Living an ethical lifestyle can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Even small changes in how we approach our daily habits can make a big difference—not only for people and the planet, but for our mindset as well. Some of the Baptist World Aid team have challenged themselves to reduce their impact and live more intentionally. Here are four different approaches that might resonate with you.

1. Kat’s ‘Rule Of Five’ 

Advocacy Coordinator Kat decided to set herself a limit of only five new clothing items in a year. It’s a simple but accessible rule that allows for occasional wardrobe updates while significantly reducing her yearly purchases (Aussies buy an average of 53 new clothing items a year!) 

‘I have found this rule to be so helpful in putting a limit on my spending,’ said Kat. ‘If I fall in love with something new or am looking for something very specific, it gives me some wiggle room. But honestly, just asking myself the question: “Is this something I really want as one of my five?” has slowed my consumption way down. It’s the end of the year, and I’m only at three new items!’ 

Kat also shares that choosing second-hand shopping has also made her shopping experience more fun. ‘Op shops don’t have every style in every size like new ones do. But that makes the reward of finding that perfect pair of jeans that much sweeter!’ 

2. Amelia’s ‘Buy Nothing New Year’ 

Fundraising Coordinator Amelia set herself a challenge: buy no new clothing or shoes for an entire year. Instead, she rocks her own personal and timeless style rather than following fleeting trends.

‘Setting this challenge has really helped limit my consumption and its environmental and social impacts, as well as my spending,’ said Amelia. ‘I’ve been pushed to become more creative with my existing wardrobe, and it has been fun to experiment wearing items I’ve owned for years in new ways.’ 

Amelia’s challenge has also changed how she views fashion.

‘In a time when fashion moves so fast, this challenge has helped me solidify my personal taste and know what items I really want in my wardrobe rather than blindly following trends.’

‘I love op shopping and the thrill of finding a great piece at a fraction of the original price; it’s crazy what people give away! It’s rewarding to buy an item you love second-hand, and apps like Depop are super handy when you want something specific.’ 

3. Ellyse’s ‘One In, One Out’ Rule 

Marketing Manager Ellyse has a rule that for every new item she adds to her wardrobe, one old item must get donated.  

‘We honestly don’t need more stuff!’ Ellyse said. ‘One in, and one out means I keep my wardrobe manageable, and I’m only keeping clothing that gets a wear.’  

‘I’m lucky to have found a few friends who are the same size as me, and I’ve been able to facilitate an informal clothing swap once or twice a year with them. If I find an item I love in the pile, I’ll add something I haven’t worn in a while to it before I pass it onto another friend. And then one of us will go to our local op shop to donate the rest.’ 

This approach helps avoid overconsumption, saves money, keeps her wardrobe clutter-free, and makes sure it’s filled with only items she loves and regularly wears.

4. Rochelle’s ‘Ethical Event Wardrobe’ 

When International Programs Coordinator Rochelle recently celebrated her wedding, it was important that her big day didn’t come with a big environmental footprint. To avoid this from happening, she asked her guests to wear something they already owned to her wedding.  

‘Having a brand-new outfit for special occasions like a wedding is a common practice of the culture I was raised in,’ Rochelle said. 

‘But I get to see firsthand how hard our Partners work to address harmful cultural practices. It has really challenged me to think about how I can do the same in my own community. I wanted to use this opportunity—where I had my family’s attention—to challenge this practice and encourage them to take a moment to think about the impact their purchasing habits have. Not everyone stuck to the dress code, but it definitely inspired some great conversations.’ 

By turning her wedding into a teaching moment, Rochelle reminded her loved ones that meaningful celebrations don’t require new outfits. Her intentional approach inspired her guests to reconsider their consumption habits and sparked conversation about mindful purchasing practices. 

What’s Your Ethical Lifestyle Approach? 

These stories show that living ethically doesn’t always require bold actions or major lifestyle changes. Whether it’s setting a limit, choosing to shop second-hand or rethinking how we dress for special celebrations, there’s always something small we can start doing. 

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to set a resolution to live more intentionally. Choose one area where you can make more ethical choices and see how it evolves throughout the year. Which of the four approaches resonates most with you?