With Christmas just around the corner, Brisbane shoppers who want to celebrate the circular economy this year are encouraged to visit the World’s Biggest Garage Sale (WBGS) on Sat 17 November, with a preview night on Fri 16 November. According to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan, Australians will spend more than $51 billion across retail stores over the Christmas trading period, a 2.9 per cent increase over the previous year. It would be great to see some of that staggering amount of money going towards creating and sustaining a circular economy in Australia.
The last couple of years have shone a spotlight on waste, with the ABC’s War on Waste series, and China’s waste ban this year highlighting our consumer culture and a waste problem that has been growing for some time. Our attitudes and perceptions regarding products really need to change — we need to look beyond the surface of an item for its buried value. The latest, greatest and shiniest isn’t always the best (particularly for the environment) and while something might not be ‘brand new’, it can still be new for you or your loved ones.
A lot of people still feel a real stigma around giving gifts that are pre-loved, thinking that others will consider them stingy, but there are a couple of ways to transition.
- Start with someone you know cares about the environment and openly declare that it is a pre-loved gift and proudly announce where you bought it from, showing the receiver that not only are they receiving a wonderful gift, but that the money spent acquiring it is going towards growing a better community and world to live in.
- Carefully match the item to the person and ensure it is something they will absolutely love, so they know you’ve put a lot of care into its purchase.
- Children are great recipients of pre-loved gifts, often not giving a care about where it came from (I know my kids often had more fun with the big box the present came in, rather than the actual gift!). Again, if it’s not for your kids, declare the origins of the gift.
There are many great items on offer at WBGS that would make excellent gifts e.g. christmas decorations, antiques, arts and crafts, stationery, home décor and artwork, quality manchester, electrical goods, gardening items, toys for the kids and appliances still in their boxes.
According to Channel 7 news, most Brisbane locals are more likely to spend money in-store than online and about half of Brisbane like to get their Christmas shopping done by the end of November. So be sure to include WBGS on your November Christmas Shopping trail, grab a bargain and join the growing movement of conscious consumers who aren’t above pre-loved and enjoy knowing their purchase is helping the environment and growing a better world powered by People, Planet and Profit for Purpose!
