WHAT IT IS ?
Coined by Sarah Lazarovic, the Buyerarchy of Needs is a fun way to represent sustainable consumption.
So, what does each layer mean?
Use What You Have: Before looking into new purchases, consumers should look into their own closets. How can you style that sweater you haven’t worn in a while? Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great places to find new style ideas.
Borrow: If nothing you own is working for you, ask your friends or family! Instead of buying new clothes, see if anyone you know has anything you might like! Especially if you’re just looking for an outfit for a particular occasion, borrowing is a great way to wear something new without buying anything.
Swap: Clothing swaps are a cheap, sustainable way to get new clothes, while simultaneously getting rid of anything cluttering up your closet. Organized clothing swaps are a fun way to not only engage with your community, but also have the opportunity to get some new clothes that you may never have seen before!
Thrift: If you really want to buy some new clothes, buying secondhand is a great way to do so sustainably. Not only does buying used clothes reduce carbon emissions and save resources, it also prevents those clothes from ending up in a landfill. Plus, thrift stores have so many hidden gems! A good portion of my own wardrobe is thrifted.
Make: Making your own clothes is a fun, creative way to expand your wardrobe. For those of us who may find that task daunting ,upcycling is another way to make new clothes by using old fabric to create new pieces. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery are all ways to change up your wardrobe!
Buy: Buying new clothes doesn’t necessarily have to be bad for the environment. If you want to buy new clothes, and none of the previous options are working for you, there are ways to do so sustainably; or at least, more sustainably than the alternative. Investing in high-quality pieces of clothing that will last you a long time prevents the need to buy new clothes as often. Additionally, shopping locally is better for the environment than shipping clothes. Shopping at small businesses and avoiding fast fashion websites are your best bet for sustainable shopping!
