Once we’ve transitioned to a circular economy the issues with consumption largely disappear. However, in the short term, the less we consume the less pressure it puts on Earth's finite resources. Most products have an environmental impact due to a system based on extraction and burning fossil fuels):

Reduce - in the short term, the less we buy, the better for the planet (and us). 

• Do you need it or really want it? 
• Is it an impulse purchase?
• Can you find a product that’s built to last? 
• Can you find a product that has a lower environmental impact?
• Can you avoid products with excess packaging?

Reuse - the more we get out of the things we buy the better. 

• Can we get more life out of the things we already have? Does it have an alternative use at the end of its life? 
• How can we share more? Could you lend something to someone else or borrow something? 
• Can we rent more? You can hire most things from clothes to cars. 
• Can we purchase more from charity shops or other second hand retailers?

Recycle - if it's reasonably possible to recycle it, then doing so helps! For more on how and what to recycle see here. 

• Can you find a company that is committed to being circular (i.e. they use old goods to make new ones)? ​

Impact - depends on:

How many new goods you purchase and the potential to cut down or switch to greener alternatives. ​

Cost - buying less, reusing or borrowing things will nearly always save you money

Effort - depends on:

• Not buying something will save you time, but it takes effort to challenge yourself on your purchases and willpower not to buy things
• Finding an alternative use for something can require effort 
• Trying to find the thing you need in a charity shop can require more effort (particularly given how easy it is to purchase things online) ​