Today, everything is pushing for over-consumption. Advertising on TV, on the social networks and in the street. We don't feel it, but unconsciously, we are subjected to indirect marketing that encourages us to buy. I have nothing against this, but I want my purchases to make sense, that my will to buy comes from a real need and leads to a useful and concrete use.
Here are 10 tips to consume better and save, which I apply on a daily basis. The goal is not to feel guilty, but to feel good about one's purchases, without regrets.
1. Giving meaning to better consumption
Ask yourself about a purchase do I want it or do I need it? Most of the time I wanted things, I didn't really need them. Giving meaning to a purchase, a reason to be sure to use it fully, and prevent it from getting dust in a closet.
2. Go to the market
As far as food shopping is concerned, I naturally went to supermarkets and stores. I realized (not quickly enough unfortunately) that there were not only cheaper alternatives, but also more responsible alternatives:
Markets: my favorite place to shop for fresh produce; vegetables, seasonal fruits, local farmers (or not), organic farming (or not). Each municipality has a complete list of its markets and everyone can find their way around, so ask for more information! In my personal experience, I went from a basket for 30euros (supermarket) to 17euros (market), with fresher and better tasting vegetables/fruits.
Basket delivery: there are more and more merchant sites that act as intermediaries between farmers and customers. I tried PotagerCity myself, but there are others (if you know of them, leave them as comments to help as many people as possible).
There are also organic or bulk stores, where I like to go for my purchases of oilseeds, seeds, cereals, vegetal milk. Their prices are correct, but I discovered that everything fresh is not affordable for a majority of us.
3. Do it Yourself: DIY
There are some products that I like, but they are expensive in the market. When it's possible to do them at home with a reasonable time to energy ratio, I go! A futile example is the oilseed purées (almonds, hazelnuts) which can be easily obtained at home, and the price of which is exorbitant!
It can also apply to cosmetics; this is also the case for furniture and decorations... Personally, if I can do it and enjoy it, I don't hesitate.
4. Unsubscribe from alerts / newsletters
The trap! The alerts we receive on our phones to inform us about promotions and new products. The same for the newsletters of the seller websites. I now go to the seller websites when I need something. I discovered that it regulates my consumption well, without encouraging me to buy.
5. Avoid hall videos
Reading blogs and watching YouTube video shows us that their purchases are good but OMG, it makes you want to buy and over-consume! When you make an effort to restrict your consumption, it is not ideal. Always ask the question: do I need it or do I want it?
6. Try the second-hand
When you want to buy, why not consider buying products that have already been used? Not only is it economical, but you can also find small treasures in the market stalls, the Le Bon Coin website or with family and friends! We produce less, so we consume less and consume better!
7. Repair
I think we all do it quite often already: repair instead of buying new ones. Sometimes when it's dead, it's dead. But often, by doing a little work or asking someone who knows how to help, you can do it!
8. Limit shopping sessions
Browse the seller sites or go shopping, just like that, for no reason... Risky! Because you end up cracking and often you don't really need it.
9. Attacking the bathroom
We have plenty of rooms in our bathroom to make our consumption of cosmetics and hygiene products more reasonable:
10. Use!
And finally, the obvious point! Make concrete use of whatever you purchase! Appreciate the object to give it life, usefulness and profitability at the same time.
Here you go, and don't hesitate to leave your tips as comments.
Thank you for reading to the end.
