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In a world of overconsumption, shopping intentionally has become a revolutionary act. It’s easy to get swept up by sales, trends, and impulse purchases, but these habits come at a cost—to both the planet and our peace of mind. Conscious consumption encourages us to slow down and evaluate the impact of what we buy.

This simple checklist will help you ask the right questions before making a purchase. By being mindful about how and what you buy, you’ll not only reduce waste but also build a wardrobe (and lifestyle) that reflects your values.

Best Practices Shopping Checklist

Before hitting “add to cart,” take a moment to reflect on the following:

1. Do I Need This Item?

The simplest and most important question. Are you buying this because you truly need it, or because it’s on sale or trendy?

Tip: Wait at least 24 hours before making a purchase. If you still feel it’s necessary, go for it. Most of the time you’ll probably find yourself glad you waited…

2. Will I Wear It at Least 30 Times?

The 30-wear rule encourages you to purchase items that you will wear often. If you can’t imagine wearing it multiple times, it might not be worth it.

Think about whether the piece is versatile enough to be styled with other things you own.

3. Is It Made from Sustainable Materials?

Look for organic fabrics, recycled fibers, or natural materials like organic cotton, linen, or Tencel. Avoid polyester and synthetic blends unless they’re made from recycled sources.

Check for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX® to ensure eco-friendly practices.

4. Is the Brand Transparent about Their Labor Practices and Environmental Impact?

Does the brand share where and how their products are made? Ethical brands often highlight their manufacturing process, worker conditions, and carbon footprint.

Look for brands committed to fair wages and labor transparency. If this information isn’t available, it’s worth reconsidering the purchase.

The Benefits of Shopping with a Purpose

Reduced Waste: When you buy only what you need, fewer items end up in landfills.

More Value: Investing in quality means you’ll spend less over time—fewer replacements and more durable items.

Less Stress: You’ll avoid clutter and buyer’s remorse by making thoughtful purchases.

Support for Ethical Brands: Your money becomes a tool for positive change when directed toward brands that align with your values.

Shopping with Purpose = Empowerment

Shopping with purpose is about taking back control over your consumption habits. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about aligning your purchases with what truly matters to you. The next time you’re tempted by a sale or an impulse buy, pause, and run through this checklist. Every intentional purchase is a small step toward a more sustainable future.

Let’s make shopping a conscious, empowering act—for ourselves, for the people who make our products, and for the planet.

Ready to start shopping smarter? Print this checklist or save it to your phone, and use it next time you’re considering a purchase.

After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, I became convinced that small, consistent changes can create massive transformations over time. The book emphasizes how tiny shifts in our daily routines compound into life-changing outcomes—so if one person can alter their course this way, imagine the impact we could have as a collective.

Recently, I came across a Reddit post dismissing small changes as a waste of time. It infuriated me—this kind of defeatist thinking is exactly why change feels impossible. But the truth is that collective efforts matter: every small action reduces waste, saves resources, and encourages better habits for others.

How Small Changes Work in Practice

1. Mindful Consumption Adds Up:

• Skipping impulse buys helps reduce textile waste and strengthens your financial well-being over time.
• Replacing fast fashion with secondhand clothing or sustainable brands cuts down CO₂ emissions.

Now imagine if all of us did this…

2. Environmental Impact in Numbers:

If 1 million people switched to reusable bags, it could eliminate billions of single-use plastic bags annually.

3. Inspire Others Through Small Acts:

Every small, positive change sets an example. When one person commits to sustainable habits, friends and family tend to follow.

Don’t Fall for the “All or Nothing” Mindset

It’s easy to believe that if you’re not doing everything perfectly, your efforts don’t matter. But change isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum. Start with small, actionable steps—like repairing clothes or opting for thrifted items—and you’ll see how these choices transform your habits and mindset.

From reducing waste to improving mental health, every little change matters in the bigger picture. Instead of listening to naysayers, start focusing on the small actions you can control—whether it’s skipping fast fashion purchases, choosing reusable items, or supporting local brands. Collectively, these choices add up to something powerful.

The truth is: It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

I’ll admit it: I was guilty of falling into the trap of consumerism and materialism. For years, I believed that new purchases equaled happiness, but the thrill was always short-lived. To save money and live more intentionally, I made a commitment to stop buying things I didn’t need. It wasn’t easy at first, but the benefits have been life-changing.

Repair Over Replace

Instead of tossing things out, I started repairing items to extend their lifespan—whether it was clothing, furniture, or appliances. This shift not only saved me money but also gave me a new sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining what I already owned.

How Quitting Shopping Changed My Life

1. Less Anxiety

I used to scroll through online stores or wander malls in search of the next “must-have” item, which only added to my stress. Now that I’ve stopped mindless shopping, my mind feels clearer, and my anxiety has eased. I no longer feel overwhelmed by endless choices. Finances used to be one of my biggest struggles, and now I save money quickly without even trying really. I always have extra money because I don’t buy crap, imagine that… lol.

2. A Sense of Responsibility

By using what I have, I feel more accountable for my impact. I’ve realized how much waste mindless shopping creates, and choosing not to contribute to that cycle makes me feel empowered. Starting to make and repair my own clothes also made me realize how much work actually goes into making one garment. It makes you question whether you should be supporting mass production at the scale it has come to. How are these companies pumping out the sheer amount of clothes we consume? It’s mind-blowing, really.

3. Making a Difference

It may seem like a small act, but every day without shopping makes me feel like I’m part of the solution, not the problem. I know that changing my habits is helping to reduce environmental waste and challenge materialism. Through being more mindful of my purchases, I often buy local or find an artisan online that is passionate about their work. I often get handmade letters with the things I buy now which is extremely fulfilling. I love supporting people that deserve it.

