Can a No Buy Challenge Change the Way You Shop? | Episode 22 | Sustain This Podcast

[@AkA-sw7rl]

I just love how compassionately and attentively you guys seem to really listen to each other. That‘s the kind of friends you wish for. Meaningful conversation with depth and also fun to be around 🎉 Love it.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

aw thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! ❤

[@harperfamilylife2500]

I find so much value from this podcast! you are all great, but omg to have @HannahLouisePoston on this topic with you all as a guest speaker would be very interesting.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

We love suggestions! Thank you for sharing!

[@shelleyschultz8337]

Loneliness, boredom and influencers are my shopping triggers. Unsubscribing and doing volunteer work are my antidotes. And the nice bonus of volunteering is that helping others makes me feel way better about myself compared to any shopping trip. Plus, the socialization at my volunteer organization has curbed loneliness and boredom. Win, win ,win!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for sharing! xx

[@sandramaki7819]

At what point do we have enough clothes? Focusing on the word enough a good reminder that I don’t need to buy anything. It is interesting because it sounds like we are constantly looking for something, even though we really don’t need anything. Clothes are very emotional and the “search” for something new ultimately becomes a search for who we are. I think a podcast about when do we have enough clothes would be interesting…. Love your podcasts! ❤❤❤

[@yayak6799]

I’ve been on a no buy this year. Since January 1st. It’s now September 28th. This is the MOST difficult thing I’ve ever been through. And I’ve been through a lot. Like, a lot. The difference is, those things were out of my control and this no buy is in my control. That’s what makes this difficult. It began as a competition for perfection with myself. It has evolved into compassion and self love. Honestly I feel to extend it another 6 months. I thought about that today. Before I even watched this video. I just feel so good, so comfortable with myself. I feel I don’t need anything. I feel no lack. I won’t be hard on myself if I do buy something, but, as of right now, I have zero desire too. And I’m proud of myself for that. The love I’ve found for myself this year has been tremendous. 🖤 I wish everyone could experience the feeling of loving what you have, just once. It will change your life. 🖤

[@Martina-qu9vc]

I have already done two no-buy-challenges for each 3 months, more or less succsessfully. For me the game changer to buy nothing or at least less (also for the future) were two things: first, when you have a well organized wardrobe that you really love (so do I, which was a process of some years...) each new peace you add would result in having less opportunities to wear your "old" peaces. So for me it's actually so that I often feel sad that I don't wear all my great cloths I have often enough (because maybe the season ends, the weather doesn't fit or whatever). If I added more peaces, this would struggle me even more to wear all I have during a season. So if you really appriciate your own cloths, you will not have the wish to buy any more! Second, not buying cloths any more does not mean not to be interested in fashion any more! I love to watch other people in the street, I also like to walk through some of my favorite stores or to visite my few favorite brands online. But for me it has become more like a hobby. I'm really interested in fashion and love to see what's new ecc., but I don't have to own all these things any more, I just love to see them. That's a completely change of mindset! Sounds strange but try it out! Sorry for the long post...

[@tjp7342]

What I love most about this series is how each of you approaches the conversation from a slightly different angle - and then you respond to each other with empathy and compassion. I think that translates to your listeners/viewers, who might relate more or less to one perspective over another.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you so much for this! xx

[@colourstreetukraine]

“No buy” and “low buy” can be viewed as a tool to create long lasting habits- and it’s ok to slip up and make mistakes, as long as we know why we’re doing this challenge, and seeing the long term goal helps too. This challenge can mean different things for differed people. I love how many aspects of this challenge you talk about, i.e. loneliness, emotional buying, influencers, reduced consumption, getting to know yourself better, awareness and mindfulness, habits building.. Nice podcast. Thank you

[@laurie3753]

Listened to the podcast on Tuesday and today I was at the mall for the first time in almost 3 months. I come across this beautiful cerulean blue Everlane dress and it was reduced to $89.95 CDN. It was just perfect for me but after admiring it in the mirror for a minutes, I was hmmm maybe I’ll think about this more. I get home 1/2 hour later and here I have this gorgeous cerulean blue dress in my closet I thrifted 10 years ago for $7, I’ve worn it at least a dozen times- timeless style and looks so good on me. Then I thought of the podcast, the no buy discussion and the thrill of a new piece. Thank you for making these topics 100% relevant to how we move thru consciousness and consideration ❤

[@aileenspinney7619]

Loneliness is huge , it is definitely one of my triggers.which makes me sad.but also grateful that I can recognize it.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Being aware of our triggers and behaviours is so important, thank you for sharing!

