It’s time to ditch overconsumption and start thinking about our planet by sustainable living
Over the summer, ‘underconsumption core’ took social media by storm. The trend encourages people to reconsider how much they consume, especially with social media putting pressure on young people to have the ‘perfect’ life.
Many influencers have taken to platforms such as TikTok to reiterate this message, having multiple gym outfits, hundreds of water bottles and daily trips to homeware shops shouldn’t be considered the norm in 2024.
This is especially prevalent in our homes, and while people often compare themselves based on looks and lifestyle, a lot of buyers may fall into the trap of having the ‘perfect’ home. Often, feeling the need to buy the latest seasons ‘new in’ or ‘trending’ homeware, and spending hundreds on statement pieces they don’t even need.
According to Uswitch, data reveals that in 2022-23, the average deposit for first time buyers in England was £53,4141. With first time buyers’ purses already pinched with high house prices and unstable mortgage rates, spending on appliances, furniture and home accessories is the last thing they need to be worrying about when moving home.
Top Tips for Sustainable Living
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Buy second hand
According to the Co-Op, charity shops have seen a 147% uplift with other sites such as Depop and Vinted seeing sales double2. These sites, plus Facebook Marketplace and charity shops, are a great way to not only snap up low-cost goods, but also help to support our circular economy, diverting goods from landfill and minimising buyers’ impact on the environment. Boot sales are also a popular choice for buyers looking to get their hands on second-hand goods.
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Don’t overconsume
Buying your first home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. While it can be tempting to buy every piece of artwork and furniture, buyers should however exercise caution and try to stagger buying too much in one go. Buy the basics before moving in, such as crockery and cutlery, and then build up pieces from there. Buyers may find they envisage the rooms slightly differently when moved in, and this will allow time to buy things they truly like and of which are ethically sourced, such as buying homemade or independent retailers.
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Buy new build and seek out furniture packages
New build homes often come equipped with the latest and eco-efficient white goods such as fridge freezers, washing machines and dishwashers which can sometimes prove costly for buyers. They also can provide a blank canvas, saving potential buyers money on costly renovations, and endless painting over outdated wallpaper. Some housebuilders also offer furniture packages as incentives which can include sofas, dining tables and flooring.
DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE
Annington’s Malborough Close – Devizes, Wiltshire
Annington, the company responsible for refurbishing former MOD housing, revealed its show home earlier this year where sustainability is at the heart of the project.
Furnished in partnership with fellow Wessex-based Little Barn Door, to reflect the sustainable decisions made throughout the wider site, materials such as rattan, mango woods, linens and jute are used throughout the home. As a superior eco-friendly material, rattan vines regenerate within five to seven years whilst jute fibres are 100% bio-degradable and recyclable.
Dandara South East – Pearmain Place, Crowborough
Independent housebuilder Dandara has launched its first sustainability focused show home at its Pearmain Place development in Crowborough, where prospective buyers can see what the energy-efficient home has to offer.
Located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the four bedroom Chartwell show home has been designed to fit in with the area, using earthy greens, deep browns and splashes of coral to reflect the areas forest landscape. Pines and painted
wood along with bamboo, cork and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood were used as the main materials creating a sustainable yet sophisticated feel.
Building Relations
Building Relations is a PR & communications company that has offices in London, Egham (Surrey) and Edinburgh specialising in property, construction and the built environment. Clients include large and small developers, housebuilders, housing associations & providers, estate, land and buying agents, construction firms and many other types of property-related companies.
