{"id":173428,"date":"2024-11-19T16:05:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T21:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interac.ca\/?post_type=content&p=173428"},"modified":"2025-05-30T16:54:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T20:54:04","slug":"how-to-save-money-and-help-the-planet-with-sustainable-shopping","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/www.interac.ca\/en\/content\/life\/how-to-save-money-and-help-the-planet-with-sustainable-shopping\/","title":{"rendered":"How to save money\u2014and help the planet\u2014with sustainable shopping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a world dominated by fast fashion, next-day delivery, and \u201cswipe up to shop,\u201d anything and everything seems to be at our fingertips, anytime and anywhere. But despite this, some people are approaching shopping with an eye on more than just speed, style and savings. They\u2019re prioritizing sustainable shopping: making purchasing choices that align with both their financial goals and their overall values. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thrifting is a popular choice for sustainable shopping, because repurposing old materials eliminates the need for emission-heavy shipping and other environmental costs associated with fast fashion. Did you know, according to Princeton University, the processes used in the fashion industry are responsible for approximately 20% of global waste water<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no one right way to thrift. Sustainable shopping can be a spontaneous adventure or a pre-planned project. You might be hunting for something specific\u2014a vintage, one-of-a-kind concert t-shirt, perhaps\u2014or you might be hoping to discover something unexpected. You might head to a local consignment shop or decide to browse an online marketplace<\/a>. Regardless, conscious consumers can reduce their carbon footprints and feel positive about their purchases with a few simple shopping and saving tips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan your successful second-hand shopping excursion: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take stock before you shop <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you need to sell or donate items to free up space? Even second-hand purchases must fit into your budget\u2014and closet. Some people adopt a \u201cone in, one out\u201d policy<\/a> around certain purchase categories, like baseball caps or t-shirts. Even if you don\u2019t set strict guidelines for yourself, it does help to keep in mind what items you might be willing to part with. Out with the old, in with the new\u2014to you. And if you bring items along with you when you go thrifting, some shops will even reward donations with coupons or discounts on purchases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of purchases, ask yourself how much you\u2019re prepared to spend. It helps to take a look at your finances, set a reasonable budget and try to stick to it. And don\u2019t be afraid to let your friends know that you\u2019ve put some parameters around your purchases if you\u2019re shopping together<\/a>, so they can help you stay on budget.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get there\u2014and back\u2014with ease <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The journey can be part of the adventure, and it can also be another opportunity to help the planet.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider taking public transportation rather than driving to lower your carbon footprint. Whether you\u2019re heading to a downtown market or a standalone thrift store on the outskirts of town, public transit riders can use Interac Debit contactless payments to pay adult transit fares<\/a> with participating transit agencies across Canada. It\u2019s as simple as tapping your debit card or your phone<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn which transit systems accept Interac Debit payments here<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be a savvy second-hand shopper <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now for the fun part! With your budget in mind, start browsing. Stay focused on what you need, but if you find something that sparks your imagination, go for it (if the price is right).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paying for your purchases using Interac Debit is a great way to stick to your budget, because you\u2019re spending your money in real time.<\/a> That means you can see exactly how much you have left and you won\u2019t get any surprise bills for the trip later in the month. Plus, once you\u2019ve added Interac Debit to your phone, you may no longer need to carry a wallet around and dig for your debit card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And remember\u2026it doesn\u2019t pay to shop \u2018til you literally drop. After a few hours of thrifting, you might need to decompress (or re-energize with some caffeine)<\/a> at a coffee shop. You can often mobile order in advance through a store\u2019s app, and take advantage of added convenience as some shops will let you fill and reload personal accounts or pay using Interac <\/em>Debit.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop sustainably, from the comfort of home <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make the most of online marketplaces <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can search an online marketplace for specific items\u2014\u201csectional couches\u201d or \u201cflat-screen tv\u2019s,\u201d for example\u2014or browse in your local geographic area. <\/strong>There\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll find that perfect piece of furniture at a fraction of face value. And with Interac e-Transfer, you can send money directly to the seller, as long as you both have an email address or SMS number, and a Canadian bank account.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As is always the case with online shopping, it\u2019s important to remember: \u201cbuyer beware.\u201d Taking a few simple steps can help keep you safe from scams<\/a>, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n