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

I was on board with little spurts of low buy, tweaking, tiny improvements, until I heard Hannah Louise Posten on TFD. It seared me. She said her no buy year REWIRED her BRAIN. Her whole shopping self transformed. She became a different person in relation to shopping. I see freedom in that that really appeals to me. Dopamine is the common denominator. Thank you all for the roles you’ve played in our growth and insight and happiness.

[@cristinaph]

I am so enjoying this podcast, I’ve been listening for days now! Ladies, please don’t feel sorry for speaking “too lengthily” (at least in your mind you think so). I think we women are always like this, and I have been guilty of the same. The truth is, all of the unique thoughts, perspectives and experiences you share are so valuable, and such a joy to listen to. By all means, feel free to share away - we are here for it! ❤💐 Thank you for this wonderful podcast!

[@mjb7507]

I love to shop! I can afford to shop, but I spend way too much on clothes and shoes. I started a low buy beginning in 2023. I did very well for 7 months! I cut out all online shopping and avoided clothing stores. I only bought a few things that were needed or replacements. Then my birth month of August arrived, and I went crazy. I’ve bought so many things since then that I feel guilty. Still, I.’m proud of the 7 months I did manage to shop less, because I’ve never done that before.

[@kathrynp7595]

I find that finding other ways to spend my time makes me focus on that and I’m not thinking about shopping. I decided to write a fiction book and that consumes my time greatly. I usually wear yoga pants and a sweater so I don’t need any more clothes. I also have decided to stay off social media and unsubscribe ( other than your channels ! ) from people that trigger me to buy. 👍🏼

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Love to hear this :) Thank you for sharing!

[@catherinehuynh7068]

I just tried a no buy for the first time in September and I loved it bc it allowed me to realize my thoughts when I shop and for the first time be able to feel like I can control my spending and actually recognize whether or not I really wanted something. Thank you for having this channel! I am just admitting that I have a shopping addiction, but it’s nice to hear a lot of your shopping tactics or non-shopping tactics, and turn to my own closet to shop as I don’t have much room anymore to buy anymore clothing items.

[@Pigeon-44]

Love you 3 so much! I love how authentic you all are, and even though you are role models for intentional spending you still each have triggers and still have to work at being intentional. That is refreshing and inspiring, to realize struggling with the emotions and triggers of shopping is natural. Love the amazing insight and tips for how to spend with intent while still enjoying the whole process. Keep up the great work and keep the wonderful podcasts coming!

[@33Jenesis]

I went on a binge since last November, buying clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, bedding, holiday decorations, art supplies, craft supplies, and gourmet food. I only managed to stop because the rows with my mother (who lives with me) and running out of excuses to buy more. Overall i’d say I spent over $4k. It’s been 2 weeks since I last bought something. I’d say shopping is a form of creativity for me. I’d think about what i could do with this and that and how they’d fit in with my existing wardrobe or craft room. The dopamine hit is definitely there. Since i stoped buying, I have been actually doing something with my hands. I try not to get too obsessed, just enough every day. This seems to help with ocd and excess mental energy. Writing down what i do and what i spend everyday is another way to remind myself that small things everyday over time equals to habit and sense of accomplishment (finished embroidery and paintings and $ saved for example).

[@moniqueparent2816]

I love the collective honesty with your triggers. I fall into the perfectionist category and also justify buying while on holiday as a reward which is ridiculous considering that traveling is such a luxury. I will try a low buy/second hand first before a no buy. I am much more impulsive if I've had a glass of wine.😬 Thanks again for a stellar podcast.

[@marvawiebe4364]

I'm so thankful for all three of you. I am gradually unfollowing influencers who are constantly marketing new clothing that I really don't need, but start thinking I do. It is so nice to listen to sensible and thoughtful young women who are not trying to sell me anything. Great video!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for watching! xx

[@angelamelum4304]

This is a really helpful topic. I tried to track my wardrobe for a year. I only got about 9 months in and stopped. I really feel it caused me to buy more not less. After I stopped iI feel like I started buying less. I watched a video where they mentioned the French Ten or something like that. It was how you buy 5 new pieces at the beginning of the seasons; 5 for spring/summer and 5 for fall/winter for a total of 10 for the year. As I have focused on that I feel like I shop way less and become very intentional in my shopping.

