1. Fast fashion

In the last few years, I’ve become so comfortable with the patterns, colours and clothing styles that look good on me that walking into a mainstream fashion store brings back old emotions of feeling like I’m wearing the wrong thing.

It’s a confronting feeling, but regardless of how good the marketing is, I just need to remind myself that I know what works for me. Now I only splurge on items that I know will compliment my style, and that I’ll get good wear out of.

2. Giveaway incentives

If you want a free Clinique make-up bag, come to my house. In fact, open up the bathroom cabinet of any woman, and I guarantee you there will be some sort of giveaway products lurking in there!

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy opening up all the mini products that came free with my latest purchase, but truthfully, I usually only like a few of the items. I also have all the toiletries bags a girl could ever need.

So now when I see a tempting giveaway? I look the other way.

3. Holiday gifts

Every holiday, I used to spend a decent chunk of time looking for gifts for family and friends. Granted, overseas travel was once a luxury, but as travel has become more accessible, buying gifts has become less necessary.

Plus, I personally don’t want the responsibility of feeling like I have to love an item chosen for me by someone else, and I don’t expect my friends and family to necessarily want what I choose for them either.

4. Impulse buys

“It was an impulse buy” is no longer part of my vocabulary. If I find myself in a store looking at something I want, I very gently tell myself that if I still want it next week, and it is within my budget I can come back – or get it online.

And if the gentle self-talk doesn’t work? I have the sales assistant write down the product details so I can call back and order over the phone – that normally gets me safely out of the store impulse-purchase free.

5. Specialty beauty products

I used to love a hand scrub, foot scrub, sea salt hair spray, cuticle oil – you name it, I loved it. I would wander through Priceline (or if I was feeling fancy, David Jones) to check out all the new products.

Honestly though? Once I got that product home, 90% of the time I would be forcing myself to finish it, impatiently waiting for the old one to run out so I could try something new.

Not anymore. I know what works for me, I support the brands I love, and I use less.

6. Plastic-wrapped snacks

Pizza shapes, Tim-Tams, chewing gum, bubble tea, choc-tops, Zooper Doopers… in my world, these items are classified as non-essential.

And because they are wrapped in plastic, I have given them up.

Luckily there are heaps of great plastic-free alternatives. Blocks of Lindt chocolate and Messina ice cream are a couple of my favourites.

Be mindful of everything you bring into your home

7. Sale Items

A wise man (my Dad) once told me that everything is always on sale. And you know what? He’s almost right. There are so many cyber sales and flash sales these days, not to mention apps you can use to track when your favourite products are discounted.

To avoid temptation I actively stop myself from doing the “sale browse”, or sale “pop in”. This technique saves me money and lowers my consumption of products that I probably don’t really need.

8. Magazine subscriptions

I used to have VOGUE Australia delivered to my door every month, and while I often devoured them cover to cover, I occasionally found myself with a backlog of issues I couldn’t get through.

The joy turned into a chore as I struggled to find time in my weekend to sit down and soak in the pages – I couldn’t give the ritual the time it deserved.

Now, I freely allow myself to buy a magazine when I feel the urge and linger over the pages taking all the time I need.

9. Samples

I’m not sure how marketers converted small plastic packets of products we have never used before into a win for the consumer – but they did. They’re bad for the environment and add very little value to life. So I say no. Even when Mecca, Sephora or any other major retailer tries to ‘reward’ me, I say no.

Don’t reward me for spending money, I know this is positive reinforcement – I can choose what I need thank you very much!

10. Books

Apart from one online purchase over lockdown, I can’t remember the last time I bought a book. Sharing and borrowing books has become somewhat of the norm for me.

I also love my trips to the library and the additional space I have in my home. The only books I would ever buy are ones I want to write notes in or treat like a friend.

Want more? Learn what is the difference is between the KonMari Method & Minimalism?

How much commission do they take?

Again that depends on the store, yet most will take a fee plus a percentage of the item’s price. Hence the more expensive the item, the more willing they will likely be to take it.

