A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life

by Tara Button

Modern life overwhelms us with throwaway stuff like appliances built to break and clothes that only enchant for a season. But it doesn't have to be this way! In A Life Less Throwaway Tara Button teaches you a revolutionary way of viewing your posessions that can save time, money, space--and the planet.

Button, founder of the Buy Me Once website, has become a champion of a way of living in which we thoughtfully purchase the everyday objects in our lives and give them meaning, whether they be towels, desks, pots, scissors, or a coat. Tara advocates a life of mindful buying that celebrates what lasts, giving you exercises that help you curb impulses, ignore trends, and discover your true style. The book contains ten steps to mastering mindful curation, from finding your priorities to understanding and using techniques to free yourself from external manipulations such as advertising. Tara teaches you how to resist cheaply made goods and make smart, fulfilling purchases that last a lifetime. Mindful curation is a lifestyle choice that makes people happier, healthier, and more fulfilled, while also being environmentally friendly.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Sustainability, Audiobook, Environment, Personal Development, Psychology

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly]

Great for rich white people who are judgmental and want a giant advertisement for a blog. Otherwise, straight up irritating and inspires nothing. Literally, not a single moment spent on the fact that cheap, shoddily made products are often all that's available for many and that's not their fault. It's a bigger structural problem and frankly, sending Apple a tweet to ask them to make more sustainable products isn't going to solve that problem. But hey, it invites a few more moments to be Holier Than Thou. Likewise, not a second of consideration for why the Marshmallow Test is also a flawed study; those who didn't show "will power" in not eating the marshmallow aren't failures. It's exceptionally possible they come from a world of lacking and they have never had reason to believe more would come if they didn't take advantage of the thing set before them.

Pick up The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store instead.

[Ghasem Safaeinejad · Rating 5 out of 5]

جزو معدود کتاب‌هایی که پیشنهاد می‌کنم همه حداقل یک بار بخونن. حتما نیاز داریم برای اصلاح سبک زندگی‌مون در مواجهه با تبلیغات و نحوه خرید کردنمون و نگاهمون به محیط زیست و البته بلندنظری نسبت به کره زمین و جامعه انسانی مطالعه‌اش کنیم

[Romany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with all the advice in this book, which pretty much boiled down to: Buy less and look after the things you have. But it just didn’t inspire me. A lot of the studies and quotes were familiar to me (e.g. the marshmallow test, the lightbulb conspiracy). There were a couple of statements that seemed borderline racist, and it was certainly a book for the rich. What does it offer? A pretty reminder that pots should last for life. If you’re lucky enough to afford such pots in the first place.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much an advert for her website, and a lot more about politics and economics than I was expecting, however I did enjoy this, and I learnt an awful lot about how advertising works, the wasteful way in which companies make their tech, and how to spot quality in clothing. Overall I think this contains much more useful and applicable information than wishy-washy books about minimalism (I'm looking at you Marie Kondo), and I think 'mindful curation' is a good yardstick to use. Definitely very informative about how we can go about trying to effect change and look after the planet (and ourselves) through buying less and buying more carefully.

[Ana Lelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not as useful as I had hoped. The first part, which explained the marketing strategies companies use, was interesting. However, I found the second part on purchasing things to be a waste of pages.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes in life we need a reminder on how to be a grown-up.  At least, I frequently do.  In A Life Less Throwaway, The Lost Art of Buying For Life, Tara Button provides concrete steps for choosing and purchasing items that will last a lifetime-not just this week's trend.  

Reading this book was like having a great conversation over coffee.  Button provides anecdotes and exercises on how to discover your personal style so you can make careful choices about your purchases.  She describes how buying less, but purchasing high quality items that last a lifetime, can simplify your life while also freeing up some space in your pocket book.  

Tara Button covers a range of topics from why items don't last like they used to-I'm looking at you washing machines-to how advertising affects our buying habits.  There is also information on how she created her website and her own story of how overspending and keeping up appearances led to debt and unhappiness.  

I found this to be an enjoyable read and I catch myself thinking about it while out shopping.  I never thought I'd spend as much time comparing the hinges and type of plastic on camping coolers as I did the other day.

[ClaireGenevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really. This was a library lend so I can’t really work through the exercises properly, and I skimmed some of the chapters that aren’t relevant to me (childless vegan who doesn’t wear makeup or follow fashion!). But a lot of handy tips and I have checked out the website several times since starting the book, and added a few good brands to my list of ones to check out when something needs replacing.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
A brilliant book that sheds a bright light on our over consumption and throwaway culture.

