Every item we buy has an environmental price tag, from intense farming and mining or resources, to water and fossils fuels used in transports and manufacture.
The campaign signposts people to alternatives such resisting purchases, buying preloved or finding innovative ways to reuse, repair or rehome things that might have been destined for the bin.
Nearly 3 planets
would be needed if everyone on Earth lived like people in the UK
73% of people
who took part in January 2024 bought nothing new
80% of impulse purchases
and the packaging they come in end up in landfill
Network membership benefits
All of our Network members, whether Essential, Expert or Exemplar, are given an exclusive sneak peek at the campaign in a special online session.
Contact the Network Team for more information: network@keepbritaintidy.org
Why should my organisation get involved?
A YouGov poll on behalf of Keep Britain Tidy found that 80% of UK adults think recycling at home is ‘waste prevention’ showing general understanding of recycling is oversimplified.
By signing up you are helping us to educate people about how the “waste hierarchy” - a framework that ranks how we manage our waste according to what is best for the environment - gives priority to preventing waste in the first place, followed by re-use, recycling, recovery and, last of all, disposal.
With many organisations making a commitment to green and climate goals - or even having a Net Zero policy - Buy Nothing New Month is a great opportunity to help your audiences, workforce, supporters or customers to think about what they buy and find alternatives to buying new items, as well as saving money.
Everyone - whether an individual or organisation - has a role to play in addressing the damage done to the environment by excessive consumption.
To help you we will share tips on how people can resist the lure of January sales bargains they really don’t need or maybe can’t afford, and signpost to simple options such as repair, renting, borrowing, buying preloved or reusing what people already have in their homes.
Second-hand shops and businesses that focus on repair, rental and upcycling are key components of a circular economy, extending the life of products, reduce waste, and helping consumers save money, Buy Nothing New Month is great time to shine the spotlight on these valuable services in your area.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy“To tackle the damage done to the planet by our excessive consumption, the focus needs to shift from mindlessly throwing things away to thinking about what we buy in the first place and what we do with things we no longer want or need."
The next campaign will take place from 1 to 31 January, 2026.
Organisations who make a pledge will be given free access to a downloadable digital resource pack and weekly newsletters.
You can sign your organisation up either via our website by:
- visiting our pledge page and selecting your type of organisation on the form
- signing up via the link in one of our e-mails about the campaign
We look forward to helping you save your pennies - and the planet!
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