What types of clothes do consignment stores take?

What they accept varies greatly from store to store. Some opt for high end (think Gucci and Escada) while some only take certain brands, and others vintage only.

Do I get to choose the price?

No – the store will set the price. If you don’t like what they’ve offered, say no. There should be no pressure to sell your piece for less than you would be happy with, and the store should understand this. It is perfectly acceptable to say; “I was hoping for a little more, I would prefer to keep it”.

How many items will I need to sell?

While not a blanket rule, many stores will only consider selling your clothes in batches. You will need to be willing to sell about four pieces at a minimum.

Could my pieces be rejected?

Yes – be prepared to be turned away. Just because you love your items and think they are sellable doesn’t mean they are for that store. Consignment buyers know what they’re looking for; the season, stock levels, what they know is selling well, and how much they can make from an item all factor in.

What’s the guarantee that they will sell?

There is no guarantee. Just because your item was accepted does not mean it will sell, so be ready with a back-up plan if it doesn’t.

My six top tips for selling in consignment stores

1. Recycle religiously

While reducing and reusing is better, recycling is still important. Up to 96% of Australian kerbside recycling is made into new products. However, in Australia large volumes of recycled materials still end up in landfill due to contamination. This is also the primary reason China stopped accepting our recycling exports. So be sure to wash out any remaining food and always pop jars, cans, bottles and paper in the recycle bin loose, never in a plastic bag.

Still not sure how to recycle? Read up on Planet Ark’s Golden Recycling Rules.

2. Close the blinds in summer and rug up in winter

Heating and cooling accounts for 40% of household energy use, making it the largest energy user in the average Australian home. If you own your home, investing in efficient reverse cycle air conditioners, double glazing and shade protection is ideal. If structural changes are not an option, make sure you do your part by closing the blinds in summer and throwing on an extra blanket in winter. As nice as it might be to sleep under a doona with the air conditioner on full blast, this habit is doing the environment no favours.

As a bonus, you’ll probably save a load of money on your energy bill too.

Throw on an extra blanket

3. Switch out old appliances and whitegoods

Home appliances account for almost half of household greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrading aged appliances to newer energy efficient ones can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. That thirty-year-old freezer in the shed running for occasional use is likely doing more harm than good.

But remember, use your good judgement. The size of an appliance will have an impact on its energy usage. Just because a cinema-sized TV has a five star rating, does not make it more efficient than the smaller one you have now.

4. Eat less meat and dairy

You may have heard that meat production is bad for the environment, but how bad? Well, animals raised for meat require large lots of land to grow their feed, fertilizers to make the feed grow rapidly and room to graze. This need for land and resources makes meat production the largest driver of Amazon deforestation, accounting for 80% of clearing. In fact, one third of the Earth’s surface is used for meat, and emissions related to meat production are almost double those for fruit, veg and legumes.

Adopting a ‘Meatless Monday’, or becoming a sustainable vegetarian or flexitarian will make your home and lifestyle much more sustainable.

For more meat-emissions data visit Our World In Data.

Adopting a vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyle

5. Buy mindfully

Choosing products we love makes good sense. Take time to consider your purchases and only buy what lights you up or will improve your life in some way. When we buy something without thought we disrespect the resources and labour used to make it. We also tend to take better care of the things we love, and in turn they last longer and we need less. This may mean opting for higher quality products which might cost a few extra dollars upfront, but long term it will save you money.

6. Buy secondhand

Making the most of secondhand marketplaces like Gumtree or Facebook, or joining events like the Garage Sale Trail are ideal ways to freshen up your home without bolstering your carbon footprint. Unlike pre-loved clothing, with homewares you know exactly what you’re getting, making the whole process quick and easy. I recently bought a lovely white platter to brighten up my dinner table, and a set of nesting tables for my lounge room – both items pre-loved and gorgeous.

So there you have it, six ways you can boost your home’s sustainability. For more sustainability ideas visit our blog, How To Do Plastic Free July During A Pandemic.

