10 Questions I Ask Myself to Avoid Impulse Buying
As a former shopaholic turned conscious consumer, I’ve learned a few things in the past ten years of my journey.
Watching The True Cost back in 2015 was my first awakening into how icky consumerism can be and how all our purchases impact other people. This really caused me to shift my perspective.
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I didn’t want to buy fast fashion any more. I didn’t want to purchase junk. I wanted to be more intentional with my buying.
How to Stop Impulse Buying
These are a list of questions I ask myself before purchasing something.
What are the values this item is supporting? This encourages me to reflect on the values of the company I’m buying from. I try to prioritize
Is this ACTUALLY how I want to spend my money? Since becoming a conscious consumer, I’ve realized I would usually rather save my money towards experiences like travel and classes, instead of things.
Can I wait to buy this item? Giving yourself a few days to think on the purchase is always a menaingful way to reflect on it. So, much of modern day consumerism is fast paced and doesn’t want us to slow down and think. Often times if I give myself a few days, I will completely forget about the item which is a great sign that I didn’t need it.
Can I find a similar item that supports a local small business? Online shopping makes impulse buying easy! But trying to find the item from a local or small business can be meaningful and gives you time to really reflect on if the item is a good fit for you.
What materials is this item made with? This encourages me to think about the environmental impact
How often will I use this item? Think about your lifestyle and if the item makes sense. If it is a piece of clothing consider the cost per wear.
How long will this item last?
Do I already have an item similar to this? Typically when I’m shopping for clothing I’ll remember I already have a t-shirt similar. Consider what you already have at home before buying!
What happens to this product at the end of it’s lifecycle? Will the item end up in the landfill? Can it be rehomed or repurposed?
At this price point do you think the person who made this item was paid fairly?
I think the book Consumed can be a great resource for learning more and shifting your mindset.
Pin this list of questions for a reminder!
When I find myself impulse buying now, it’s usually at my local farmers market because I get excited about the fresh food and supporting local!
For me, it’s a much better feeling than arriving home with a bunch of cheap junk that didn’t align with my values.
More Resources on Conscious Consumerism:
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer and an expert in conscious consumerism. She has been in the ethical and sustainable living space for over ten years. Emily has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, finding locally grown food at the farmer’s market, & practicing slow living.
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