7 tips for more sustainable consumer behaviour

There are many ways to behave more conscientiously and sustainably as a consumer. Sharing platforms or swap meets offer you the chance to trade goods instead of buying them. Secondhand offers are becoming more and more popular. High-quality, durable goods also have a better carbon footprint. So it can be quite simple to establish more conscientious consumer behaviour.

1. Shopping consciously

Many products that are still in good working order, as well as fully functional electric appliances, end up as rubbish, and get replaced by new ones.

→ Before your next purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need it? Will it make me happier?

2. Sharing instead of buying

The worldwide demand for clothing has increased significantly. Sales have nearly doubled over the last 15 years. On average, a person in Germany buys 60 new pieces of clothing per year – 40 percent of which are never worn.

→ Try sharing, swapping or renting. Whether it's dinner jackets or wedding dresses, inflatable dinghies or stand-up paddleboards, climbing gear or an angle grinder - there are great opportunities on sharing platforms, and not just for clothes.

3. Secondhand instead of new

The range of second-hand goods is huge and offers a real alternative to buying new - across all product groups. This is not only easy on the wallet, but also on the environment. The image shows your CO₂ savings through the purchase of secondhand products.

→ Have a rummage in second-hand shops or flea markets. Goodie: Since second-hand clothes have already been washed several times, they are not only cheaper to buy, but also less harmful to health than new ones.

4. Natural or plastic?

Many textile products such as curtains, carpets or clothes are now made of polyester synthetic fibres. High-quality processed fibres made of recycled plastic do have a very good environmental footprint. Nevertheless, they can still have a negative effect on waterways due to microplastics.

→ Pay attention to quality, wash gently and try to keep the material mix as low as possible because bonded material can only be reused to a limited degree. Natural materials, like wool or down, offer a good alternative.

5. Quality lasts longer

More than 50 percent of CO₂ emissions are influenced by how long you use a product. This applies to clothes as well as coffee machines, exercise bikes, tablets or bikes.

→ Quality is worth it. Whenever possible buy timeless classics; high-quality products that you can use for longer. Over the long term, this is better for the environment and more economical.

6. Buy regional

Imported products carry an «invisible burden» of previously emitted greenhouse gases with them, which occur during production and transport.

→ Go for regional products. These may be more expensive, but they are usually more durable and often better for the environment.

7. Repair instead of throwing away

If something breaks, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy a new one. Many manufacturers and specialised shops have an affordable repair service. Plus, mobile phone doctors and repair cafés are becoming more and more common.

→ Join in the fun! The new motto is:
"Reduce, repair, recycle".