The 7 R's (and how they'll change your life)

How many times have you bought something because it was "on sale" or because it was too cute to resist? Yeah, us too. There's even a whole psychology behind our consumerism. But let's be real: we all know that half of it ends up forgotten in the back of your closet or stuffed under your bed.

Refusing to buy things you don't need is step one in living a more sustainable life. The next time you're about to click "add to cart," ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" Because truth be told: you probably don't. Opt for quality over quantity, and if you're unsure, walk away. Opt for window shopping only. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you.

Living sustainably involves being smart with what you already have. Think about it: a backpack bought for school can later in life be transformed to your (vintage) weekend getaway bag. A plain jar doesn't have to be just a jar; it could be a plant pot or even a quirky pencil holder. So, let's quit the one-item-for-one-use mentality. The more multifunctional the better. A good rule of thumb: If it can serve at least two purposes, it's a keeper.

It's like the old, wise saying: "If it ain't broken, it ain't ready to be thrown away!" (Okay, maybe we just made that up.) But seriously, reusing things you already own is one of the easiest ways to save both cash and the planet.

That empty wine bottle that you bought because it looked pretty? It's a candlestick! That coffee mug from your last road trip? It's your loyal companion now. Keep reusing and you'll be shocked at how much you can cut down on waste - and how little you actually need to buy. Bonus: the longer you keep your items, the more memories attach to it.

We all know that feeling: your favorite jacket gets a hole, and you think, "It's done for, I guess I'll toss it." But what if you didn't? What if you found a cool patch or did a quick (visible mending) stitch job? Or what if you took it to a professional repair shop and kept your beloved jacket for years to come? Repairing things may feel like a chore, but it's a superpower. Don't let those broken shoes collect dust. Fix them!

You can even already anticipate future repairs by purchasing (if you must) from brands that offer repair services, such as Patagonia and Nudie Jeans.

So you've got something that's not quite right anymore. Maybe that vintage lamp has a cracked shade or that old computer is running slower than a dial-up connection. If you lack skills to refurbish it yourself, instead of letting it gather dust in your closet, sell it to a refurbisher! These folks are basically sustainability superheroes who can breathe new life into your old stuff. Your broken tech could be refurbished into something like-new and sold again.

Is your old washing machine done for? Think again! If you've got the skills (or just a ton of YouTube tutorials), why not remanufacture your own products? The drum of a broken washing machine makes a perfect fire pit for cosy campfire nights. Or maybe you turn those old shelves into a chic new coffee table, or you rebuild a desk from old wooden planks. If you're not feeling the DIY life, you can always sell your items to someone who will give them new life. It's a beautiful, sustainable circle.

This is where you let your imagination run wild. We're talking about repurposing anything and everything. That old snowboard in your garage? How about turning it into a cool bench for your entryway? Those jeans you never wear? Now they're a trendy, upcycled bag! The glass peanut butter jar that's collecting dust? It's a drinking glass, a candle holder, or even a chic storage container. A thrifter we recently spoke to even turned an ottoman into a nook for her cat. And let's not forget the classic tin can - perfect for a DIY planter. Repurposing isn't just sustainable; it's an art form.

Okay, okay. We're not saying you should never recycle - but don't use it as an excuse to buy disposable junk. Recycling should be your last line of defense, when something truly can't be reused or repurposed. And when you do recycle, do it right. Separate your waste and make sure your items are clean and ready for their next life. Earth is depending on you!

So, there you have it. The 7 R's in action. By following these simple steps, you'll not only become a sustainability champ, but you'll also get more creative with the things you already own. Who knew saving the planet could be this fun? Go forth and R-ify your life!