Limiting consumption or “buying less stuff” is an important way to reduce personal and household greenhouse gas emissions. Our collective consumer habits generate emissions here in Canada but also in other countries like China where many consumer items are produced.
Holiday season gift buying tends to be a major focus of concern about environmental impacts. Popular media offers many ideas for alternative gifts such as tickets for events or concerts, certificates for gifts of time or services and homemade gifts. Giving secondhand gifts is also growing in popularity. According to US research 90% of Americans would be happy to receive a thrifted or re-gifted item with 34% saying they would give someone a “gently used” gift. There’s room for growth here. Value Village gift card anyone?
It’s important to note that the holiday season is also a peak period for sales of holiday decorations, household furnishings and décor items, housewares and clothing. How do we limit these purchases?
Here’s one approach. Artist and climate innovator Sarah Lazarovic has created a visual tool to guide decisions. It encourages you to consider seriously whether buying new is your only viable option. Her “Buyerarchy” starts with the simple question “do you really need it?”. It then takes you through a series of alternatives for items you feel you really need. This “think before you shop” approach will help the planet and your bank account.
Sarah’s Buyerarchy of Needs:
