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The world around us is expanding faster than ever before. Increased access to technology has enabled us to carry out and complete several jobs at the same time, and in some cases, within a short amount of time. Exposure to knowledge has risen tremendously, and we can learn more about any issue in a fraction of a minute by just ‘googling’ it. The topics range from industry knowledge to sports and entertainment, politics, money, celebrities, science, space, academics, cuisine, eating, shopping, and many more. Dedicated apps are available and being produced on a daily basis to meet the diverse needs of our lifestyle.
Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down after for 10 years.
Warren Buffet
E-commerce has shown to have a big impact on our lives among several digitally-enabled sophisticated platforms. We were able to buy things from any place while sitting on the couch in our living room. We can place an order online and acquire our preferred product(s) within days using simple navigation through an e-commerce platform. During a pandemic, social distance was critical. This is also beneficial for folks who have limited free time and mobility, are ill, or are elderly. However, quick access to a gateway that opens up a myriad of choices and alternatives has caused us to focus on discretionary purchases rather than critical ones. Access to intriguing shopping malls, discount sales, and supermarket aisles also encourage us to make a purchase without considering the necessity of doing so. Such sales channels, together with a significant increase in our material consumption, have given rise to the phenomena of “impulse buying.”
Impulsive shopping reflects our failure to evaluate the need for the products we acquire. Through embedded AI technology, e-commerce portals are also user-friendly and offer options based on our previous browsing or purchasing history. Numerous options make it difficult to make a decision, and tempting price offers make it much harder. Therefore, every time we start placing an order for a necessity, we wind up adding a few more that are totally arbitrary choices. Many times, the temptation is also created simply because a friend buys or promotes it. Celebrities have a part to play in this since they frequently use their endorsements to sway the blindly following common people to make impulsive purchases.
Such irrational purchases not only leave a financial dent, but they also cause that product to be less used or never used upon receipt because it was not purchased with a specific purpose in mind. It may eventually be discarded, adding to the global waste burden.
‘Don’t medicate stress and fatigue with impulse buying. A shopping spree will set you back even more.
Dave Ramsey
Anything done in haste and irresponsibly has its own set of consequences, which most often harm our way of life. It is now up to us to consider our consumption-to-waste ratio and act ethically toward our environment.
Organizations like TIWIW advocate for mindful consumerism with the goal of leaving a better planet for future generations. As a result, this blog is dedicated to sharing our tips on how to reduce and/or eliminate impulse purchases.
1. Make a purchase plan / shopping list
The most prudent step we can take before making any purchase is to determine whether we truly require it. It is recommended to create a daily/weekly/monthly purchase plan and budget that contains the following checkboxes.
- Determine whether you truly require the product
- If so, how will it bring value to your life – a fundamental necessity or a product you and your family desire?
- Do you have anything at home that could be used in place of this product?
By simply asking yourself five simple questions, you can assess how significant that purchase is to you and thus make a better-educated decision.
2. Set a definite spend budget
Our wallets suffer as a result of impulse purchases, which are frequently more expensive than basic necessities. Set a monthly financial goal for yourself and track your progress. If you end up saving money at the end of the month, keep it separate so you can add it to your savings account month after month. This amount can come in handy if you are in need due to an unexpected financial crisis, or you can use it at the end of the year to purchase an essential household item, such as a refrigerator to replace an old, malfunctioning one, or a computer for personal use.
3. Create a Grocery List
Making a set grocery list is another restrictive action you could take. Make a list of only the things you use and need at home and stick to it when shopping. Avoid going to vulnerable aisles and only enter shops when necessary. Before you leave, arrange your kitchen so that opened supplies are at the front. This way, you can reduce your waste production and have sustainable practices at home. Carry cloth bags with you when you go shopping to reduce waste. When shopping online, avoid clicking on pop-up offers and instead concentrate on what you started with.
4. Avoid temptation
This is especially important when shopping online or going on a window-shopping spree. If you are vulnerable, avoid visiting such sites or shops. If you find yourself doing so, remind yourself of the disadvantages of impulse purchases. If you still can’t stop yourself, convince yourself to come back the next day. Buying some time for yourself will help you avoid making the purchase entirely. Sometimes we buy things just to look good in front of others, whether it’s our personal appearance or our lifestyle perception that we want to flaunt. Think twice about your values and motivations, whether it is your inability to resist temptation or your desire to manage perceptions.
Take a deep breath, quiet your mind, and get moving.
5. Use Social Media wisely
Nowadays, social media is used by influencers who work with brands in paid partnerships to create content that is appealing to us. The trap becomes even deeper if the influencer is someone we follow and admire. Please keep in mind that these influencers and brands make money while you lose yours by blindly following them. Use social media wisely for the sole purpose of socializing with your connections and contributing to the betterment of society.
To summarise, being mindful of impulse purchases can result in numerous personal benefits such as financial gains and the ability to achieve emotional self-control. Beyond that, there is a larger reason for being mindful of our consumption. It is an ideal and effective way for responsible citizens to give back to the environment and our planet while also contributing to the betterment of society.
Thank you for joining hands with TIWIW to be a change agent for sustainable living.
What do you think?