“The way we buy things is broken and the things we buy are breaking. But we can break the cycle. If we buy things we love, buy things that last, and take care of them, we might just save the world”

This book highlights the humanitarian and environmental impact of the western world’s continual need for things. How we are marketed to to believe we need new things frequently and how many products are often built not to last. But it’s also a book of actions, teaching you how you can declutter your life, be mindful of marketing tactics, steer away from fast-fashion, and look to buy sustainable, ethical products for longevity - reintroducing the lost culture of buying for life.

I absolutely loved this book, and have walked away from it with actionable changes. I don’t often re-read but I would re-read this and use it as a reference.

[Rachel Blakeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up in a household where you kept something until it died. Buying new meant you had a need for a replacement, which I continued long into adulthood, when I realized a few years ago that I can buy new things just because I want an HDTV or lamps that don't look outdated because they still work, but old habits die hard. In sum, I wasn't necessarily the target market for this book. It was a quick read (finished it the same day I started it) but I didn't learn much. Frankly this book is written for people who see the world as the author does. Her exercises for writing ad copy were over the top for me. And I have no interest in buying a $125 umbrella when the deluxe $20 version is sufficient. She was a little too precious and perfectionistic in her worldview for me to anything meaningful from this book.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book!!! I highly recommend this book! I didn't really have any expectations going in, as it was available at my library when I was looking and thought it sounded interesting. What I found was a powerful read about how our culture is today. How companies are purposefully making things that don't last as long as they used to, forcing you to be a repeat customer. How marketing and advertising really messes with your mind. And confirmation that I in fact don't need to follow fast fashion trends.

I have always had the mindset that you get what you pay for. I would much rather invest in something high quality that will last a long time over something that I need to repurchase next season, or replace because it goes bad/breaks/doesn't work after just a short amount of time. And that is basically the point of this book.

The main message of the book is to buy self-curated items that you truly love and fit your needs and lifestyle. And to buy them once, with the intention of keeping them for a long time/lifetime.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetna książka! Omawia ona aspekty konsumpcjonizmu oraz chwyty marketingowe, które mają nas zmuszać do zakupów, najczęściej niepotrzebnych. Idea mniej konsumpcyjnego życia jest mi bliska od dawna, stąd lektura to była przyjemność i szybko się wciągnęłam 🩵

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. More of a guide instead of memoir with some useful tips. I like it over Year of Less.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super thought provoking. Why don’t we make choices with an eye to durability? Why are we okay with the lifespan of a washing machine *decreasing* dramatically over the past few decades? Why don’t we resist the allure of fast fashion (that harms the environment and the people making it)? Why don’t we replace retail therapy with activities that are truly better for us?

This is a valuable reference book, and I recommend the author’s website and passion project BuyMeOnce.com.

[Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

No dramat, zbiór oczywistości, powierzchownie i bez refleksji, z miernym poczuciem humoru. Doczytałam bo nie lubię zostawiać niedoczytanych. Chcesz ograniczyć konsumpcję, po prostu kupuj mniej, zamiast poświęcać tonę czasu na głupie ćwiczenia proponowane przez autorkę.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bottom line is to obtain things that will last and take care of them. For the most part, this has been our philosophy over the years but has anyone tried to get a flat-screen television repaired lately? Most modern-day appliances with electronic controls are pretty much "throwaways" which is horrible for the landfills. The author has suggestions on what and where to buy most anything although I ended up skimming some of the more detailed parts of the book.

This is a nice addition for those more serious about simplifying their lives.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance digital reading copy.

[Cathy]

I don’t feel like this book added a great deal to my understanding of sustainability and consumerism, but I have read quite a bit in this area now. As others have mentioned it does read a little like an add for the author’s website, but the principle of buying things to last when you can afford to is sound, and the book was an enjoyable enough look at this approach to purchasing and maintaining household items and wardrobes.

[Erin Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stopped during chapter 12. The book starts with some interesting historical facts but I really didn’t find any ideas that were new to me. I think the book would be helpful to someone just starting adult life, establishing a household, and I’d recommend reading before doing any kind of gift registry to avoid bringing unnecessary junk into your home in the first place. But as others have said, it caters to the upper middle class and wealthy, who have not only income, but endless hours to “curate” and perform other labor intensive exercises. Chapter 12 was where it really lost me though, because this was the decluttering chapter. You can’t write a book about being less throw away, then advise people to get rid of every possession that doesn’t beautifully perfectly meet their needs, which will of course result in the need for more shopping at some point. The message is really simple; use the stuff you have for as long as you can, don’t buy so much stuff, and when you must buy, do your best to pick things you’re going to keep for a long time.

[Shayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what exactly I got from this book...I think I'm a little more clear on wanting to buy certain things and knowing what to look for in items I do buy to last. But overall I just don't think this book said anything I hadn't already figured out by myself, and at times it was like reading a long advertisement for the author's website/business. There are a few good tips here and there, but a lot of them have that same self-help mushy, saccharine feeling to them where I know there's no way I would ever apply the advice to my life. As usual when it comes to self-help, this book could have been half as long as it was. But the idea of it is very nice and I am definitely more motivated to be even more careful with what I choose to buy.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Książka bardziej o roli reklamy i marketingu w nakręcaniu konsumpcji. Za dużo autoreklamy autorki.

[Kasia Miazek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huge disappoitment. Written in an unbearable, patronizing tone. The author is telling us to consume less while shilling her products and services every 3 pages. Nothing she had to say was new to me.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Tara Button encourages readers to discover what they love, curate a collection of meaningful, long-lasting items, and stop embracing and discarding trends with the rest of the Western world. However, instead of addressing over-consumption and its tax on the planet with vague, emotional argumentation, this author exposes the history of modern consumerism and advertising in detail, delving into the social and personal mental processes that lead to over-consumption and waste. For example, she explains how even when our items are not technically obsolete, marketers expertly stoke our desires for a replacement by changing product designs and making something look "so last year." She also addresses how common design practices impose a short lifespan on products so that consumers will have to buy them again.

This book also includes sections on the impact that commercials have on culture and lives. Because the author used to work in advertising, she is an excellent voice to explain how manipulative commercials can be, and how even when they don't peddle misinformation, they are still explicitly designed to tap into subconscious desires and create felt needs for products that people might not care about if they were marketed less insidiously. In response to this, she outlines next steps for how to change shopping mindsets and habits.

Because this book focuses on the mindsets and heart issues that drive people to over-consume and live wastefully, it is much more oriented to affluent people than to those who depend on cheaply made products in order to get by, but since affluent people are the ones more likely to trash the planet by following trends and buying and discarding items on a whim, it is appropriate for this book to be directed towards those with the means to finance wasteful lifestyles. The author encourages readers to consider their true values, reject consumerism, and change their thoughts, beliefs, and habits to create a more purposeful life, meaningful home, and healthier planet.

She also has a resource to help people learn about products with longevity. Even though some Goodreads users have criticized this book for promoting the author's website, BuyMeOnce, she designed this website for the purpose of discovering and sharing information about the types of quality products that won't break down after a short period of use. I believe that this book is actually better for mentioning the website, because other books give generalized advice without providing any next steps or resources. It's clear that this author not only practices what she preaches, but also knows how to pass on her lifestyle values to others in a concrete way.

I really enjoyed this book, because even though I was raised to use things until they wore out, and to reject trends in favor of my personal style, it was still helpful to think through these issues in a systematic way, and it intrigued me to learn more about the history of advertising and how the Western world developed its over-consumption problem. Although I would not recommend this book to someone struggling to get by financially, since its suggestions for buying long-lasting products can seem laughably unattainable, its messages about how to cultivate good values and a good life through discerning your personal taste, rejecting consumerism, and living simply are spot-on.

[CharityJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes a strong case for living more mindfully by consuming less and buying for the long term. Interesting tidbits from industry insiders on planned obsolescence. Covers nearly every area category from fashion to household appliances and gives concrete suggestions for shopping smarter for things that will last longer. Good read for those wanting to be more eco-conscious.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book looking at not just a focus on longevity of items but a history of how our items became so throwaway to begin with and the advertising and culture behind it all. Lots of great information for practical home upkeep and care of items as well! Worth the impulse grab from the library!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It fit a genre that has been my current obsession lately, and this book nailed down the guilt that has been rising to my consciousness lately on consumption and wastefulness. I love the author’s passion for her topic and the business she has built, and I will be talking about this book to anyone who will listen!

[Miikka Uusipaikka]

I agree with the things Tara is talking about in this book. Finding balance in shopping, minimalism, and creating rules and habits for yourself will lead to a better and more fulfilling life. Value family and friends.

[Uttara Makker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an eye opener.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book about simplifying and living with less stuff, what sets this apart is the section on marketing and planned obsolescence. If you think you’ve been manipulated this will confirm it!

[Amy Brown (amylikestoreadalot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a memoir of her life learning these lessons, but more of a guide. It is inspiring and I learned a lot.

[Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Helps you think through about what purchases give meaning to your life and what you will get best value out of. Also talks about how to set goals and follow through to those goals.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

everybody needs to read while we’re in peak consumerism