It can take up to 66 days to form a habit, and by the time you finish your Reuseolutions at the end of January, you’ll already be halfway to creating a sweet secondhand shopping habit.
Whether this has been a long time coming, or you have decided to try something new, we can all start to flag. It’s a tricky relationship to navigate between you, your clothes and why you buy them as there are so many reasons we all purchase firsthand clothes. They are valid. But this month, we challenge you to take a step back and consider what you are buying and find better alternatives.
This is why we have created Bandi’s Reuseolutions, and we are jumping on to show our unwavering support and share everything we have been doing to help keep us on track through our Reuseolutions.
We’ve got you, and your clothes.
YOUR CLOTHES
Swap through Bandi
Are we the loophole?
If you haven’t been able to scratch that clothes buying itch since January started, and it’s becoming unbearable, then it’s time to get swapping. By downloading Bandi and swapping your clothes through our app, you can still have new clothes without breaking your Reuseolution pledge and help the planet in the process. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Check what you already have
Sometimes, we impulse buy things without checking our wardrobes first. We’ve all done it. That moment you bring home a new white shirt, only to see that another one was hanging in your wardrobe. You can insist they are different, but if you had taken stock of what you already own, you might have thought twice about buying new.
So let’s be mindful and use our eyes before we buy.
Fix It Up
Do you have an item you never wear because it just doesn’t fit quite right? Maybe there’s a small hole or tear right in the most awkward place. Well, Reuseolutions give you the perfect excuse to sort it out! Check out some tutorials, then get fixing! If it’s quite a big job, then why not visit your local tailor for that professional touch.
One in, one out
If you are an all or nothing kind of person, why not try this method?
For every new item that you add to your wardrobe, you take one away. This prevents you from buying things you don’t need and stuffing your wardrobe till you can barely close the doors. Each item you choose to get rid of can be sold on, donated or uploaded to Bandi to swap with others!
Restyle
That item you love but have no idea how to wear? It’s time to change that. Find all those pieces that need a lil’ restyle and just have fun with it. Use Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration and mix n match out what you already own! In the safety of your room, no outfit is too wacky or “out there”, so really flex your styling muscles and see if you can make it work (We know you can).
YOU
Unfollow and Unsubscribe
It’s hard enough to change a habit without being bombarded by emails, notifications and Instagram posts flashing the next big sale or must-have item. Take the time to go through your inbox and unsubscribe from marketing emails that act as temptation. Then unfollow accounts on social media that promote fast fashion and overconsumption. Lastly, if you are the type of person to have endless shopping apps on your phone, it might be time to delete them. If you aren’t ready for that, try turning off your notifications to limit their access to your headspace.
Change your mindset
This may sound easy, but it can take time to achieve. One of the best steps you can take towards not buying new is by changing your mindset to look second hand as your first option. The majority of the time, you will be able to find what you want without the environmental cost and not only that, but your wallet will thank you! It can be hard to build a habit, but just wait until you’ve got it down and you are glowing in all your green garms.
Be kind to yourself
Lastly, but absolutely not least, be kind to yourself if you slip up. We are all only humans trying to do our best for the planet, and you are doing amazing, sweetie.