How to: reduce, reuse and recycle more than just ‘rubbish’

With Christmas fading away behind us, you’ve probably found that you have more things than you possibly could know what to do with and a lot less money – not the most festive of outcomes! That is why I propose that this is the perfect time to learn how to reduce our commercial waste in this crippling time of overconsumption and consumerism.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the frenzy of consumables – I know that I was certainly tempted myself by a blind box collectible a couple of times. The very marketing of capitalism preys on our susceptibility to ephemerality and our desire to possess things that we deem valuable and rare (or as rare as a “limited edition” plastic figurine can really be); we find ourselves forgetting just where value actually lies.

Even receiving something that was designed with you in mind, whether it’s a physical token or even just the little ‘this made me think of you’, exceeds any other feeling

I know for a fact that the gifts that I put my time, effort and energy into creating – curating personalised scrapbooks, gift boxes on a budget, or homemade crafts – have always given me a far better, arguably more genuinely appreciative response than a simple store-bought gift ever has. Even receiving something that was designed with you in mind, whether it’s a physical token or even just the little ‘this made me think of you’, exceeds any other feeling. When you feel like someone knows you and cares about you to the point of remembering little things about yourself that you forget, you feel truly loved and seen.

So, with the supposed triviality of crafts out of the way – I promise they are just as cool and chic as all of the capitalistic-driven products that you’re buying – how do we do our part to not fall prey to the consumerist culture that contributes to what seems to be a never-ending cycle of rubbish production?

A simple way for us to combat this is through fashion (and yes, that includes re-wearing clothes!). Fast fashion is probably one of the worst culprits for the mass waste that these companies create. With fashion constantly evolving, it feels impossible to keep up. However, it’s important that we don’t get sucked into this habit of buying new pieces to keep up with each and every trend. There are many more viable options for us to choose from. Learning to wear whatever you want, whether it’s trendy or not, is a strong mentality to have. Circular fashion is a very real thing, and everything you buy and throw out will undoubtedly be back ‘in’ within ten years (or even sooner, given our generation’s shrinking attention span).

Donate your old CDs, your books, those childhood toys—give a friend your old eyeshadow palette if you won’t use it

Secondly, be thrifty. Search charity shops or second-hand selling sites like Vinted or Depop for your next fashion find. Not only is this a fantastic way to shop sustainably, but it is beautifully cheap as well. The bargains I have found through perusing charity shops are insane. Third, if you’re crafty (and even if you’re not), try upcycling some of your old clothes! Revamp those boring necklines, sew on some scrap fabric stars to make that plain, boring top pop. You will be guaranteed compliments and extra gushing when people realise you ‘made’ it yourself!

Remember that trend on TikTok? The one about using your old makeup products before you buy any more? That’s the mentality you need to have when it comes to consumable products such as fashion, makeup, and trinkets – use and re-use what you have. If you don’t want to, or genuinely can’t, reduce the pile of waste that continues to grow. Sell those clothes or give them to charity shops. Donate your old CDs, your books, and those childhood toys. Give a friend your old eyeshadow palette if you won’t use it. Or, for those who are especially crafty and artistic, you can take a stab at creating your own paint from old makeup!

Essentially, it is essential to channel your inner eco warrior. Remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything. The next time you feel compelled to just throw something in the bin, take a minute and realise just how you could adapt it yourself. Upcycle those old jeans, sew that hole in your favourite top (YouTube is a wonderful place full of many specific tutorials), use that makeup that’s been sitting in your drawer unopened for months, donate old stuff, and gift some sentimental, non-wasteful things for the next celebration.