The Importance of Mindfulness When Shopping – Shopping is something we all must do, whether for clothes, shoes, household goods, or other supplies. It can be very functional, like groceries, or it can be a fun outlet people use to relieve stress by providing instant gratification. However, shopping for the sake of shopping is becoming less and less desirable as we learn about the negative impact of fast fashion waste on the environment.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to cut out shopping for fun altogether, it just means adopting a more mindful approach to shopping in which you make choices to buy goods that you really need and that are high quality, rather than throwaway. Here are some tips for adopting a more mindful approach.
Invest in High Quality, Not High Quantity
Ideally, you should only have to buy something once. While products like a high-quality bassinet often come with a hefty price tag, you know you are getting the best, you will take care of the item, and so consequently it should last longer. Fast fashion and cheaper goods, on the other hand, might be inexpensive, but being of lesser quality, chances are they will fall apart quickly.
Research Before You Buy
It doesn’t hurt to do a bit of research before you purchase goods to see what the ethics behind the brand are. For example, do they use sustainable materials like organic cotton and hemp to make skate sneakers or non-toxic chemicals for glass cleaners? Do they conform to fair labour practices in the factories? Are the products that make up your beauty routine eco-friendly and not tested on animals? Know before you buy!
Sort Through Your Closet At least Once a Year
We often buy things without realising that we already have similar items in the back of our closets. It’s a good habit to go through every article of clothing you own at least once a year to remember what you have. Anything that you haven’t worn in a year can probably be donated or sold as it is unlikely that you will wear it again.
Write Down the Things You Need
Before going to any store, make a list of items that you need and stick to this list. If there is anything you see at the store that you would like to have, write it down and go home to think about it before buying it. While you can return your items, it is far more likely that you will keep whatever impulse buys you purchase, which can be wasteful if you only wear or use them once or twice.
Set Your Limits Before You Leave the House
Similarly, it’s good to keep a monetary and time limit when you are going shopping. It will not only help you avoid overspending, but it will limit the amount of shopping you can do. The longer you spend in a store, the more likely you will come out with more than you intended.
Don’t Save Credit Card Numbers Online
When it comes to online shopping, mindfulness is also important. It’s best to shop in person as you can try things on before purchasing and are more likely to keep them. Online shopping also requires shipping, which wastes packaging and delivery costs. To keep yourself from impulse shopping online, make sure your credit cards are not saved anywhere. The extra step of having to type in your number is enough to make you check yourself and be less likely to make the purchase.
Shop Vintage or Second-hand
A really simple way to make mindful shopping decisions is to buy clothing that is second-hand or vintage. Recycling clothing is the best way to protect the environment from new waste, other than not shopping at all.
Poppy Watt