Feelings can be powerful, especially when it comes to that special someone. They can influence you to reflect, driving you to improve your wardrobe and your routine, which may improve your mood and self-appreciation!

If you are lucky enough to have found a valentine or are waiting for the perfect moment to ask that special someone (you got this!), you know that winning someone’s affection can often be expensive and risky – you don’t know whether they will like the gift, or even you.

Whilst we support your romantic endeavours, this valentine’s day the Student Green Office Project Officers would like to take the time to highlight the things that they have had the longest and cherished the most, in the form of a reverse haul. These items have been gifts to their lifestyles, helping them through ordinary life in often seamless ways, for many years. Instead of ditching the old and reinventing yourself, please join us and consider the items you appreciate the most during this season of love…

What is a Haul and What is So Bad About Them?

In a beautiful fairytale land, long ago, a haul was used to describe a large quantity of something obtained or transported. However, in this new age of social media, this term has undergone an interesting transformation.

In this new world, in the elaborate language of an elusive new creature, the influencer, ‘haul’ refers to a showcase, sometimes including a review, of the different products that the influencer has purchased. These hauls can range from clothing and accessories, to make-up, household items and/or food; including a large number of items in order to capitalise on views. Many content creators and influencers will purchase the loot in their posts, however, sponsored hauls are also ‘all the rage’: this is where a brand will pay for all the items in the ‘haul’. Although charming, the goal of the influencer is not to be your new bestie, but to show you the latest trends and offers, which they often have a stake in.

So, what’s wrong with the influencer doing what they do best and, well, influencing? Unfortunately, it’s not simply a question of money but also one of resources. Critics argue that these intense hauls encourage a culture of throw-away fashion, whichhighlight the ‘sport of consumption’, which faces ‘gamification’ in this new digital era, where shopping is presented as a hobby rather than a necessity.

However, this has been somewhat countered by resale platforms such as Depop, which allow influencers to provide haul content with less of an environmental impact. There is still a lesson to be learnt from this, with Dontae Mears, a Depop representative highlighting the use of hauls as a ‘way to blur the boundaries between commerce, connection and entertainment’, showing we perhaps ought to be more introspective, even when it comes to scrolling on second hand platforms.

A Hot New (To You) Single Enters the Villa…

Enter the Reverse Haul. An opportunity to showcase the items that you have had for the longest, rather than your most recent purchasers. This content is centred around slower consumption, respecting and caring for your belongings and taking pride in your journey on this planet. So here are our reverse hauls, we hope that this encourages you to cherish your items more, this season of love.

Amitheesia.

1. Some Good Hand Cream – I have very dry skin; this is an absolute essential for me on a daily basis. I absolutely love some good hand cream, and I mainly use hand cream with cocoa butter, that is what’s shown in this photo.
2. Silver Bracelet – This is one of the most special gifts that I received from my boyfriend (for Christmas), and I absolutely love this, its stylish and it holds a very special place in my heart.
3. Planner – I always have this in my bag, wherever I go. I love staying on top of things and staying organised. Plus, I absolutely love decorating my journal with cute bow stickers as well!
4. Earmuffs, I love my cosy earmuffs, my mum bought these for me, and they help me stay warm during the winter, and I personally think these make me look cute.
5. Lip Balm – Similar to my hand cream, I need some good strawberry lip balm, to keep my lips healthy during the winter.

Felicity.

1. Plush Sheep – I love plushies! This is my sheep, she’s probably the eldest of my crew. She wears clothes as she’s noticeably well-loved and she’s always there when I need comforting.
2. Gold Earrings – These are my favourite earrings. I love piercings as I find that they’re a fun way to express myself. I think these are my oldest pair, and they dress up any outfit!
3. Handbag – Although a relatively new purchase, I bought it second hand on a selling site around a year ago. It has quickly become my most prized possession! I love all of the key chains I have attached to it, and the big bow on the front!
4. Planner – This is my planner for this year, where I do my plotting and scheming, helping me stay organised, and giving me a place to junk journal.
5. Reusable Travel Cup – I’ve had this one for a while now, and appreciate it for how much money and waste it has saved! Its lightweight and doesn’t spill, perfect for the commute!

Holly.

1. Teddy Bear – I’ve had him since forever (10+ years), and he comes everywhere with me, including every holiday I’ve been on since I was around 11! He’s a little raggedy now, but that makes him all the more special to me.
2. Peridot Ring – I’ve had this for a few years now, and I wear it pretty much every time I leave the house. It’s my birth stone, and wearing it helps me feel grounded and ‘put together’, as well as giving me something to fidget with.
3. Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones – I invested in these a few years back and they’re hands down the best purchase I’ve made. As someone who’s neurodivergent, I often get really overwhelmed by loud noises and busy environments, and the noise cancellation on these bad boys is unmatched.
4. My Boyfriend’s Jumper – He lent me this jumper a couple of months into our relationship, and I’ve been ‘borrowing’ it ever since. If I’m going to be spending a few nights away from him, I usually spray his cologne on it, so I always have a piece of him with me. I think he’s finally starting to resign himself to the fact that he’s not getting it back…
5. MacBook – I got this as a Christmas present years ago, and it’s something I absolutely couldn’t live without. It’s super lightweight, powerful enough for what I need it for, and lets me enjoy most of my favourite hobbies like reading, writing and playing video games!

Maddie.

1. A Good Book – I have always been a reader and it is something I try and keep up with even when uni gets busy. It is refreshing to not be looking at a screen! This is my current read! (P.S., I try to buy most of my books second hand!)
2. Air Pods – You will never see me without a pair of headphones, I have quite the attachment to them as I am a massive music fan! These have served me well for 4 years!
3. Scarf – In the colder months, I am aways wearing a scarf, and I have used the same one for years! It keeps me warm and adds a bit of comfort to the day.
4. Bracelet – I have had this bracelet since I was 16 and each charm has a significant meaning to it, it is one of my most prised possessions!
5. Necklace – A gift from my brother 5 years ago, and is my favourite to this day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We hope that this has encouraged you to look towards the things you have cherished for a long time! What is in your reverse haul? Please share in the comments, we would love to hear it! ❤️🌱

By Flic Lindo, SGO Projects Officer