If you are ready to take the next step?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Right now human use natural resources far outweigh what can be produced. In some areas, we are living outside what scientists call our Planetary Boundaries; the border of Earth’s ability to create a safe living space. It is often said that the civilization of today is stealing resources from future ones.

Sure COVID-19 has dampened environmental impacts resulting from declines in economic activity, but as highlighted in this month’s Sustainable Development Report, COVID-19 does not resolve the climate and biodiversity crises and is gravely amplifying income inequalities.

The ‘throw-away’ mentality is an old pattern. The Department of Health has recommended the general public use cloth masks over the single-use surgical, going as far as to provide a make-your-own template.

The key post-COVID business and community objective must be to restore economic activity without simply restoring old patterns of environmental degradation.

The answer is simple;

For every plastic glove, disposable wipe and single-use mask ask yourself is there an alternative? Can it be sanitised and reused? Can I stay inside and go without?

The health of our planet is in every way intertwined with our health. Let’s not forget about it. #choosetoreuse

Belong with Home Sanctuary and sign up to our newsletter.

1. Opt for cans

Have you noticed the slow but steady transition from aluminium cans to plastic packaging over the last 10 years? You can now buy tuna in a plastic tub for example, and most pet food is sold in plastic sachets. Yet aluminium continues to be the most valuable recycled material and remains in high demand. That is why last year, I vowed to opt for a can wherever possible. It’s an easy and worthwhile switch.

aluminium vs plastic

TIP: always opt can!

2. Get takeaway pizza

A night without cooking and doing dishes is a luxury, and you definitely deserve it on occasion, but hopefully not always at the expense of the earth. A simple way to reduce plastic, or even go plastic-free, is to opt for take-out that comes in recyclable or compostable packaging. Pizza in boxes, paper-wrapped burgers and old-fashioned fish and chips are the perfect way to enjoy a restaurant meal without bumping up your plastic consumption. 

In fact, in recent months, many cafes have started serving meals in cardboard containers for this exact reason. It’s so important that we support these businesses – they deserve our patronage. Just make sure you say no to plastic cutlery!

3. Say no to sauce in a sachet

Repeat after me: ‘No sauce thanks’. Those three little words will do wonders to reduce your plastic consumption. But sushi tastes boring without soy sauce I hear you say? I agree! Try one of these tricks: buy a little glass bottle of soy for your desk drawer or car, or (my personal favourite), use the bottle they keep at the counter before you leave.

No sauce thanks!

The same rule applies for a bakery pie. If your bakery only has plastic packets of sauce, politely explain that you are trying to reduce your plastic consumption. You never know, they might be very understanding and think it’s a great idea. Consumers set the standards, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

4. Carry a reusable bag at all times

Supermarkets around the world have made a positive step in no longer offering plastic carry bags for free, however, retail stores are yet to join the party. Most retailers will provide a branded bag that fits within their local state plastic bag ban regulations, meaning it is made of heavier grade plastic. Let’s not fool ourselves though, these are still plastic bags and should be avoided if you can.

Simply carry a reusable bag every time you go out and say no to a bag at every chemist, shoe store, clothing or electronics store you enter. Check out my absolute favourite brand BYO BAG.

5. Skip the lid

Sadly, reusable cups are no longer accepted in most cafes at the moment, making it near impossible to enjoy a latte without single-use plastic. 

However there are things you can do to reduce plastic during COVID-19 without giving up your morning latte.

• Limit your coffee intake. If you are a three-cups-a-day person, pull back to two. Curbing your coffee addiction by a single cup per day can save thousands of cups from landfill.

• Skip the lid. When you really think about it, plastic coffee cup lids are not always necessary. Unless you’re jumping straight into the car, juggling five kids and a pram, or planning to sprint home, a lid is not required. #Skipthelid and save the plastic.

• Invest in a coffee machine. This option may sound a little extreme, but the purchase of an AeroPress, french press or espresso maker is a great idea, especially now. I am using my AeroPress now more than ever, and I purchase beans from my local cafes to maintain my support. 

