Published on: Thursday, October 01, 2026
Image: Buy Nothing New month is here
October is Buy Nothing New Month – a chance to rethink what we buy, make better use of what we already have and find ways to reduce waste in our everyday lives.
The challenge is simple: buy nothing new for one month, except essentials such as food, hygiene products and medicines.
Before buying something new, ask yourself, 'Do I really need this?' If the answer is yes, could you borrow it, repair something you already have, buy it second-hand, swap it or find another way to give an existing item a longer life?
Every new product takes resources and energy to make, package and transport. When we no longer need something, it can become waste. By buying less and keeping things in use for longer, we can help conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
There are plenty of ways to take part while saving money and connecting with people in your community:
• Borrow or share tools, clothes, books and other items with friends, family or neighbours
• Repair broken items rather than replacing them
• Reuse old items or give them a new purpose
• Search for unique finds at your local charity shop
• Hold a swap party at home or work
• Turn old materials into something useful through upcycling
• Join a local Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle group
• Give a plant, an experience or a quality second-hand item as a gift.
You do not have to be perfect. Every item you borrow, repair, reuse or buy second-hand helps keep resources in use for longer and reduces waste.
Small changes can add up to a big difference when a whole community gets involved.
Continue your Buy Nothing New journey during National Recycling Week from November 9 to 15. Join the cycle by finding more ways to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
The challenge is simple: buy nothing new for one month, except essentials such as food, hygiene products and medicines.
Before buying something new, ask yourself, 'Do I really need this?' If the answer is yes, could you borrow it, repair something you already have, buy it second-hand, swap it or find another way to give an existing item a longer life?
Every new product takes resources and energy to make, package and transport. When we no longer need something, it can become waste. By buying less and keeping things in use for longer, we can help conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
There are plenty of ways to take part while saving money and connecting with people in your community:
• Borrow or share tools, clothes, books and other items with friends, family or neighbours
• Repair broken items rather than replacing them
• Reuse old items or give them a new purpose
• Search for unique finds at your local charity shop
• Hold a swap party at home or work
• Turn old materials into something useful through upcycling
• Join a local Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle group
• Give a plant, an experience or a quality second-hand item as a gift.
You do not have to be perfect. Every item you borrow, repair, reuse or buy second-hand helps keep resources in use for longer and reduces waste.
Small changes can add up to a big difference when a whole community gets involved.
Continue your Buy Nothing New journey during National Recycling Week from November 9 to 15. Join the cycle by finding more ways to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.