Intention Before Impulse- Simply Buying Less but Better

I have certainly been there, I have bought things that I have regretted, things that I really didn’t end up using much. You know the shirt you bought because it was on sale but it wasn’t quite right fit or the kitchen gadget that ended up being useless and cluttering your counter or drawer? Maybe some tech gadgets that become obsolete in no time? Or Maybe something even bigger like furniture? You know the cycle: first, you get the joy of purchasing something. Then, that fades, especially if it doesn’t add value to your life and in the end, you just end up with more clutter.

Break the cycle with intention before impulse– Simply buying less, but with better design, minimalism and zero waste principles.

Marketing

Everywhere you look these days we are bombarded with marketing. Interruption around every corner creating an artificial desire. Telling us what we want, need and that we need it now.

Impulse

Don’t think to just buy, “take me home today”, “buy now/pay later”, “Sale”, “limited time offer”. Avoid just acting on impulse.

Sure, there may be some pleasure in finding, buying, and using the purchases the first few times but more often than not this pleasure wears off, especially when bills come in. Often all we are left with is discontent, debt, environmental problems and clutter.

Intention

Consider being more intentional and holding off on impulse purchases. Not buying something can be one of the most sustainable choices you make. Wait a few days, some even recommend waiting longer. If you end up forgetting about it, you certainly don’t need it.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with buying stuff, but being intentional about it allows you to make a more rational decision. Making sure it adds value to your life, that you can afford it, that the planet can handle it, that it keeps clutter at bay and supports sustainable businesses.

Intention before impulse- simply buying less but better

Here’s how to consume less but better with the following design, minimalism and zero waste questions:

Design

• Does it solve a problem?
• Is it simple?
• Is it beautiful?
• Is it timeless design?
• Is it easy to use?
• Does it complement your style?
• Is it sustainable?

You might ask why is design part of the equation. I believe that waste is a design flaw and that you need beauty for sustainability. To truly care about an object you must like the way it works, looks and feels. Sustainability through fewer and better things.

“If it’s not beautiful, it’s not sustainable. Aesthetic attraction is not a superficial concern, it’s an environmental imperative. Beauty could save the planet”

Lance Hosey, the Shape of Green

Minimalism

• Do I need it?
• Will it add value to my life?
• Will it be fun, rewarding or be a more pleasant experience?
• Does it remove clutter in my life?
• Will it constantly need to be put away or organized or can it be on display?
• Will it be easy to move?

Zero Waste

• Do I already have one?
• Will it last a long time or will it become obsolete?
• How much waste will it create?
• What is the packaging?
• How much energy does it consume?
• What energy and resources were used for production?
• Is it repairable?
• How will it be disposed of at end of life?
• What are the working conditions at the manufacturing site?
• Where is it made?
• Can I find it locally?
• Can I buy it second hand?

Other considerations

• Do you believe in the company’s values?
• Does it give back?
• How much does it cost?
• Would you buy it at full price?

In the end

No one is expected to remember all of these questions or go through all of them for every purchase. Remember a few to start, overtime you will remember more and end up being a more intentional buyer.

If you can’t remember any in the heat of the moment, just hold off on the purchase.

While being an intentional buyer, you will end up with only the things you value. Things that are kinder to the planet.

You should even find it being kinder on your bank account in the long run.

Final thoughts

Challenge the status quo, be a critical thinker and make a difference by buying less, but better.

You could even say that in our consumerist society, every purchase is a vote for what you believe in.

Want to dive even deeper consider Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist statement:

“We don’t buy things with money; we buy them with hours from our life”

“When we begin to see our purchases through the lens of exchanging life, rather than dollar bills, we can better appreciate the weight of our purchases and understand their full cost”

Sustainability through Intention before impulse– simply buying less, but better.

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Pat