Learn about the underconsumption core trend and how it can improve mental health, your bank account, and the environment.
Underconsumption Core: Why We Love It, and How To Achieve It For Yourself
Published on Dec. 19, 2024
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Rearrange and Shop Your House
One of the spending traps I fall into the most is home decor. I love shopping for art and accessories and refreshing my home with a new look, but it’s not necessary. I look back at growing up in a single-parent household; we always had a clean and lovely home, but my mom rarely bought new things. When she needed a change, she rearranged our furniture or moved things from one room to another.
Why We Love It: Rearranging gives your house new energy and makes everything feel new without spending a dime.
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Unfollow Influencers and Brands
I recently came across a “restock my car with me” influencer reel. I watched as she filled her car with what seemed like an endless amount of hand sanitizer, travel-size makeup, wipes, snacks, and more products, all with beautiful color-coordinated packaging. For a moment I thought it was a great idea. How nice to always be prepared with the things I need in my car, right? But then I realized what I was watching was literally hundreds of dollars of unnecessary products that would probably rarely be used. It was time to unfollow.
Why We Love It: There’s nothing wrong with following your favorite brands and trendy influencers. But if you start buying more than you need or can afford based on their posts, it might be time to take a break.
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Use Your Products Until Empty
There’s a trend within the trend of underconsumption core called “project pan.” Beauty enthusiasts challenged their followers to reach the pan of their makeup palettes before purchasing a new one. The idea can be applied to any product in your home, and basically, it means using all of a product until it’s empty before buying more. This is a philosophy I follow for almost all my shopping. Sure, I like to have things like extra paper towels on hand, but I don’t have closets full of “back stock”.
Why We Love It: Minimizing duplicate purchases will make your home less cluttered, and you’ll spend money only on the products you actually need.
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Repurpose and Redesign
Repurposing or redesigning items is a fun way to save money while also stretching your creativity. An old colander makes a cute hanging planter, glass jars work as candle holders, and a fresh coat of paint can transform a dated table—the ideas are limitless. So before you click “Add to Cart,” take an inventory of things you already own and discover their new potential.
Why We Love It: Repurposing reduces waste, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
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Be Intentional
Underconsumption core is not about going without the things you need, or even want; it’s just about being more mindful with your spending. Social media trends and targeted ads can lead us to think we need something and we need it now. Instead, wait 24 hours before purchasing. By the next day, you might be surprised to find the urgent need for that item has worn off.
Why We Love It: According to the mental health experts at Calm, mindful spending will help you achieve financial goals and reduce stress and anxiety by taking control of your finances.
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@victoria.metzinger Little wednesday ootd 🤍 #ootd #ootdfashion #underconsumption #underconsumptioncore #wednesday #outfitinspo #outfit #fyp #wife ♬ Stuck In The Middle – Tai Verdes
Be an Outfit Repeater
Buying high-quality clothing and taking care of it will help you avoid the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. Seen here, @Victoria.Metzinger shows off a cute outfit made entirely of older items. Don’t be afraid to wear your favorites over and over! Along the same lines, keep your closet organized so you can see everything you actually own. This will prevent you from buying a new black sweater when you already have three at home.
Why We Love It: A simple wardrobe made of your favorite items won’t feel like a sacrifice because you’ll love everything you own. Small accessories or even thrifted items can help you refresh your pieces without overspending.
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Practice Gratitude
It may seem cheesy, but practicing daily gratitude has life-changing benefits, including reducing overconsumption. According to a study from Frontiers in Psychology, when adolescents practice gratitude, they become less materialistic and more generous. To reduce spending and appreciate the life and things you already have, try keeping a gratitude journal, practicing gratitude meditation, or making a daily habit of mentally reflecting on gratitude.
Why We Love It: Gratitude will help you feel content and decrease the need for unnecessary purchases and the impulse to keep up with others.