[@traceyjennings4361]

I started a no fashion buy year 11 days ago. My reason is I impulse buy or buy as emotional release. I lost weight and replaced all my bottoms and purchased a lot. So I want to explore the versatility of what I have, do some alterations on some pieces that are too big. I am excited and watching sewing videos to attempt simple alterations. I have successfully done 3 months of no buys several times. If I feel like I am missing something I will keep it in notes in my phone and reevaluate after the year is over. You are all so inspiring.

[@JoeThornton-i7z]

I love the thank before I buy. That was my moms idea she went shopping. Donna from Tx. .

[@rebeccabelflower7767]

Listening to you three helps me, not buy, what I don’t really need. Thank you.😂

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

we love to hear it! xx

[@beatrijsvanrijckevorsel8178]

Love the honest! It is quite a vulnerable topic, and yet so relatable. Really enjoyed this one!

[@denisegrosch2744]

I just watched the show "Buy Now" on Netflix. Holy Moly!! I would love to hear you guys talk about this one!

[@MidnightMuse102]

Oh to be able to have coffee w you ladies or just be a little spoon on the table of your discussions 🖤

[@TG81]

This is such a good conversation, thank you all! Lots of amazing insights.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

thanks for watching!

[@krystlesantana43859]

I listened to the one at 29 min who was saying she was proving to her inner child that she could buy as much as she wanted, and I relate to that on so many levels ughh

[@lamochilademary1969]

I started a no buy challenge the first day of September, so far is am doing well. I think what May trigger me to buy is to finally find something that is my style, the right color, made of natural materials, from a sustainable local business, thank goodness that isn’t easy. 😊

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

We hope your challenge is going well! Identifying a trigger is so important!

[@emilypasold7767]

I agree nobody is perfect .

[@LindaBarrett-y3o]

I especially enjoyed the podcast today You really hit some key points for me in understanding my motives for shopping and for making more deliberate choices in my purchases ❤

[@cathyjohnson8287]

Having a full and mostly organized closet also helps me not to buy, because I already own a lot of the items, or something similar to the things I come across as I’m shopping. I have learned to question myself whether I already own something like it already. Good conversation, ladies. Thank you.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Glad you enjoyed today's convo!

[@genzillennial]

"shop secondhand first" is probaly good advice for most people, but personally, I had to create the opposite rule. My greatest triggers are thrift/consignment shops where theres only 1 of each item at a great price and there is no time to wait and think before it is gone. Most of my wardrobe is secondhand and there were times where I felt like I always needed to be on the hunt or I'd miss out on some hidden gem and gaslight myself into thinking it was okay because were it not for me, it would be in a landfill. I have found that it is genuinely so muh better for me to exclusively purchace high quality items at retail locations because as a life long thrifter/ bargian hunter, the retail prices alone are enough to disuade me from a spontaneous haul.

[@kristinagrom2270]

I like the idea of no buy or low buy months. I want to try my first no buy month in April, my birthday month 🤗 because I will get some presents 🎁 anyway, so it seems it will be easier to do. I have been trying to practice low buy from the beginning of the year, and my main idea is to find dopamine in some other places ☺️. This is so interesting journey already, I have tried many new things and hobbies, like yoga, dance classes, hand made decor. Thank you for inspiration 😍❤️

[@jennypoulin1951]

Thank you for such a thoughtful and compassionate episode. This has become my favourite podcast, I listen to each episode a couple of times, getting something new each time or having new ideas provoked. I think that a no buy is basically putting yourself in a rehabilitation programme where you are the guilty, the accuser , the therapist and the guard. All the while you expect to go along with other aspects of your normal life as if nothing is different. It’s unsustainable, and probably not healthy. There’s this feeling that your just waiting to get out, to be able to spend spend spend again. Ugh. But, a low buy is different. You are learning to put thought into each thing that you take in, knowing exactly how it will fit with your closet and style. A low buy is intentional. A low buy is so much more sustainable. Thanks again for giving us so much to think about. ❤

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tuning in! xx

[@AlexLouiseWest]

I’m doing a low buy rather than a no buy because I have issues around under consumption as well as over consumption, in various areas of my life. I don’t always take what I need because I struggle to gauge it correctly. It may be because I’m autistic.

