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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Jem Bartholomew

‘I’m not buying new stuff any more’: the young people getting into ‘degrowth’

Close up informal photo of Sophie Coltman
Rosie Coltman, 32, says by planning meals in advance she saves money and food waste. Photograph: Rosie Coltman/Guardian Community

“I’ve always been a charity shop girl,” says Rosie Coltman, a 32-year-old teacher from Leicestershire.

In recent years, she has shifted from fast fashion towards renting and repairing clothes, or buying secondhand or higher-quality items. She has bought a waxed Barbour jacket that, while more expensive in the short term, she hopes will be cheaper overall due to its durability. For a friend’s wedding, she hired a black Ganni dress for £50 from the app By Rotation. She also batch-cooks food to avoid waste, and prioritises buying from ethical and sustainable companies.

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