6. Boycott the ziplock

You might have noticed that many food producers have added a ziplock to their packaging. Rice, nuts, biscuits and frozen berries can all be bought in an ‘improved’ ziplock bag to ‘maintain freshness’. The way I see it though, is ziplock = more plastic. Boycott the ziplock and opt for an alternative with an old-fashioned low-grade plastic bag and seal it with a clip at home. 

Plus, most organisers encourage decanting these days, why would you buy a ziplock bag to empty into a jar when you get home? You wouldn’t. And of course, where you can, buy food in bulk and avoid plastic altogether.

So there you have it, six easy ways to limit your plastic, pandemic or otherwise.

Ready to take the next step and make your home more sustainable? 

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

YOU CAN reduce your carbon footprint and support organisations doing good by making simple positive changes to the way buy.  PLUS every positive change you make can motivate others to do the same!

Social Psychologists say seeing change in others makes people think that change is possible for themselves.

One change can lead to multiple! 

So let’s start now.

Here are simple steps to buy less and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Know what sparks joy for you.

Everywhere we turn there someone is trying to sell us something to fix a problem we didn’t know we had. Last year Facebook made $16.6 billion through adds. Targeted advertising algorithms are improved daily. If you don’t know what products make you happy, google will tell you.

A strong understanding of what you feel good wearing, and what products work for your lifestyle, helps to keep you true to yourself; not to be swayed by advertising. Get clear on your values, stay honest and say no to anything that doesn’t align to that.

2. Understand when you are being sold to.

We are creatures of comfort, and wonderful at convincing ourselves (and others) that we are desperately in need of more. A new contraption to make life easier, (because it was so hard before). A new product to make us prettier, smarter, stronger or more efficient. Everything from study journals to lightweight socks are marketed to us; with clever advertising telling us that what we have now is not good enough.

Before purchasing the latest technology or the newest model, ask yourself, do I truly need this or am I being sold a need that I don’t have?

3. Cultivate self awareness.

Why are you buying; Is it emotive? A result of social pressures? Are you lacking something?

Marketing experts tell us that younger consumers make purchasing decisions based on emotions more frequently than more mature consumers do. But that doesn’t mean as we get older we become immune to emotive purchasing. Neuroscientists emphasize that emotions play a central role in our decision-making-progress.

Being honest with ourselves and connecting to our true needs can help slow the consumption cycle.

To quote The Minimalists, “if you need nice things to impress your friends, you need new friends”.

4. Become a concious consumer.

A conscious consumer has been defined as “someone who considers the social, environmental, ecological, and political impact of their buycott (when you buy) and boycott (when you decide not to buy) actions”. In other words, a conscious consumer makes decisions based on what is good for the world and for themselves.

Start to become a conscious consumer by considering the resources used and the lifecycle of every product you purchase.

For example:

• How long will it last? Is the product quality or will it break and end up in landfill?
• Can it be recycled? (I always choose tin over plastic in the supermarket)
• Can it be repaired? If it breaks can I buy a replacement part?
• Does it have multiple uses? 
• Were the resources sourced ethically?
• Did the manufactures consider environmental impact? Or use responsible techniques? (ie, no animal testing, no palm oil, recyclable packaging and ethical supply chain)
• Will this purchase benefit others? (Hello Social Enterprises!)

Just by following these simple steps, and sharing with your community will help lower your carbon footprint and start to slow the crisis of climate change.

Ready to take the next step and make your home more sustainable?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Carry a cup, water, take-away cutlery & reusable bag (especially when you fly)

Investing in a cute back-pack to fit my take-away cup, water bottle and cutlery was the BEST decision I made for our New York City holiday. Over the three week vacation, I saved 50+ disposable cups from landfill. 

Bonus points for showing off your enviro skills to flight attendants. Not once has my reusable cup been rejected on a  flight, in fact Qantas and JetStar staff encourage it. The only thing better than a glass of wine at 30,000 ft is an ecofriendly one.

