Underconsumption Core: 8 questions to help you embrace underconsumption

Underconsumption core has been trending recently and I’m here for it!

Underconsumption core is a trend focusing on the ways you can “under-consume” in a time that often celebrates and pursues consumer culture and overbuying.

The idea of underconsumption core focuses on making fewer purchases and buying less. While at the same time using the things you already own as much as you can. The goal is to use up or wear out the things you already own.

Examples of the underconsumption core trend

Some common examples are things like using up cosmetics and toiletries you already own. Wearing clothes many times and re-wearing outfits. Repurposing items you already have, such as reusing a jar as a vase or a drinking glass.

The idea behind underconsumption core is to push back against consumer culture and influencer culture. Consuming less and getting as much use out of the items you already own instead.

It’s easy to see the connection between underconsumption core and minimalism, decluttering and simple living. This makes me love that the idea of underconsumption is currently trending (and hopefully will continue to trend for a long time!).

If you feel inspired to join the underconsumption core trend, today’s post is for you! I’m sharing 8 questions you can ask yourself to start becoming an “underconsumer”! If you’re ready to buy less, use what you have, save money, keep clutter at bay and live more intentionally, these questions will certainly help you do it.

8 questions to help you embrace the underconsumption core trend

1. Do I already own something similar to the item I’m considering buying?

The first step to embracing underconsumption is avoiding buying duplicates or multiples of something you already own. For example, if you already own a concealer, use it up before you buy a new one. If you already have a water bottle that works, don’t buy another one just because it’s cute.

2. Why am I buying this item?

The next thing to ask yourself is really figuring out why you are buying something new. Ask yourself if it’s a need or a want. Often that question alone can be really eye-opening.

Then ask yourself if you’re buying it because you like it and have a need for it, or because it’s trendy. Have you been influenced into thinking you need it? Did you want or need it before you saw it multiple times on social media? Do you feel societal pressure to buy it to fit in or keep up appearances? Are you buying it to fulfill an emotional need like sadness, loneliness, boredom, etc. instead of it being a true need?

3. Can I repurpose or upcycle something I already own to fit my current needs and/or style?

Before buying something new, get creative and see if you can use something you already have. Can you repurpose or upcycle something you already own to serve the same purpose or fill the need?

4. Will I get good use out of this item for the long term?

The goal of underconsumption is to buy less first, then really use the items you do buy and own. Question if the item will be something you use often for a long time to come. Will it be something you use or wear once or twice? Or will it be something you can see yourself using up or wearing out?

Be really honest with yourself and avoid talking yourself into something just because you’re excited to buy something new!

5. Could I borrow or rent this item instead of buying it?

Even if you truly need something, it doesn’t mean you need to own it! Is there a possibility that you could borrow or rent the item if you only need it temporarily or for a short while?

6. Could I buy this item second-hand instead of new?

If you decide you need to buy something, see if there’s a possibility of buying it second-hand instead of new. This will save you money, help reduce waste and give new life to an item that could otherwise end up in the landfill.

7. Will this purchase benefit my mental health (by adding joy to my life or making life easier in some way) or be detrimental to my mental health (by adding clutter or causing financial strain)?

This is a really important question to ask yourself anytime you are making a purchase. Think about the impact the purchase will have on you. Will it be beneficial by adding joy to your life or making life easier in some way when you use the item? Or will it be detrimental to you by adding clutter or causing financial strain if you buy it?

8. Can I simply do without this item?

And finally, one of the most important questions to ask yourself before you buy something new is if you can simply do without it.

If you already have a full wardrobe, do you really need another sweater (even if it is your style and super cute)? If you already have food at home, do you really need to buy takeout on your way home? Or if your travel mug is still working fine, do you really need a new one in a different color?

Question if you truly need something new or if you can simply do without it.

Often the rush and excitement of buying something new spurs you on to make the purchase. But after the excitement wears off, you see that you really didn’t need to buy the item, spend the money or add the clutter to your home. Aim to recognize this before you make the purchase as often as you can!

Underconsumption core – what do you think?

What do you think of the idea of the underconsumption trend? Does it give you something to think about when you consider your own purchasing behaviour and how much you use the items you already own?

I know I find it really inspiring to see people buying less and using what they already have. I hope it inspires you too!