Some simple tips:
1. When you are making buying decisions challenge yourself with questions like:
Am I being excessively influenced by advertising, or peer pressure, or demanding children?
Is it the best choice for what I need?
If I buy it, where will it go and do I have to get rid of something else?
Could I rebirth something that I already own? (such as re-covering a sofa or restoring timber furniture)
2. And, ultimately, do I really need it?
3. Make sure to use our discussion rooms to share your stories on reducing consumption and also to learn from what others are doing. This is a rich area in which women can help each other.
NOTE: Measuring CO2 savings across our daily consumption habits with all of the products and services in our lives is notoriously difficult. 1 Million Women has assigned a 'campaign carbon value' of 200kg a year for one person for this very important activity, based on a conservative interpretation of our research into the carbon savings that consumers can make simply by moderating their buying. If you take responsibility for leading this activity for more people in your household, we add on 100kg a year for each extra person.
Why is it important?
Over-consumption and waste in our throwaway society are placing an intolerable strain on the planet’s natural resources and environment, with climate change a major symptom of the problem.
Wherever we can replace 'stuff' with 'experiences', and physical goods with 'virtual' ones, the more CO2 we'll be saving.