4. Less Urge to Shop Over Time

The more time that passes without buying anything beyond necessities and food, the less desire I have to shop. Breaking the habit rewired my brain to stop chasing short-term satisfaction and focus on what truly matters.

Final Thoughts: Finding Fulfillment Without Shopping

I’ve come to realize that happiness isn’t found in things—it’s found in experiences, relationships, and self-improvement. Quitting shopping has given me back time, energy, and peace of mind. Every small choice I make—whether it’s repairing an old item or saying no to unnecessary purchases—brings me closer to the life I want: one filled with meaning, not things.

Growing up, the anticipation of seasonal collections—fall, winter, spring, and summer—was one of the most exciting parts of fashion. Designers spent months creating thoughtful collections, and new pieces felt special and intentional. But today, that magic seems lost. Instead of seasonal releases, fast fashion brands churn out new collections daily, flooding stores and online shops with random items. It’s no longer about creating meaningful collections but rather about throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. The result? Clothes feel disposable—here today, irrelevant tomorrow.

Zara, one of the pioneers of fast fashion, can design, produce, and deliver a new garment to stores in as little as two weeks. This rapid turnaround time has set a new standard for the industry, with other brands like H&M and Forever 21 following suit.

This relentless pace isn’t just lame—it has made fashion less meaningful and more wasteful, leaving consumers overwhelmed with choices that lack value. What used to be about style and expression now feels like a race to keep up with fleeting trends. It’s time to slow down, appreciate thoughtful design, and bring back the joy of seasonal releases.

Overwhelming Production and Consumption

The speed of production has led to staggering numbers:

• The fashion industry now produces up to 100 billion garments annually.
• The fast fashion market is set to double since 2021 by the year 2027.
• Consumers purchase 60% more clothing items compared to 15 years ago, but keep them for only half as long.
• In the UK alone, 727.7 kilotonnes of textiles were sent for incineration or landfill in 2021.

Environmental Impact

This shift towards disposable fashion has severe environmental consequences:

• The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
• It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons to produce a pair of jeans.
• Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally.

The Loss of Craftsmanship and Meaning

The fast fashion model has not only impacted the environment but also the very essence of fashion:

• Designers now produce up to 18 collections per year, compared to the traditional two to four seasonal collections1.
• This rapid pace has led to a decline in garment quality and durability, with many fast fashion items designed to last only 10 washes2.

Where you can find this information:

Good On You – Fast Fashion’s Environmental Impact

Fast Fashion’s Environmental Impact: The True Price Of Trendiness

Environmental Innovations Initiative – Fast Fashion

Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact

1. Look Something I Made

This shop is out of Cleveland, Ohio, making bags of all kinds, many from recycled materials. You can find her on Instagram @threadsintimestore. She does customs too!

You can explore her shop at Look Something I Made on Etsy.

2. Primitive Tribal Craft

Not only are they passionate about conscious consumption, but they have some really interesting pieces. We could definitely see a mix of primitive with modern making a killer outfit… anyways. Check them out on Etsy here.

3. CARMELfs

Now to the other end of the spectrum, this one is for my modernists. The items are handmade, and we see a lot of creative design practices as we scroll through their products. Check out their shop here.

4. FollowMeFS

Similar style to CARMELfs, we are obsessed with the details and bending of typical designs. We see a lot of dark colors here that showcase the creativity of the design itself. To die for edge. Check out their products here.

5. LINELE Studio

A linen shop because everyone needs a good set of linen for summer months. Check it out here.

6. DIDRESS

Here we have Lithuanian fashion designer Diana Paukstyte showcasing iconic pieces we all could take a bite out of. From upgraded basics to supreme statement dresses, check it out here.

1. The Circle

The Circle is a global feminist organization founded by Annie Lennox, committed to advancing equality and safety for women and girls worldwide. It connects women and allies through advocacy, fundraising, and creative collaboration, fostering change by addressing issues like poverty, gender inequality, and worker rights. Notably, it runs initiatives such as the Living Wage for Garment Workers campaign and emergency appeals for women in crisis, including Afghanistan. The organization thrives on building community and using creativity as a tool for progress.

Learn more at The Circle.

2. Girls, Inc.

Girls Inc. is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy across over 350 cities in the U.S. and Canada. They provide programs that help girls develop leadership skills, promote health and education, and address real-life challenges. With a focus on ending inequity and discrimination, Girls Inc. ensures every girl has the tools to reach her full potential.

Learn more at Girls Inc..

3. CARE International

CARE is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting poverty, hunger, and social injustice, with a strong focus on women and girls. Operating in over 100 countries, CARE delivers emergency aid and long-term support to vulnerable communities, addressing issues like food security, education, health, and climate resilience. Their initiatives include empowering women through economic justice and providing essential relief during crises. CARE emphasizes local leadership and transparency, ensuring 90% of their funds go directly to program services.

Learn more at CARE.

4.The Fund for Global Human Rights

The Fund for Global Human Rights empowers frontline activists and grassroots organizations worldwide by providing financial and strategic support. Their work spans multiple regions and focuses on areas like women’s rights, labor rights, climate justice, and LGBTQ+ equality. With a commitment to local leadership, the Fund channels resources directly to those driving change, ensuring sustainable impact in vulnerable communities.

Learn more at The Fund for Global Human Rights.

5. Global Rights for Women

Global Rights for Women is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the human rights of women and girls through legal reform and advocacy. Their mission is to combat gender-based violence by partnering with governments, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups worldwide. They focus on institutional change, policy reform, and education, ensuring that women and girls live free from violence. Based in Minneapolis, the organization emphasizes collaboration with local and global leaders to build sustainable systems that protect and empower women.

Learn more at Global Rights for Women.