Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Mothers’ groups and subscription clubs help us through the crisis

The clothes you no longer wear because you gained weight during the social distancing of the coronavirus pandemic can be very useful for someone who has good books that you haven’t read yet. The crisis makes us more creative and unites us in initiatives to save scarce money. Groups of mothers have exchanged cribs, strollers, clothes and children’s toys. Residential building owners collect unused products and set up bazaars to sell them at competitive prices.

Exchange, barter, donate and lend. Go to thrift stores, fairs and flea markets. Buy books at second-hand bookstores. Just be careful not to purchase products without conditions of use.

The collaborative economy is much more than a temporary way out of the economic crisis. It is an awareness that everything produced consumes water, electricity and other inputs. So, somehow, it impacts the environment.

Recycling and sharing products and services are very effective options to spend less and not increase the various types of pollution. Especially if you also dispose of medicines, light bulbs, batteries and other electronic waste in the proper places to collect these items.

It may seem like an exaggeration to save the cooking oil so you don’t throw it in the sink. But, irregularly discarded, this oil can clog pipes and plumbing, and even reach the water table (underground water reservoir) and oceans. So, yes, store used oil (which loses its healthy characteristics) in pet bottles with a lid. In some Brazilian cities, city halls collect this oil, which is later reused in the production of resin for paints, soap, detergent, etc.

And the clothing? For several years now, thrift stores have conquered a large young clientele, as they have good offers on clothes, shoes and accessories. For example, in most of Brazil (except in the South Region) winter is short and mild. Why, then, not buy a good used but well-maintained coat or coat, much cheaper?

We can also take clothes for adjustment in sewing workshops. Or a good old shoe to change heels, soles and be painted by a cobbler.

Even 5G-compatible cars and smartphones can be purchased by subscription. Subscription clubs offer a wide range of products and services, such as games, specialty coffees, wine, cheese, sweets and pet items. You won’t always have the money to buy more expensive products and services, but you can enjoy them in another way, via exchange or subscription.