Ever stood in the middle of a store, clutching a sparkly top you don’t need, or scrolling amazon, adding random things to your cart? As someone who’s always been part of a middle-class household, I know the sweet temptation of sales, the lure of “limited time offer” tags thinking one day it might become useful, and the guilt that creeps in after realizing I’ve just bought yet another thing I didn’t need.

Impulse buying is like falling for that “90% Off Sale Today Only!” sign, exciting at first, but eventually, you’re left with a regretful “Why did I buy this?”

But let’s be real – our wallets and the planet deserve better.

Here’s the thing: every unnecessary purchase we make adds to the already monstrous pile of trash the world is drowning in. Those plastic trinkets, polyester clothes, electronic gadgets and low-quality impulse buys might feel exciting in the moment, but they contribute to landfills, oceans clogged with waste, and industries pumping out more than this planet can sustain. To be honest, the moment these products are manufactured is the moment its already written its gonna pile up the world with a trash.

The solution? Focus more on needs than wants. When we demand less, businesses take notice and produce accordingly. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet. To help you (and me) avoid falling into the trap of impulse buying, here are 12 questions to ask yourself before swiping that card or hitting “Buy Now”.

1. Do I Really Need This Or Am I Buying Because Of The Sale?

Scenario 1: You’re eyeing a black T-shirt at a sale because it’s “only 50% off.” Pause. Open your closet. Count your black T-shirts. If the number exceeds two, step away.

Scenario 2: You’re at a mall, and you see a neon pink, sequined handbag that screams, “I’m extra!” Ask yourself, “Do I need another handbag when I already have three functional ones at home?” Probably not. 

Scenario 3: There’s a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” deal on glittery nail polish. Sure, it’s a deal, but if you barely wear nail polish, is it really saving money?

Read More: Sustainable Fashion Practices

2. Will this bring value to my life, or will it just collect dust?

Scenario 1: You’re tempted to buy a waffle maker because it looks cool. But honestly, when was the last time you even made waffle from scratch? Do you have enough time and energy to make it regularly? (Hint: Never).

Scenario 2: You already have 1 Bike, 1 Scooter and a Car. You wanna buy one more new car or bike. Why? Just so you can dispose surplus money to or suffice your craving for thrill and show-offs? Are you gonna use all these vehicles every day? If not, reality check, you are a trashy human who is just tiring out the planet for your greed.

Scenario 3: You’re eyeing a polyester jumpsuit on sale but remember – you’re live in a humid place, and summers are brutal. Polyester in 40°C heat? Are you FR?

3. Can I borrow, rent or DIY this instead of buying?

Scenario 1: You want to buy a power drill for a one-time DIY project. Pause. Check if your neighbor or a rental service has one you can borrow instead of shelling out cash for something you’ll use once.

Scenario 2: You’re tempted by a new book. Check your local thrift store or online second-hand shops first. I used to be new book freak, but these days, whenever I clean my shelf, seeing my books are turning yellow while sitting on shelf unread, after my first or third read, it hurts, I am seriously considering about lending it to people or selling it. And I am also buying either 2nd hand book, download a kindle version or an audio book.

Scenario 3: A wedding occasion is coming, you are planning to buy a expensive fancy outfit. Are you the type of person who use this outfit for all special occasions or are you the type of version who hates to wear same outfit to different occasion so you end up buying new every time? If you are the latter, stop. You better go rent it out. That will save so much. You can use that money for something better.

4. Is this made of sustainable materials?

Scenario 1: That cute plastic water bottle is so tempting, but the ocean doesn’t need another one floating around. Opt for stainless steel or glass instead. While we Indians who used to use Stainless steel, copper utensils and clay utensils are leaning towards plastic utensils especially in restaurants, I recently noticed in Korean Dramas, where they have started using stainless steel tumblers in hotels, restaurants and personal use.

Scenario 2: You’re tempted to grab a cheap polyester dress. Remember, polyester is plastic, and plastic lives longer than your great-great-grandkids. Can you find a similar option in cotton or another biodegradable material instead?

Also Read: Stainless Steel Straw Review

5. Am I Buying This Because I’m Bored or Emotional?

Scenario 1: We all do that, don’t we? It’s midnight. You’re on your favorite e-commerce app. You’ve added three scented candles to your cart. Ask yourself: are you buying them because you need them or because you’re bored scrolling?

