Page 18 - TNE WORKBOOK

The benefits of being less wasteful

and of buying less stuff

The good news is there are many benefits to reducing our waste. Reducing the amount of waste we produce
will:

• Reduce climate change: rotting rubbish in landfill produces methane (CH4), which is 72 times more
impactful than carbon dioxide in terms of trapping heat in the atmosphere.

• Save resources: many waste products use resources that are running out. Using them longer saves
digging up more.

• Save energy: making new goods takes energy — far better to keep the old ones in use as long as
possible.

• Support ethical businesses that pay fair wages and minimise environmental damage.
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• Improve your wellbeing (especially when you declutter your house and stop buying so much stuff):
“New studies of consumption and happiness show, for instance, that people are happier when they
spend money on experiences instead of material objects, when they relish what they plan to buy
long before they buy it, and when they stop trying to outdo the Joneses.” Over the past decade, an
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abundance of psychology research has shown that experiences bring people more happiness than
do possessions. The research suggests that through decluttering we can reduce stress, become less
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anxious” and improve our productivity.
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