[@reginesilva2674]

It's so hard to find balance on everything.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@reginesilva2674 Definitely!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for sharing :) So good to strike a balance of what works for you xx

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@SustainThis_Podcast Thank you 🙂

[@sanjalisnjic7271]

From June 2022 till June 2023 I had a no-buy year in regard the clothes. With time it spread to other areas of my life (decorations, other stuff for my house etc.). After that year I actually decluttered a bunch of clothes and I've decided to continue no-buy for next several years in regard to clothes. I think no- buy is better than low-buy because many of the purchases happen because we think the purchase will complete us or we think we need something. And the rush of dopamine is so addictive. It needs to be extreme in order for the mindset to change, I feel relieved now not to buy any more rather than as a punishment, I dont even like going to shops any more and to think about stuff. I feel sorry when I see rich people bragging with too big houses, big wardrobe, many cars etc.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thanks for sharing!

[@terridelozier7780]

Thank you! I feel so encouraged by each of your podcasts!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for listening and watching!

[@bellebb8673]

I love your channel! I love that you go beyond fashion to examining these "sociology " issues. Looking for balance has also helped me. I use the free EveryDollar app to track expenses. This fall I actually planned the flow of my expenses ahead of time. I wanted to add some classic vests to my closet, which are on fall trend now but also a timeless style I love. After searching resale sites for several weeks, I couldn't find anything quality in my size. I really wanted quality lined wool that would last. (Being 4' 11" mid-size is a challenge!) So, I consciously decided to buy high quality new, but then do a low buy to offset the higher expense month. This has worked well for me, and the whole process felt controlled. I rarely buy new, but have found that this approach allows me to do so when needed, but seperate it from being just an unplanned dopamine rush. Even though my "reward" came first, I found this approach worked for me. Wearing the new pieces reinforced the subsequent low buy period. Guess I just needed to have the marshmellow in my hand before I moved into the restraint period!😊

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

So great that you found a method that works for you :) Thank you for sharing!

[@emilypasold7767]

It's been a week since I'm not buying anything specifically clothing I'm so proud of myself ❤

[@jacquelinea8224]

Nice episode. I feel like truly committing to assembling a wardrobe of high quality pieces is enough of a shopping filter for me. In fact it puts me in NO BUY mode via PARALYSIS. Christina mentioned shopping at the mall and limiting your spending to one piece. I'd be thrilled if a mall generated any pieces that were well constructed, from quality fabric with unique details or style that was offered in colors other than black, white or beige. Perhaps I need a masters course in shopping second hand.

[@maryana44s]

The dynamic between you three is extraordinary ❤

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

THANK YOU ❤💃

[@jlb101]

I'd love to do a low/no buy with you ladies!!!

[@emilypasold7767]

I've been shopping second hand since I retired last year if i buy New items is on sale like Chicos, Talbots , Nordstrom. Also at trift store i only buy name brand name items I'm very selective it might take me a while to find what I'm looking for sometimes I'm lucky sometimes not.

[@margeling4718]

Great podcast! Alyssa, do your travels to other countries act as a trigger to buy clothes because you may not be able to buy certain items otherwise, or do you ever get caught up in the moment of buying items that are more appropriate to the climate and culture of that country rather than where you live?

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Alyssa here! Yes definitely - I've learned to control this the more I travel though, and have become pretty discerning even when i'm in another country. Usually the fact that I am only there temporarily is the most helpful thought that allows me to put an item back - that and VERY small luggage! Sometimes self-imposed physical boundaries are very effective! :)

[@djanedjd]

You ladies made me try again to stop my compulsive shopping ever since you ladies started this podcast. Ironically, when I try to watch hauls here on yt I'm like oh that's too much why do you need all that stuff? or yeah that's fast fashion. Or Oh you know what that is not made of good quality I don't think I'm buying that. 😂 I'm turning into something. And that something is good .😊 Your influence from my perspective is refreshing especially about fashion and shopping.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for sharing and tuning in! xx

[@Soussand]

You are great! I needed this episode ❤

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

thanks for tuning in! xx

[@amyjohnson4543]

I did a no buy makeup last year with a small budget for clothes. It lasted 6 months. It was actually very helpful. I've slowed my buying way down. But I am realizing it's the dopamine for sure. I was positive I bought boots from Nordstrom, it actually was some wool pants . I'm happy with them, but it was about the buying not the thing. I have work to do for sure

