In 2025, shortly after that post, I broke up with consumerism. It wasn\u2019t a dramatic split. The truth is, I became dependent on consumerism, as it always seemed to support me. Over time, I realised that it was hindering my ability to spend time on other things. Breaking up with my plastic shampoo bottles, my ill-made clothes and other convenience items brought me unexpected joy and allowed me to consume more intentionally. Perhaps it was more of an intervention, but the outcome was the same: I upgraded the relationship. Today, we want to share some of our own unsustainable break-ups, in the hope that they may help you reflect on your relationship with consumption \u2013 and decide what\u2019s worth keeping, changing or letting go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Student Green Office\u2019s Favourite Sustainable Swaps<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chen<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n My favourite sustainable swap was exchanging coats with a friend. We both had coats we liked but didn\u2019t wear often anymore. So, we swapped \u2014 and it felt like getting something new without buying anything. I had never worn this type of coat before, and I was surprised how good it looked on me. It was fun, personal, and felt more meaningful than shopping. Sometimes the best \u201cnew\u201d things are just old things with a new story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emil<\/strong>ia <\/p>\n\n\n\n The love of my life (my favourite handbag) died on me. I\u2019d picked it up second hand for next to nothing, so I shouldn\u2019t have been too surprised when the straps broke and all the colour wore off. This is still my favourite sustainable swap as to replace my bag, I managed to get a new, vintage leather bag, which served me even better than the previous, and I wouldn\u2019t have bought had my original bag not broken. The replacement bag is still going strong, and offers great comfort to me after losing my first love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flic<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n My favourite sustainable swap is my reusable period underwear! I also use a menstrual cup and reusable underwear liners, but the period underwear makes me happy! It is very easy to wash and very comfortable. I own three different brands, and it makes me strangely happy to see them drying on my radiator in my room: probably because as people who menstruate, we’re often told to be ashamed or hide it. I always have my door open so it’s like a tiny protest – even though I know for a fact that no one in my house minds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maddie<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my favourite sustainable swaps is actually laundry products! Unfortunately, conventional laundry products are often full of harsh chemicals bad for our health and the environment. I have switched to a brand called Miniml (who also do cleaning products and toiletries) and I have fallen in love. The scents are amazing and it is peace of mind knowing its safe for me and my environment. You can also buy in bulk, buy refills, opt for glass over plastic bottles and return empty bottles for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning How to Let Go, Sustainably<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most successful sustainable swaps are often small and incremental. They begin with moments of friction, which is normal for any relationship. If you\u2019re considering switching to more sustainable alternatives, here are some things to keep in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best thing to do is use what you already have. Replacing items before they\u2019re finished often creates more waste than it prevents. Once it does run out or break, pay attention to if you can tell it is missing from your routine. Those everyday frustrations, products that don\u2019t work properly, constantly need replacing or leave you feeling guilty about the waste they create are signs that you\u2019re ready to try something new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are considering making more sustainable swaps, start with things you already enjoy or spend a lot of time doing. If you love cooking, you may notice the packaging or food scraps that you throw away: in this case, you may want to do some research on packaging free options or how to reuse or compost your food scraps. If you love clothing, then second-hand shopping, clothing swaps or mending items can refresh your wardrobe without costing the environment.\u00a0If self-care is an important part of your routine, refillable toiletries or solid alternatives can add a different kind of satisfaction: knowing that once the product is finished, it\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0linger on the planet longer than you do.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important thing is that sustainable living doesn’t have to be restrictive, even though it may feel that way when a swap isn’t working. When a swap is enjoyable, it’s more likely to last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One sustainability \u2018fail\u2019 that comes to mind for me is reusable cotton buds. I hated the rubbery texture and found they\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0suit my routine. I still use disposable ones, but\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0switched to a compostable alternative instead. It may not be the \u2018best\u2019 swap on paper, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0the one that works for me. Sustainable living\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have to be\u00a0perfect,\u00a0if\u00a0we are\u00a0doing something small\u00a0to help.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Happily Ever After<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before committing to a new relationship, it\u2019s worth going on a few dates. Try asking your friends or housemates about their favourite sustainable swaps, and ask if you can borrow them (non-hygiene items only!). Make use of libraries, repair caf\u00e9s, clothing swaps and online \u2018buy nothing\u2019 groups. Trying second hand first can ease the pressure of getting it \u2018right\u2019 immediately, often leading to more informed choices and items you\u2019ll love for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you reflect on the swaps we\u2019ve shared, consider just one habit or item you may be ready to break up with, and one habit you\u2019ll stick to. Pay attention to how you feel about the things that come to mind, and how you feel about the idea of making a change. If something doesn\u2019t stick, that\u2019s ok. Convenience is necessary too, and sustainability is not all or nothing. Small actions are very important, especially the ones that feel worth staying with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By Felicity Lindo, SGO Projects Officer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I am going to tell you something that you may need to hear: sometimes, it’s okay to let go. Relationships lose their magic. People grow apart, physically and mentally. 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