Blending your life with another person is no joke. It’s not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of ups and downs, learning and unlearning that goes on between two people. The difficulty reaches another level when you add unique components like living sustainably to the mix.
Understandably, many people only feel as successful as the barriers of resistance a partner you’re living with or just dating can cause for you. I don’t want anyone making it more difficult to live sustainably than it already is.
Here are four tips to help you get your partner on board with one aspect of living sustainably, buying secondhand. Buying secondhand can include items like home decor or clothes. These four tips are focused around tailoring to the interest of your partner in a way that aligns with your sustainability values.
Lead by Example
Show how simple it can be to buy secondhand. They are more likely to try it if they see you do it successfully.
Show the Platform They Will Like the Most:
If you have any idea of what platform they will like better like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp (link) start with that platform. You likely don’t have multiple chances to get them on board.
Focus on What They Like to Buy: If they are looking for T.V. focus on that instead of pitching for something they aren’t currently interested in.
Show them the Savings: A lot of people speak the language of saving money. Show them how much money that can save by buying secondhand items.
I hope this helps you feel more confident in easing your partner into buying secondhand. It’s never easy changing someone, (if that’s even a thing) so above all have patience and understand your partner may never get on board. Know you have to be okay with that too.
You just keep doing you!
Has it been easy or hard for you to get your partner to buy secondhand?