background image

‘I’m not buying new stuff any more’: the young people getting into ‘degrowth’

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Amid the cost of living crisis and environmental concerns, people like Rosie Coltman, a 32-year-old teacher, and Kat Butler, a 36-year-old graphic designer, are adopting sustainable consumption habits
• Coltman has shifted from fast fashion to renting, repairing, and buying secondhand or durable clothes, while Butler has pledged to buy only pre-owned clothes.

🔭 The context: This change reflects a broader social trend driven by financial constraints and environmental awareness. A YouGov survey showed that 46% of Britons consider environmental sustainability in their purchases, a rise from 41% in 2020
• However, financial challenges are significant, with many UK households experiencing destitution and planning to cut discretionary spending.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These individual choices contribute to a larger environmental impact. Choosing sustainable and ethical products, reducing waste, and prioritizing local shopping help decrease the overall ecological footprint, important in combating climate change and resource depletion

⏭️ What's next: As financial pressures and environmental concerns persist, more individuals might adopt similar sustainable habits. This could lead to a broader societal shift towards more environmentally conscious and cost-effective lifestyles

💬 One quote: "It's pretty basic maths: if inflation goes up 11%, and your wages go up 6%, a small child could work out that's not fair," said Tony Herniman, a 51-year-old teacher, emphasizing the economic pressures driving these changes

📈 One stat: 1.8 million UK households experienced destitution at some point in 2022, highlighting the severity of the financial crisis affecting consumer behavior

Click for more news covering the latest on sustainable lifestyle



Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)