Manager pledges to buy nothing new for 2022
Kimberley Hope loves shopping but as part of her role as the head of a council zero waste team she’s decided walk the talk and has committed to buy nothing new for 2022.
Hope is one of 24 New Plymouth District Council staff making the pledge and said it’s been easier than expected.
‘‘It has surprised me that I have not really struggled with it yet – I don’t necessarily miss shopping,’’ the council resource recovery manager said.
‘‘I have enjoyed it and hoping that by the end of the year my habits will have changed, and I will continue to shop this way as much as I can.’’
The pledge, which Hope started on January 1, involves buying no new clothes, shoes, bags or non-essential personal items this year in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and waste going to landfill.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean no shopping, Hope can still buy secondhand, make her own clothes or swap, or accept gifts.
‘‘I was challenged by some of my colleagues who set up a group to do this pledge to join, and I admit I had to think about it pretty hard – I love shoes and shopping,’’ she said, laughing.
‘‘Did I really want to, or could I not buy anything for a whole year? In the end I recognised that this is consistent with our vision around zero waste and the fashion industry contribute significantly to the throwaway culture.’’
Hope’s last new purchase before starting the challenge was a new dress.
New necessities such as underwear are OK to buy and Hope has ended up buying some new slippers as there weren’t any available secondhand.
Not only has the challenge seen Hope’s bank account look healthier, but she has rediscovered forgotten items in her wardrobe.
‘‘I’ve got out some stuff that I haven’t worn for ages and tried new combinations of things I’m wearing. It’s really made me think about using my whole wardrobe and not just those things I’ve recently bought.’’