By Jenna Lewis

Buy Nothing New Month is a sustainable shopping initiative being launched by The Salvation Army for the month of October. The concept is simple – save money and reduce the impact on the environment by shopping second hand.

The initiative encourages everyone not only to save money but to look at the lifecycle of the products we buy and to achieve a greater understanding of the sustainable alternatives in the way we shop. We currently live in a society of over consumption, we buy everything brand new and constantly upgrade to be at the front of the pack. We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have and as a society often don’t stop to think of the consequences of this action. Buy Nothing New Month is an exercise in spending money wisely and taking the time to learn and understand the energy costs associated with the products we purchase.

“Buy Nothing New is about seeing the value in existing stuff and reflects a growing movement of people switching off from shopping and tuning into life”, says Stores Sustainability Manager, Donald Munro.

Salvos Stores Buy Nothing New Month aims to encourage people to barter, swap or buy second hand for the month of October and kick the consumption urge. Its also an opportunity for consumers to educate themselves on the environmental impact of purchasing non-recyclable materials and products.

A handy online check-list gives consumer's a simple guideline to make a smarter, environmentally friendly purchase.
Buyers Checklist:

Before handing over your hard earned cash, ask yourself:

* Is the product really necessary?
* What is its lifecycle and embodied energy?
* What are the alternatives?
* Where did it come from? How did it get here?
* What is its environmental and social impact?
* Who benefits from the purchase? What will it do for me?
* What is in it? Who made it?

Show your support for The Salvation Army this October and participate in Buy Nothing New Month. Help contribute to sustainable shopping and your savings account buy purchasing only pre-loved products.

For more information check out www.nothingnew.com.au