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thanks for sharing - we are all a work in progress :)

[@emilypasold7767]

Spot on Cristina that's me a month ago i found one brand that suits my style and I want it all later on I realized 2 items will be fine and I turned my face away 😀

[@dawnlivingston6111]

I did no no buy challenge for 2021. I didn't think I would be able to do it, so I put in the stipulation that if I needed something I had to check the thrift store first. I made it until September, when my father and I were school shopping for my teenage niece. And I saw a red blazer that was on my want list for 2 years. I was going to pass it up with reluctance, when my father said he would buy it my me for my birthday, which was the next week. So I made the whole year no buy. 2022 I did well, with main purchases thirfting. But this year, it all fell apart. My trigger is SALE. And I bought higher quality things on sale, but I didn't need them. And l spent too money justifying the higher quality. So I have started again, but at the beginning of September, because I was discussed at my August credit card bill. Beware of the word SALE. And I really love shopping my closet.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

This is great insight, thank you for sharing! xx

[@Pipparainbow]

Hi are underwear and socks not counted in yearly buys as I need to buy especially underwear each year x

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

It totally depends on you!

[@obscurity7]

For two years after my final failure to get pregnant (after years of IVF), I shopped to fill the hole in my life that a child would never occupy. You keep throwing things into that massive hole, hoping that it'll somehow fill and you won't feel so empty. Instead, you just have piles of stuff and continued sadness.

[@tinaw.9485]

Most of us fill our lives with things, “busyness” and social media to avoid really getting to know ourselves, as introspection is often painful, and no one wants pain. In recognizing your pattern, you’ve taken a big step of growth and healing-nothing in life is more precious than knowing and loving yourself. Blessings to you.

[@kellydekesel7492]

I am a diagnosed shopping addiction (not self-diagnosed) and the only thing that will work is a complete no buy to reset those dopamine bases and to get more grip on that behaviour. So please keep in mind that a lot of people googling this topic are really struggling and having people saying: “a no buy did not really do it for me” can be quite discouraging ☺️

[@JoeThornton-i7z]

I am very careful about what I buy. Do I really need this? This works for clothes and groceries. I shop second hand retail first. I Shop bulk and store when I can.

[@rosej9686]

When I retired last fall, I found myself spending a lot of time sitting on the couch, watching influencer videos and slowly getting sucked in... I started buying more clothes than I ever had before, at a time when I needed them the least! Then, I came across these lovely ladies and the notion of slow, sustainable fashion, responsible consumption, capsule wardrobes etc., and it was a real eye opener! Although I haven't unsubscribed to the influencers I follow, I'm much more aware when I watch their videos and mindful that there's a reason they're called INFLUENCERS. I find I've become more immune to their influence and I can come away from a video without the urge to shop! I've also limited my time consuming social media and mostly save videos to watch while I'm on the treadmill. I've started reading more, which has turned out to be a much more sustainable habit! 😊

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

We love to hear this! Thank you for tuning in! xx

[@emilypasold7767]

I love you 3 ❤

[@annac.p.1065]

No buy and low buy feel like the diet culture of personal finance/sustainability. It's all or nothing, as you pointed out, and that creates a high degree of stress and when you "fail" it's detrimental. I think that a lot of things you suggested, like taking a pause before buying for that emotion to pass, are more sustainable approaches that are more attainable by the general public than a no/low buy challenge. Isn't the word challenge implicitly stating that it's not meant to be long term?

[@grreeeeee]

I think it's a bit dishonest if you want to engage with your audience and inspire people if you say you are only going to buy 5-10 pieces a year and then not also include how many pieces you received in PR because that's a more transparent picture of what is coming into your home. Great if you want to only count 5 pieces you buy for budget and personal reasons, but transparency is appreciated on this end re. PR.

[@charliepango5249]

Would like to join you guys on no buy low buy. Can we join you at the same time? Please 🙏 with cherry on top

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Absolutely! We will announce if we do one altogether! xx

[@lalablotz7348]

I’m doing another no buy for clothing and accessories. I’m retired and just don’t leave the house enough to warrant many clothes. I have enough classic pieces to dress very well when I do go out. I have a nice variety of comfy quality items to wear at home. I need absolutely nothing. I have learned to admire things and not buy them. 🩷