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In Germany, we tend to consume in excess. Many of us have cupboards full of things that we rarely or never use. These bad purchases not only put a strain on our wallets, but also on the environment. In this article, you will learn why we tend to make bad purchases and which consumption tips can help you shop more consciously.
Why do we tend to make bad purchases?
Our consumer behavior has changed drastically in recent years. In Germany, we buy an average of 60 new items of clothing per person each year, of which one in five items of clothing is hardly ever worn.
The constant availability of products, tempting advertising and the social pressure to always be up to date often lead us to shop impulsively. The thought that we "need" something can tempt us to buy things that we ultimately do not use. This pressure to consume is often linked to what is known as a "buying trap": we feel overwhelmed by the multitude of offers and make decisions that we later regret. Products that we once felt were necessary quickly lose their appeal and the original thought of buying fades into the background.
Many of these purchases end up unused in our closets, which not only takes up space but also wastes resources - be it through transport, production or mining of materials. In addition, our emotional state and current trends often influence our purchasing decisions and make us believe that more possessions lead to more satisfaction. Ultimately, this often ends in a collection of things that do not really enrich us and instead burden us.
Consumer tip: Conscious shopping as a solution
To avoid bad purchases, a more conscious approach to consumption is required. Here are some consumption tips that can help you:
Set priorities and make a list
Before you go shopping, make a list of the things you really need. Set priorities and stick to the list to avoid impulse purchases. This simple step can be amazingly effective in reducing bad purchases. Think not only about what you need now, but also what will fit into your wardrobe or household in the long term. A clear plan helps you keep track of things and prevents you from buying unnecessary things that you will rarely use later.
Think first, then buy
Before you buy something, ask yourself whether you really need it. Think about how often you will use it and whether it is just a short-term impulse. Don't buy it straight away, but rather stroll through the store or close the page in the online shop and reflect on your decision. It often turns out that many things seem tempting in the moment, but offer little practical use. Take your time and ask yourself whether the object will actually enrich your everyday life or your wardrobe. If you are still excited after a few hours, you can still buy it. However, the impulse to buy can often be put into perspective with peace and a little distance.
follow the consumption pyramid
The consumption pyramid is an excellent guide to help you shop more consciously and avoid making bad purchases. It illustrates the hierarchy of consumption decisions and focuses on the sustainable use of existing resources.
At the base of the pyramid is "reuse": instead of buying new things straight away, we should use existing items for as long as possible, make repairs and maintain our possessions. Above reuse is the option of swapping, which acts as an environmentally friendly alternative. The next step in the pyramid is buying second-hand products. This way we can buy high-quality items that have already been used and thus minimize resource consumption. Last but not least is buying new products, although the consumption pyramid makes it clear that this should be the last option. This clear structure allows us to make informed decisions and make our consumption sustainable.
The consumption pyramid reminds us that purchasing new goods should be the last option in order to minimize environmental impact and avoid bad purchases. This clear structure helps us to make conscious decisions and put our own consumption on a sustainable basis.
quality over quantity
Instead of buying lots of cheap items, invest in high-quality products that last longer. Even if the price seems higher at first glance, you will save money in the long run and reduce the number of unnecessary purchases. High-quality products are not only characterized by their durability, but also by better materials and better workmanship. This means that they are less susceptible to wear and tear or damage and you have to buy replacements less often. In addition, many more expensive brands often offer greater functionality and better comfort, which justifies the extra cost.
By going for quality, you're not only doing your wallet a favor in the long run, but also the environment, as you'll consume less frequently and therefore produce less waste. It can also help refine your style, as high-quality, timeless pieces are often more versatile and can be easily incorporated into different outfits. In many cases, buying fewer, better products turns out to be a better investment that you'll enjoy much more in the long run.
Reflect on your habits
Take time regularly to reflect on your consumption habits. Look in your cupboards and think about what things you have actually used in the last few months.
Reflection is an essential step on the way to more conscious consumer behavior. By regularly questioning and rethinking your habits, you can minimize bad purchases and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Look for patterns and trends in your purchasing behavior. Do you tend to buy certain types of products impulsively? Are you susceptible to seasonal trends that are quickly forgotten? Identifying such patterns helps you make more targeted decisions.
Capsule Wardrobe: Conscious selection of clothing items
A capsule wardrobe requires a careful selection of items of clothing that can be combined in many different ways. This conscious selection avoids buying individual items that only go with certain outfits and are rarely used in everyday life.
Since a capsule wardrobe aims to get by with a limited number of items, it not only reduces bad purchases, but also impulse purchases. The clear structure and fixed quantities prevent you from being carried away by bargains or short-lived trends .
Better understanding of your own needs
When you build a capsule wardrobe, you take a closer look at your own style and individual needs. This leads to a better understanding of which items of clothing are actually needed and which are the result of impulsive purchasing decisions.
The process begins with a thorough analysis of your existing clothing, checking which items are worn regularly and which often remain unnoticed in the closet. This reflection helps you to develop a clearer picture of your own style and define your wardrobe requirements. It also makes you aware of which colors, cuts and materials suit you best, which is beneficial not only for your choice of clothing but also for everyday life.
Another advantage is that the capsule wardrobe focuses on versatile and timeless pieces that can be combined well and thus enable a variety of outfits. This thoughtful approach not only reduces the number of items of clothing, but also ensures that every purchase is a well-considered decision that really suits your personal style and lifestyle. This not only makes the closet more functional, but also more sustainable because impulse purchases are avoided and you are less susceptible to the fast pace of fashion.
Find out your color type for a targeted selection
Knowing your color type will help you make more informed decisions when choosing clothes. Knowing which colors flatter you greatly reduces the likelihood of making bad purchases. Some people look best in warm tones like earth tones or warm reds, while others look better in cooler tones like blue or silver.
By incorporating "figuring out your color type" into the capsule wardrobe process, you ensure that each piece of clothing not only matches your style, but also flatters your personal color palette . This approach helps ensure that each piece of your wardrobe is chosen consciously, thus avoiding bad purchases.
