Having less stuff helps us stay more organised and zen, and consuming less allows us to save money or spend it on experiences instead. Consuming less has great benefits on the environment, and recent studies are also showing that buying less makes us happier.
The endless consumption wheel we’re all in is supposed to provide us with things we both need and want. It’s supposed to give us joy as well as help the economy. But this wheel often spins out of control for many as we buy things we don’t actually need or can afford. This excessive consumption is affecting the planet, as well as our wallets and minds.
Happier with less
Even though many of us may feel an immediate, short-term joy when buying something new, there is increasing evidence that consuming less makes us happier. And this goes for us who try to buy environmentally-friendly things too. A recent study by University of Arizona compared two groups of people, to monitor happiness and mental health. Both groups were trying to consider the environment: one by buying eco-friendly items and the other by buying less.
The study showed that those who bought less and instead started mending stuff they already own for example, had increased levels of happiness. One might think that those who were buying eco-friendly things may feel satisfied because they were buying things that are good for the environment but it didn’t actually seem that way. Which I would argue is an interesting point to consider in the ‘sustainable shopping’ debate.
To shop or not to shop?
Despite what many companies and brands will tell us, we won’t be able to shop ourselves out of the climate crisis. Even though we’re buying things that are supposedly green, eco or sustainable. Using what we have and making it last will always be the most sustainable option. And now we can fall back on research that shows that this is also a better option for our happiness.
I’ve done quite a few ‘no-shopping-months’ over the years but I have yet to try a full year of no shopping. Some argue it’s not for them as they enjoy the shopping and shopping only second hand for example is a good sustainable option. But I also hear of those who really enjoy a no-shopping year.
Not shopping for a year of course has financial benefits but maybe there is also a psychological benefit? Maybe I should give it a go for the happiness reason? What are your thoughts? Have buying less or nothing for a period of time made you happier?
