5 Ways To Consume Less In A World Designed To Make You Buy More

I’ve found that the hardest part about consuming less isn’t finding alternatives. It’s learning to ignore all the messages telling us we need more.

Everywhere we go, we’re bombarded with adverts encouraging us to buy more. And we’re no longer constrained by shop opening times - we can shop 24 hours a day from the comfort of our home.

Even as someone who works in sustainability, I’m not immune to constant advertising. Sometimes I get the urge to buy when I don’t actually need what I’m being advertised.

Over time, I've found a few simple ways to push back against that feeling. These are the habits that have helped me spend less, appreciate what I already have, and be more intentional about what I bring into my home: