What we desire in our lives—and what we choose to spend our money on—is more important than we often realise.

We hear constantly that we are living in a critical time for saving our planet. And while that’s true, it’s not simply a matter of pulling out all the stops for a short burst of change, “saving the day,” and then returning to business as usual.

If we’re serious about protecting our planet, we need to develop new habits. We need to become more mindful of what we consume and purchase, and create ways of living that are just as meaningful and joyful—yet divorced from the destructive consumerist mindset that is pillaging and polluting our environment.

The Cost of Consumerism

Consumerism harms the planet in many ways:

• Depleting natural resources through mass production

• Accelerating climate change with energy-intensive manufacturing and transport

• Generating waste that ends up in landfills and oceans

• Destroying habitats and threatening biodiversity through industrial and agricultural expansion

And all of this is often for items designed to last only a year or two before they join the ever-growing waste pile.

The Shift: Becoming More Materialistic (In the Right Way)

Here’s a twist: I believe the world needs to become more materialistic—not less.

Not in the sense of endlessly wanting more stuff, but in the sense of genuinely caring about the things we buy. Caring about how they’re made, how long they’ll last, and what will happen to them at the end of their life.

When we invest in items that are well-made, durable, and meaningful, we reduce waste and build stronger connections to the things we own. Instead of disposable goods that give us a quick thrill, we can surround ourselves with objects that bring lasting joy.

Wooden Bowls as an Alternative

This philosophy is what drives my work as a woodturner. I take great satisfaction in creating wooden bowls that stand the test of time.

• Made from beautiful native New Zealand hardwoods

• Designed to withstand daily use and knocks

• With a little care (and oiling), wooden bowls will look even better the more you use them, developing a beautiful patina with years of use.

These bowls are not just functional objects—they are heirlooms in the making. They’re pieces you can look after, repair, and enjoy for decades, building an attachment that grows deeper with time.

A Truly Sustainable Craft

I’ve never thought of myself as particularly “green,” but I take pride in knowing that my work is as sustainable as I can make it:

• The wood I use is harvested from storm-damaged trees, not cut down for production.

• Every piece is handcrafted, producing virtually zero emissions.

• At the end of its life—hopefully many decades from now—a wooden bowl is simply a piece of natural wood. No heavy metals, no chemicals, no toxic legacy.

The only environmental footprint comes from transporting the bowl from me to you. Beyond that, it’s as close to zero-impact as a handcrafted object can be.

Choosing Better, Living Better

Breaking free from consumerism isn’t about living with less joy—it’s about living with more meaning. By choosing to invest in durable, sustainable, and beautiful items, we can reduce waste, protect the planet, and surround ourselves with things that truly matter.

That’s the change I believe in. And it’s a change each of us can make—one thoughtful purchase at a time.