How To Save Money and Be Ethical
Something I’ve noticed since adapting a more ethical lifestyle is how much more money I have, now it’s not a coincidence that I am spending less now than before, there’s a lot of things I’m doing differently.
One thing I changed in my new lifestyle is how I thought about clothes. Previously I would be in H&M and New Look every time there was a sale on, I would end up spending a lot more than planned because you think “Ah £5 for a shirt!?” but when you pick up 5 of those shirts that’s already £25 down the drain on some pretty average items you probably didn’t need and won’t wear half as much as you hope you will.
Since taking on my new ethical lifestyle, one thing I looked into it is the treatment of those making your dirt cheap clothes. It wasn’t something I felt I could support anymore therefore I took the steps to change my fashion habits.
One thing you can do to stop spending so much money on clothes is to stop filling your mind with them in the first place. Stop browsing needlessly when bored, find a hobby or something else to do to occupy your mind, once you stop thinking about clothes it’s so much easier to stop spending money on them.
If there is an item of clothing you think you desperately need then make a note of it and look for it in Charity shops first, if things look similar then try them on! You might like it more than the original item. If you can’t find what you want in the Charity shops then your next step should be to search for it (or something similar) on sites like Depop and Ebay, there’s nearly always going to be someone selling what you want cheaper on these sites.
Honestly though, a lot of the time we do forget about these items that we think we so desperately need, by not buying on impulse we let ourselves truly decide if its a necessity of not and therefore we don’t waste our money on needlessness.
If you follow these simple steps you WILL find yourself saving more money and being more conscious about the world and the effect the fashion industry has on it.
Stay ethical x
28 Comments
Amber
Great post! I’m trying to improve on this! I’ve never actually tryed looking for clothes in a charity shop so need to give that ago😊
https://letsgotravel.blog
The Ethical Evolution
You really should, they’re such good places to find clothes you’d never think of enjoying! You need to look in all sizes and rails though x
harrietday98
I love charity shops, you can get some unique pieces for such a small price. Can’t beat them!
http://www.harrietday.com
The Ethical Evolution
Exactly! They’re great! x
Terri
I’m terrible for browsing when I’m bored, I really need to stop. Great Post!
Terri x
http://www.territalks.co.uk
The Ethical Evolution
It’s a hard habit to kick but once you do you feel so refreshed with a cleaner mind x
Sabah Hussain
Great post! I find myself picking up more when I see something on sale but then I end up spending a lot more on stuff I don’t really need. Definitely need to fix this!
Thanks for sharing.
Sabah || http://www.womanishaffairs.org
The Ethical Evolution
It’s easily done but it’s such a waste of money and damaging to the environment 🙁 x
Fiona
I buy the majority of my clothes from charity shops. I love going for a good rummage, it saves me money and I’m supporting those in need.
The Ethical Evolution
They are honestly so good, I don’t know why more people don’t use them! x
Dalal Tahira
I genuinely need to start thrifting and browsing charity shops more often. I’ve stopped buying as much from fast fashion brands as I used to so I’m making improvements- I try to only buy items that I’ll get wear out of…if not, I’ll leave it.
Dalal // monochromedaisies.blogspot.com
The Ethical Evolution
Sounds like you’re making good steps! Well done!x
jodiedcmitchell
I’ve recently gotten SO good at saving money, I went four months without pay and that definitely makes you realise what you’re spending haha! Fab post x
The Ethical Evolution
Woah go you! That’s incredible! Spending less certainly does open your eyes x
PixieOX
Love this post I would constantly search the internet browsing for clothes and shoes and now I’ve cut down I will only buy if I need something or if I’m going out for a special occasion not because I just want them for the sake of having it. Pixie x http://www.pixieox.co
The Ethical Evolution
Good progress! When you stop buying needlessly you realise how much waste you make by doing so previously! I buy everything second hand now unless it’s something like a hiking bag in which case I’d look for a decent one second hand first but if I couldn’t find one there are plenty of ethical and sustainable brands online I’d buy one new from x
Penny
This is great. It is so hard to pick up ethically made items at a reasonable price. I think as a society we are so disposable and not just with clothes. I never thought of looking in charity shops first, and I do go in them. Really good idea. You’re right about another thing too – mindless browsing. I’m guilty of that but need to pick up books and read them instead.
The Ethical Evolution
Yes, we are so used to fast fashion prices but they come with such a price behind the scenes. This is why charity shopping is the best and most affordable option when shopping ethically, always look for second hand first and only buy long term use items like coats and bags new if you have to!x
Eleanor
I have a new found love for depop and I literally am in love! There are so many good accounts on there that sell amazing pieces and what’s it’s gone it’s gone for good so you don’t keep waiting for it to come back in stock etc. (Well that’s how I see it anyways) x
Eleanorclaudie.com
The Ethical Evolution
Yes I LOVE Depop, I love that it’s targeted to our generation unlike Ebay as well x
bbbryony
this was such an interesting read, really liked this post! the jumper you’re wearing in the pictures is super pretty too x
The Ethical Evolution
Thank you so much! & It’s a tee I got from the charity shop that day haha ❤ x
Nadine Adele
I’ve started going to charity shops! Some of the stuff is amazing in there!
One girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure! X
The Ethical Evolution
Yep! I love that you never know what you might find x
Tooting Hustle
Charity shops have such good finds these days! It’s great that you can get a little back from helping great causes!
If you’re interested in Charity shopping, I’ve just written a review on Octavia Foundation, Tooting. Have a read and spread the word on the good work that they do: tootinghustle.wordpress.com
Happy blogging x
The Ethical Evolution
They are great! Thanks!😊x
Sam
Great post Lizz. Some of my favourite clothes are charity shop finds x
The Ethical Evolution
Me too!x