(P.S. did you know Air New Zealand is trialling an ediable cup?)

2. Sit down to eat where you can

Making the time to sit and eat is a great way to limit waste. HOWEVER increasingly cafes are serving up meals in disposable dinnerware. Seek alternative cafes and support those who are doing the right thing. Plus if they can’t wash a mug I wouldn’t trust them to make a good coffee.

3. Think like a local

“Tourist traps” are hot spots for disposable products. Take Times Square for example; a must-see for any visitor, but I can guarantee anything purchased within a four block radius will be gift wrapped. Even the nearby convenience stallsstock pre-cut fruit over an apple. When setting out to enjoy a tourist location, think like a local. Don’t leave hungry, take snacks, carry water and turn on that “we don’t need nik naks” mindset.

4. Use public transport

Shared services are and #ecotravellers best friend. The London tube, the NYC Subway, the Parisian Metro are all superior solutions to a taxi. Don’t stop there; jump on a city bike, an uber pool, even brave an Indian rickshaw.  Your carbon footprint will thank you for it.

5. Don’t open the hotel toiletries

Sure you paid top dollar for this room, but does the environment need to pay as well? Skip the mini soap and travel with your own. By the end of the week, you will have likely saved ½ kg of waste from landfill. Go you!

Plus…you never use them at home, I declutter hotel toiletries with clients ALLLLLL the time.

6. Seek out the businesses doing good

There are 1000 of local and international businesses doing amazing things for our planet.

For us, New York was a social enterprise tour. Browsing Brooklyn’s racks of recycled-clothing; admiring Patagonia’s repair floor; supporting cafes giving back to the Aussie Fire Disaster, trying alternative milk and vegan meat. Support those doing good

Trying “impossable meat” at Bareburger

visit bareburger.com

7. Fight the buying urge

Window displays look extra sparkly on vacation and our buying temptation runs high. Before the vacation discuss with your travelling companions what you would like to buy. 

If I had a penny for every decluttered “Bali” outfit!

Before the vacation discuss with your travelling companions what you would like to buy. And before each purchase ask yourself (your true self not your holiday excited self) will this item bring joy in my normal life; ie “will this large pineapple embedded cane hat still spark joy in Melbourne”…maybe not. 

8. Be present

Travelling is a luxury. In the Western world, it is easy to skim over the remarkable feats accomplished to get us to these remote or not-so remote areas. The resources, skills and investments made to enable us to explore our precious planet are immense. Presence and gratitude will go a long way.

9. Ditch air travel

While all the above are great, the best thing you can do to reduce your travel footprint is to fly less. Choose a choose a holiday locally or endulge in a stay-cation. For motivation read the New York Times piece, Flying Is Bad for the Planet. You Can Help Make It Better. Flying less is my goal.

For more sustainable ideas check out our blog on Selling Secondhand Clothes and Secret Santa Sustainable.

Sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

I am no expert in turning down a christmas gift, I still receive the occasional holiday present and feel pressured to buy gifts for friends and family but I am getting better at speaking my truth.

Here are a few ideas I have used and will keep on using to reduce my consumption over the holidays.

1. Be honest about not wanting gifts.

“Oh we don’t need anything for Christmas” can easily come off as a nicety that is meant to be ignored. If you really would prefer no gifts try explaining your feelings. Something along the lines of;

 “We have made a conscious effort to keep our home decluttered and calm this year, hence there is no need to buy us physical gifts. It would mean a lot to me if we could skip the presents this year.” 

2. Back it up with logical reasoning.

During your honest conversation, written or verbal, try to share some logical reasons why no gifts is your true preference this year, i.e.:

I (we) have worked hard to reduce the clutter in our home to make it simpler to live in so I want to keep it that way

We want to help our kids learn the true meaning of Christmas and family time by taking the focus off the presents

I have a sustainable footprint goal and less gifts will really help me reach it

I don’t want to feel the pressure to reciprocate

3. Offer alternatives for gift-givers.

Telling a gift-giver not to hand over a present during the holidays might be the wrong thing to do, especially if it is their way of expressing love.

