Want to be more environmentally friendly but can’t stop shopping? Do it more mindfully with these simple tips.

We all want to play our part in protecting the planet, however we live in a world designed for consumption. Whether it's the constant lure of fast-changing fashion trends or the convenience of online shopping, resisting is tough. Embracing a zero-waste, carbon-neutral lifestyle is so very commendable, but for most of us, it's hard to go from 100 to 0 overnight. What we can do though is be more mindful of the choices we make whilst shopping. Here are 13 tips on how to do just that.

1. Track your carbon footprint

We often associate the term "carbon footprint" with countries or large corporations, but each of us has one too. A carbon footprint calculator can reveal surprising insights. By inputting details like your flights, grocery habits, or clothing purchases, it breaks down your CO2 output. It’s a simple way to visualize the environmental impact of your daily choices. Doing this regularly, (say once a month) helps you to track your progress and set realistic goals to reduce your carbon footprint. 

2. Think long-term, not fast solutions

When you need (or want) something, ordering something quickly and cheaply is the easy option. However, you try and think beyond immediate gratification. Consider the lifespan of the item you're buying. Ask yourself: How long will this last me? Spending more on high-quality, durable goods that last longer, often results in fewer replacements, saving both money and resources over time. Top tip: always look for items with a warranty. This isn’t just a security for your money, it likely means the item is made with high-quality materials, and the manufacturers trust it to last. 

3. Buy locally

It’s not just about supporting small businesses; another benefit of shopping locally is that these goods won’t have travelled across the world to get to you. The fewer miles travelled, means fewer emissions and they likely won’t need as much packaging to protect them.  

4. Check the energy label

Some of our essential household items can be serious energy suckers. So, when shopping for appliances, lighting, or electronics, always look for the Energy Star or energy efficiency label. These labels indicate how much energy the product consumes. Choosing energy-efficient products reduces your household energy usage, saving both money and resources over time. 

5. Buy things that can be repaired

Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item can be repaired and if it can’t – can you opt for a version that could? Lots of brands these days offer buyback or repair services. For example, Uniqlo has introduced the Uniqlo studio where they offer a menu of repairs and the opportunity to hand in your clothes for upcycling or embroidery. Patagonia encourages at-home repairs too, giving detailed instructions on how to fix items on their website. Learning basic repair skills, such as sewing or fixing small appliances, can extend the life of products you already own. 

6. Choose drop-off deliveries

Whilst walking or cycling to your local shop is always the best option, sometimes online shopping is unavoidable. However, one study found that 53% of the cost of shipping is down to the last-mile delivery (to your home). So, if you do shop online, look for websites that offer delivery to drop-off points or parcel lockers instead of delivering straight to your door.

7. Rent over buying

Whilst investing in a high-quality, long-term winter coat is a great idea, some products aren’t worth the investment. Think of that formal outfit for a wedding or the tool you need for a one-off DIY project - if you’re only going to use it once or twice, why not just rent or borrow it? Fashion rental services like Rent the Runway or My Wardrobe HQ let you borrow clothing for a fraction of the environmental cost of purchasing a new item. Apps like Streetbank or Peerby also provide a platform for neighbours to share useful household items (and more!). 

8. Look into the company

Before you buy from a brand, research it. Are they transparent about their supply chain? Do they commit to more sustainable practices? Look for certifications like Fair Trade or B CorpTM. Brands that share information about their sourcing, labour practices, and environmental impact are often more committed to sustainability efforts. 

9. Materials matter

Before purchasing, research what your items are made of. Natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, and linen, or materials like recycled polyester and upcycled plastic, often have a lower environmental impact than synthetic, non-biodegradable materials. Avoid fabrics like nylon or acrylic, which are petroleum-based and can contribute to microplastic pollution. 

10. Shop second-hand

Before you go to buy something brand-new, research whether you could get it second-hand. From furniture to footwear, many second-hand platforms like eBay and ThredUp, now also offer image search features that make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for. Simply take a screenshot of what you’re after and they will show you second-hand alternatives.

11. Digital alternatives

As nice as it is to leaf through the pages of a paper book or pop on a brand-new vinyl record, digital alternatives do save on materials. Audiobooks are a great way to indulge in the world of literature on-the-go and apps like Readly digitise all the current magazines and newspapers.  

12. Prioritise multipurpose products

Before buying, think about what uses the product has. Before buying an SPF and a moisturiser, can you buy one product that does both? Think also about the packaging too. Look for products that can be refilled, or that have the potential for upcycling after its initial use.  

13. Opt for minimal packaging

According to a study by WRAP 40% of plastic waste in Europe comes from food packaging. Another study found this plastic packaging doesn't even increase the shelf life. In fact, it often encourages you to buy more than you need, which can lead to food waste. Bringing your own bags to local grocery markets or doing your food shop at places like Zero Waste Bulk Food (who use reusable packaging) is a great alternative. For non-food items, look for brands that use recycled or compostable materials in their packaging, or even better, those that have moved to zero-waste packaging solutions.  

The key takeaway? Think before you shop. With a bit of research, you can create new shopping habits that will serve you better in the long-term.