The findings from Wastebusters’ 2023 Resourceful Communities survey, released on Friday (September 22), highlight an increase in secondhand shopping, and reduce/reuse behaviours holding strong despite cost of living being a key cause of concern.

For a third year, Wastebusters asked people about the barriers that stop them reusing and reducing waste. 

Survey respondents ranked price as the number one factor that influenced their consumers choices (up from third most influential factor in 2021), followed by healthy choices and environmental impact (both down one ranking).

Wastebusters project manager Sophie Ward said there was a notable upturn in the frequency of secondhand shopping (68 percent always or usually shop secondhand first, compared to 55 percent in 2021), with many respondents appreciating how Wastebusters helped them shop secondhand first.

“It’s heartening to see that despite the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis, the majority of people are still choosing to reuse and reduce,” Sophie said. 

The survey found an upward trend in those always or usually choosing reusable period products, with an increase of 36 percent in the 25-34 age bracket and up 40 percent for 35-44 year olds since 2021. 

Other behaviours remained positive, with 95 percent always or usually using their own drink bottle (compared to 92 percent in 2021 and 93 percent in 2019) or buying fruit/vegetables unpackaged (87 percent compared to 88 percent in 2021 and 87 percent in 2019).

“We’ve also seen this high involvement in sustainable actions across Wastebusters’ zero waste campaigns. In the last year, 2,500 people have come along to our community events to engage and learn about low waste living, home composting, repair and slow fashion,” Sophie said.

This year the survey asked participants what encouraged or facilitated their reuse behaviours. 

The survey found incentivisation a key factor; people want to be encouraged to reuse and bring their own containers, whether through shop signage or discounted products. 

As part of Plastic Free July this year, Wastebusters provided a number of hospitality outlets with BYO cup/container posters which may have contributed to the 10 percent increase in people considering taking a BYO container for takeaway food.

There is a clear need for accessible alternatives such as a cup/container lending scheme to help overcome barriers to reuse, Sophie said, with ‘I forgot my cup’, ‘I didn’t plan ahead’ or ‘BYO not an option’ the most common barriers cited again this year.

“We also found that people really wanted to reduce their daily impact and they cited numerous areas they wanted to learn more about,” she said.

“It’s more important than ever to provide our communities with ways to connect, interact and feel inspired to take positive action.”

Topics included learning more about food, recycling, advocacy, shopping, repairs, and creating a sustainable home environment.

“Thanks to all who responded to the survey,” Sophie said. “The information we gathered will be incredibly helpful for us to develop zero waste programmes specifically designed for our communities.”

For more information, read the summary and full survey report.

PHOTO: Supplied