Hope you like this slightly different issue this week! Thanks for reading as always!
How to buy less this summer (#NoBuyJuneandJuly)
For reference I’m a high school student with a semi-busy summer and part-time job. But regardless, for many, summer can be a time of renewal and excitement, providing downtime, vacations (one has to shop for) and more. But we can invoke some sustainable, slow-living habits into this time, spending less while enjoying nature more. After witnessing first-hand what wealthy college students toss and replace (and how quickly it piles up!!), living a highly materialistic lifestyle just isn’t for me, and this is something I decide every summer, after I declutter my closet or our basement or watch Hoarders (once and never again). Also debt sounds scary!! Shopping to feel something and letting your possessions consume you is an incredibly unfortunate and depressing reality… for many middle-class people today.
Instead of a clothing spree… try a clothing swap!
Ask yourself why you want to buy the thing/shop in general: is it to reinvent yourself or escape from reality?
Find other things to do! (Avoid shopping to feel better or buying out of boredom)
Unsubscribe from brand emails, delete shopping apps and avoid ads (if even possible)
Subscribe to good climate newsletters to boost your mood
Check out Refinery29’s money diaries (it puts spending habits into perspective, and can allow you the fun of spending without actually doing so! (Or maybe it will make you spend more… Hopefully not!)
Track your own spending habits
If you try this, use the hashtag (#NoBuyJuneandJuly) and tag me @the_vegfriend on Instagram! (I dunno if people still use hastags, but worth a try… right?)
This was a really interesting video/podcast episode on buying less for a year and a shopping addiction’s power on the brain! It’s long, but I listened to it at 1.75x speed and was able to keep up.
Free virtual workshops (The Outdoor Learning Store)
Why the recycling symbol could end up in the trash bin (Washington Post)
Could restaurants solve the world's jellyfish problem? (BBC)
Young Workers: ‘Address Climate Change or We’re Out of Here’ (Inc)
9 native grasses to revitalize your water-wasting lawn (Popular Science)
Wrap-up
Ainsley asks: What are you looking forward to in the coming months? Comment below!