It’s summer! Which means it’s time to lounge on the beach, plan some getaways, and get really sweaty. (I sweat so, so much in warm weather. . . .) Summer is also when lots of sales start popping up. The thing is, I’m on a mission to be a more environmentally friendly and ethical consumer. And that means buying less, and buying smarter. But I also like a good sale. What am I to do?
Well, here is my shopping plan:
- Make a list of things that I need. Then make a list of things that I have been wanting for over a year. Make it clear to myself what is “necessary” and what is a “want.”
- If there is a sale that might satisfy something in one of those categories, I will take a look at the sale.
- If I find the right item, I will put it in my shopping cart and consider it. The first question I will ask myself is: Was this item made in an ethical manner, with eco-friendly materials? If not, will buying this item at least help me be more environmentally conscientious in my daily life? If the answer is “no” to both questions, then the item won’t be bought!
- If I can answer “yes” to at least one of the above, then I will consider which category the item falls into. If it falls into the “need” category, I will ask myself: Do I really need it? Or can I live without it? Might it be possible to substitute something I already own for it?
- If it falls into the “want” category, I will ask myself: Will I enjoy this item if I buy it? Or will it fall into a forgotten corner of my closet or apartment after the novelty fades away? Is it possible for me to make this item myself?
- If I still believe the item in my shopping cart is a worthwhile purchase, I’ll buy it!
I’m hoping that my shopping plan will reduce any unnecessary spending on my own part. I also hope that the above shopping plan also helps me reduce the number of new items on my want list (because, frankly, whenever I look at a sale I always add something new to my “want” list).
Anyone else have a shopping plan that helps you reduce spending and shop in a more ethical manner?
By the way, if you’re curious what sales I’m looking at right now, here’s the roster:
- Bambeco: 60 percent off sitewide (with some exclusions) using code FIREWORKS17
- About the brand: Ecofriendly home goods. Not every item has a detailed description of its materials and manufacturing policies, but on each product page you can post questions to the company about their products.
- Beacon’s Closet: No sale, but I love looking at what’s new in the online shop.
- About the brand: A well-curated resale store, stocking lots of vintage and designer goods for affordable prices.
- Brook There: 40 percent off using code SUMMER40
- About the brand: Silk and organic cotton lingerie made in the USA.
- Hanna Broer: No sale, but I’ve been coveting some more of their items after I bought a bralette and undies from them last year!
- About the brand: Organic-cotton underwear and recycled-polyester swimsuits made in Vermont. I love that their models are a variety of sizes and ethnicities; diversity is important!!
- Hazel & Rose: 30 percent off through Tuesday using code HBDUSA
- About the brand: A boutique that stocks eco-friendly and ethically manufactured beauty products and clothing from a variety of brands.
- Pact: 40 percent off sitewide! (Click “apply offer” in the little green banner that pops up on the top of the homepage.)
- About the brand: Underwear and cotton basics made with organic and fair trade cotton! I have their boyshorts and they’re extremely comfortable. M. has their boxers, and they are very flattering. 😉
- People Tree: Large sale section!
- About the brand: UK-based clothing brand; modern styles for men and women, typically made with organic cotton and fair-trade practices.
- Tradlands: 10% off of select items! Click the link on their front page.
- About the brand: Shirts made especially for women; made in the USA, some items are made with organic cotton.
- Zero Waste Daniel: There isn’t a sale, but I’ve been wanting something from this brand for a while now.
- About the brand: They make basics out of 100 percent scrap materials discarded by Brooklyn factories!
Time to start browsing. . . 😀 I hope you all have a safe and happy week!
❤ S. (a.k.a. AMisplacedPen)
Misplaced Pen 
I have a slow but steady plan of evaluating everything I own – instead of putting on the usual items I’m forcing myself to wear items of clothing that I haven’t worn in ages. Some of them, I’ve rediscovered and will wear more regularly now. Other, I’ll donate to Goodwill or the equivalent so that someone else can make use of them…and I can make more space, both physical and mental 😉
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That’s a good idea (and one I haven’t really considered)! I’m a bit addicted to chasing after new possessions; forcing myself to wear and use old, unloved purchases would be a great way to re-evaluate my shopping habits too.
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