Do you find yourself accumulating random things?

Are you interested in starting a no/low-buy and don't know where to start?

The 5 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, refuse) can help you begin your journey to reduce your overconsumption.

You don’t need a lot of stuff! Capitalism has tricked our brains into thinking we want more than we need. 

The rise of 2-day shipping and even same-day shipping enables this mentality.

Manufacturing and shipping stuff is terrible for the environment. It generates more waste and releases dangerous greenhouse gasses.

The Story of Stuff shows how the life cycle of our stuff, from production to disposal, needs a transformation:

You can be part of this transformation with the 5 Rs!

Reducing the stuff you buy saves money and reduces clutter! Think hard about your next purchase.

Examples:

• Impulse buys at the check out line

• Sales and discounted items

• Retail "therapy"

Tips:

• Leave the item in your online cart for 24 hours or more before you make the purchase

• Start a list of want and needs

• Track your spending, seeing what you spend the most money on is an eye opening experience

• Reflect on your purchases (did you need it or did you want it?)

Reusing what you currently have reduces the need to buy more stuff because you already have what you need! Reusing items also saves money and diverts trash from landfills!

• Wash glass jars and you can re-use them to store leftovers or sauces

• Dryer sheets can be used more than once and be just as effective

• Reusable bags reduce plastic and can even get you a discount at certain stores

• Wash and reuse plastic takeout containers for storage or food

• Upcycle old furniture

Items such as cardboard, newspaper, plastic containers, aluminum cans, and glass bottles can be recycled.

If you live in California, for example, you can also bring your cans and glass beverage containers to a local recycling center for CRV redemption ("California Redemption Value" — a payment of a few cents that you get per recycled item). CalRecycle provides a list of items that qualify for CRV redemption and a list of local recycling centers.

Certain stores also offer discounts if you bring your electronics or appliances for recycling or trade-in:

• Walmart

• Staples

• Best Buy

Companies don't want you to repair your stuff because they want control over what you buy. Here's how they prevent you from fixing your tech products yourself:

Despite what companies say, the right to fix things is important. Fix your item instead of buying a new item. Doing so also saves a lot of money!

iFixit is a community of people who show you how to fix everything from alarm clocks to TVs.

If you don't want to fix it yourself, you can take your electronics to local repair shops.

Say no to buying more stuff! This is a mental shift that requires time, persistence, and determination. Start small and celebrate the small changes you make.

Examples of items to refuse:

• Single-use plastics (plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic utensils)

• Disposable cups

• Free promotional items (makeup samples, pens, keychains)

Tips:

• Start a low-buy or even a no-buy for a specific category like clothing or home goods

• Start slowly at 1 month and then work your way up to 1 year if you can!

Lucia Gonzalez Schuett, a former fast-fashion industry professional, decided to try a no-buy year. Watch Lucia explain her experience for some inspiration!