Uncovering Overconsumption – & Ways To Avoid It

Do you have a package arriving at your door every week, or find yourself constantly picking up something new every time you enter a shop? If this resonates with you, you might be a victim of overconsumption, but don’t fear, we have all fallen into that trap at some point in time.

Overconsumption is the excessive buying of things like clothes or products that we don’t really need. It can have incredibly harmful effects on the environment as more often than not we throw out the majority of the things we buy.

With the rise of TikTok shop, Instagram ads and fast fashion shops launching hundreds of new styles every week, we are constantly being fed new items. As more influencers are popping up on our screens posting new looks and discount codes, we fall into the mindset that we must buy these things to stay relevant and on top of the trends.

We have created a belief that it’s okay to buy new things all the time without really thinking if we are actually going to use them. If you think of your wardrobe or beauty drawer right now, how many of those things do you reach for on a daily basis? If you’re like me and really have to think about it, it might be time for an overconsumption detox – and if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips and tricks to ease that buying itch that will be beneficial for your bank account and the environment.

@zoeantonia_ I know its a huge privilege to have the means to buy things or to even question this lifestyle, yet its so pressuring and draining to keep up with it all. I dont know how to navigate it anymore #overconsumption #consumerism #pressure #consume #world #simplelife #consumerismculture ♬ original sound – Zoe Antonia

Mindful shopping

One way to cut back on the over-buying is trying mindful shopping. This means that when you see something you like, instead of instantly adding it to your cart, take a few moments to think if you really need it. Ask yourself, will this go with other things in my wardrobe? Do I have something similar already? Will you pick it up time and time again? This will help you reduce the amount you are buying and help you shop more sustainably.

Wait before you buy

Similar to mindful shopping, waiting before you buy allows you to really think about the things you are buying. For example, if you see a top, you really like, challenge yourself to not buy it instantly but wait a few hours and see how much you think about it. If you find yourself going back to the top in your head and piecing together outfit ideas, then you can go back and buy it. More time than not, you will find that you forget about the product the minute you walk away from it. This way you can cut the spending and save space in your closet for things you need!

Secondhand shopping

Shopping secondhand has been a trend for a few years now and for good reasons. Buying things second hand means you are giving clothes a second, third or even fourth chance at a new life, and helps cut back on the disastrous effects of fast fashion. With a charity shop in nearly every town, and platforms like Vinted and Depop growing in popularity, there is no excuse for not trying out the secondhand ways. With many benefits comings with secondhand shopping, one that intrigues us the most is the fact you can find some absolute gems. From stunning designer bags, shoes and unique finds that no fast fashion shop could ever have!

Hit that unfollow button

With more influencers showcasing new styles, it’s hard not to buy everything they advertise. When we see them wearing and promoting these things, we feel the need to buy them to try and keep up with the trends only for them to end up gathering dust in a drawer. The best way to overcome this is to simply unfollow creators that we find are constantly posting new looks with discount codes. In a world full of FOMO, it might be hard at first to not have a feed with outfit ideas and must have looks, but over time we will forget about them and find it does help cut back on our buying.

No spend weeks

This next tip is definitely a challenge, but well worth it. Set out one week in the month that you are only allowed to spend money on the essentials. Having even this one week will allow you to evaluate the things that you really need in life and will cut back on excessive buying. Partaking in the challenge means you can really have a good look through and think about the items that will add to your life and what you will use time and time again!