A great way to help gift-givers feel as though they can still show their love and appreciation is to offer an alternative. Suggest locking in a lunch or evening togther, a homemade meal or a restaurant booking; giving the opportunity to create memory-gifts.

Suggest an evening together.

If they still want something to wrap, suggest a homemade gift, edible or otherwise. Ask for a card, a handwritten letter of a memory or sentiment. You could even request a photo that can be added to a fridge for young children to remember and learn family members through faces not gifts.

Suggest a homemade gift, edible or otherwise.

5. Have the conversation early.

Many people like to get their Christmas shopping “out of the way”. Many gift-givers will have started thinking of present ideas already. To avoid the awkward “I’ve already got you something” response it is important to have the conversation with those people early.

And if none of that works at least you have given it your best shot and maybe next year they will be more responsive.

Learn how to make your office Secret Santa Sustainable this year.

For decluttering tips, visit our blog on Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays.

Where To Sell

Online

Online stores like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are the sale path of least resistance. Everyone is allowed to sell online and your audience is far-reaching. Just make sure you have quality photos and lots of detail

Consignment Stores

Consignment stores like SWOP Clothing Exchange, the Recycle Boutique and The Closet are following the lead of America’s Buffalo Exchange, making the resale of unique and quality items easy.

Take your clothes to these locations, and they will purchase from you (if saleable) for a % of what they can sell it for; or sell on your behalf.

Host A Stall

Hosting a stall at a pre-loved fashion market is not only a great way to sell clothes, it’s a really fun day out. For a fee, businesses like Round She Goes and Hunter Markets will set you up with a beautiful space and round-up hungry shoppers…all you need to do is turn up and start selling. Last month I held a stall at Hunter Markets and I had an absolute ball. I met lots of lovely like-minded sustainable fashion folks.

Garage Sale Trail

Every October, 40,000 Australia’s sell their pre-loved belongings via the Garage Sale Trail, and clothes sell really well. Some communities host collective sale locations in Town Halls or Community Centres, others set up on the nature strip. This amazing initiative is a fun hassle-free way to give your clothes a second life and meet your neighbours!

Visit GarageSale and find out what’s happening in your community.

Garage Sale Trail, the easist way to host a sale

How To Sell Secondhand Clothes

Garage Sale Trail, putting secondhand first

Don’t Forget Your Street Smarts

Prepare for your sale and learn How To Declutter Your Wardrobe

1. Fewer gifts can actually equal more

Think quality gifts rather than cheap stocking fillers. Consider pooling funds with others to buy a bigger item you just know someone will love. Avoid plastic toys if you can – there are some gorgeous alternatives that little people will love (and they’ll probably last longer).

2. Don’t give presents!

Yep, we said it! Shock horror, but it really can be done. If you’d prefer a gentler version of this, take inspiration from our recent post on Sustainable Secret Santa and do Thriftmas, with the rule that all gifts are to be second-hand, repurposed, or handmade.

3. Don’t wrap

Or, if you don’t quite want to give your gifts completely naked, use brown paper, recycled paper or reused paper from last year. Don’t forget to keep any wrapping paper your receive to reuse next year, and that goes for cards too – these can be cut in half and used for gift tags.

4. Get into the kitchen

There are so many lovely possibilities for edible gifts, whether it’s cookies, jam, rocky road (we love Easy Homemade Christmas Muesli which is a breeze to make) or something as simple as homemade vanilla sugar. Short on time? Support small businesses by sourcing some locally made treats.

5. Reduce your food waste

Australians throw away a whopping  4,000,000 tons of food each year. You wouldn’t want to contribute to this at any time of the year, so why do so at Christmas? Plan your festive catering carefully, and eat mindfully, cooking only for the number of people you know you have to dine. Still ended up making too much? Luckily, Christmas leftovers are the best kind of leftovers.

Want more holiday ideas?

Learn how to  Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays. Or check out out interview with Broadsheet on How To Spring Clean Your House.