Scenario 2: You had a bad day, and that plush toy looks comforting. Stop. Can a walk, a conversation, or some self-care fulfill this need better than retail therapy. Or better, can’t you just cook your favourite dish and eat instead?

6. Does It Replace Something I Already Have?

Scenario 1: I don’t know how many of you know about the threat e-waste is causing to the planet. Are we even disposing it responsibly? That new upgraded phone looks fantastic, but the one you’re using is still perfectly fine. If it’s not broken, you don’t need a replacement. If its broken but repairable, why do you even need a new one. Come on…

I stopped using my first mobile, Nokia Lumia when it became beyond repair after 5 years of usage, I stopped using my Nokia 7 Plus when the battery bulged and almost tried to kill me after 4 years of usage. And I am ashamed by the fact that I am using 2 mobiles right now. But, I assure that I am gonna use these till next 7 years. That’s the promise I have made to myself.

Scenario 2: You see a mustard-yellow cardigan and instantly want it. But didn’t you buy a lemon-yellow cardigan last winter? Check your wardrobe first!

7. How Long Will This Last?

Scenario 1: This is for people like my dad. You’re about to buy cheap earbuds. But if they’ll break in a month and you’ll have to replace them, wouldn’t it make more sense to invest in a slightly pricier, durable pair?

Scenario 2: A pair of ₹500 cute footwear catches your eye, but they’re poorly made and will likely wear out in two months. Instead, invest in quality footwear that lasts years.

8. Can I wait 30 days and still feel the same way about this item?

Scenario 1: You spot an online deal for a pedicure kit, but if you wait two more weeks and still want it, it’s likely not just a passing fancy. Until then, let it sit in the cart.

Scenario 2: That expensive flashy watch screams “buy me now,” but will you even care about it 30 days later? Sleep on it, and if you’re still thinking about it after a month, reconsider.

9. Do I have space for it?

Scenario: You’re thinking about buying a new piece of furniture or organizer. Consider if you have the space for it or if it will just clutter your home.

10. Is it worth the price? Could this money be spent better elsewhere?

Scenario 1: That designer handbag is on sale, but it’s still pricey. Ask yourself if it’s truly worth the cost or if you’re just swayed by the brand name or because of some influencer’s claims. That impulse buy might make you happy now, but its gonna hurt you badly when that bag didn’t last a 4-5 months of heavy usage.

Scenario 2: You’re about to buy a fancy perfume. But think: Wouldn’t this ₹15,000 be better spent on an experience like a weekend trip? Memories > stuff.

11. Am I Falling for Trends? Or Am I buying this to impress others?

Scenario: You’re considering buying chunky sneakers because everyone has them. But will they still be trendy next year? If not, you’re better off sticking to timeless classics. Ask yourself if it’s really for you or just to keep up with your nemesis.

12. Is This Purchase Gonna Support a Sustainable or Ethical Brand?

Scenario 1: You’re looking at a new outfit. Research the brand – do they pay fair wages and follow ethical practices? The fast-fashion store is calling your name with its ₹399 dresses. But wait, is that brand known for underpaying workers or using unsustainable fabrics? Then think once or twice before purchasing.

Scenario 2: That plastic bottle with glittery water is cute, but is it worth contributing to more microplastics in the oceans? If the answer is no, skip it. Look this planet isn’t just for us. Just because we have a 6th sense we don’t own this planet and rummage it. You don’t know when other animals are gonna evolve. Probably that’s the day, we all get to know we are the villains in the story of Earth.

Thats It! Now Here Comes The Final Say!

Its going to be so tough to do this. I have been doing this for years now, it gets tougher and tougher. It am still working on changing things around my house, as it always starts from home. Most importantly it gets tougher to make your own family understand it.

Because, we live in a world that alternate sustainable products are expensive. Only rich people can obviously afford it on the first place. But considering that the world population has more people with lesser income and lesser spending power, if we really care about environment, isn’t it the sustainable products and alternatives be the cheapest ones? What are the industries even trying to pull?

Every purchase we make sends a message. If we choose thoughtfully, we tell businesses that sustainability and durability matter more than fleeting trends. Let’s stop impulse buying and start buying consciously for our wallets, our homes, and our planet. I am definitely not an expert in this… But I try my best as I am pretty sure there will be a day, when we all will be answerable for what we do.

Next time you feel tempted to buy something on a whim, come back to these questions. Trust me, your future self, and the Earth will consider forgiving you.

What are your go-to tricks to avoid impulse buying? Let’s chat in the comments!