
Even ‘buy just the same’ is an impossible theme to green-light atm, given the fact we're consuming equivalent to 1.7 times the earth's resources. And did you know, at last check, the production and use of household products and services generates as much as
60 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions?
So, yeah, we have some over-correcting to do.
The good, more fun news? When you don't have the option to repair, upcycle or shop second-hand – as detailed in our recent run of newletters – there is still a way to be better at shopping for new things, too. So that you can still enjoy the full package – that thrill of buying something beautiful and shiny and exciting, while also knowing it’s wreaked less havoc on its journey to get to you.
Think: just-as-stylish, high-quality pieces that have been crafted by caring artisans using regenerative or recycled materials to be more durable – like at Neem London, below.
Or super out-there modular and extensible tech and designs that have led to clothes that grow with you and furniture that moves when you move (both creepy in good ways: see Petit Pli and Somer, also below).
Of course, purely shopping less needs to be a big part of the equation. Take heed from the former spendy Wendies featured in this piece from
The Cut, who’ve got their buying habits back under control using a few smart behavioural-hacks. Or Tiffanie Darke, queen of the Rule of 5 ‘new’ items per year campaign, also featured further down.
Now in her own third year of the challenge, Darke's learned "not to buy [wardrobe items] online because you cannot be certain of quality and fit". And there's certainly a lot to be said for supporting local shops and high streets. Perhaps just don't get too hung up on avoiding online spending altogether. The gross impact of virtual versus IRL buying varies widely and depends, like most global-impact maths, on a tonne of factors, as detailed in this handy
New York Times Q&A.
It might all seem a bit complicated. A bit mass. A bit overwhelming.
But really, it’s simple. You just need to be conscious and considerate.
So, just carry on being you. Being BRiMM.
Tune in, team up and let's turn the tide.
Team BRiMM
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Photo-Illustration credit: The Cut; Photo: Getty Images
