No more apps.

The constant buzzing, hopping from one app to the next. It all gets a bit overwhelming. The convenience of having everything in the palm of our hands has lasted for over 15 years now and people are getting sick of it.

By clicking on this article, you have done so. The novelty of it has worn off and everything we thought we wanted turned out to be the downfall of what we loved.

April is Earth Month This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” invites us to support clean air, clean water, clean energy, protected natural resources and climate stability.

One way to do this is by taking a step back. It’s time to go back to basics. It’s time to go retro.

Purpose

It’s been a long time since we’ve had to choose. Choose what to do, where to go and what activity we’re going to sink our teeth into. Having each individual item specially curated allows us to regain our sense of purpose.

Not only that, but those relics of the past have more charm, more tools and are meant specifically for what you want to use them for. It doesn’t allow you to hop from task to task, further diminish your mental health or pull your attention in different directions.

What to replace

The best way to start going retro is to think of every app on your phone as its own device. What does that look like? For some of us who have not thought of, or even heard about, some of the options out there to replace that single icon, here are a few:

• Music: There are a few options here. With vinyl, CD and MP3 players galore, mix and dabble as you wish. Already a vinyl collector? This is your jam. The artwork is amazing, it’s the way to listen to music as intended and it’s a trend that’s been coming back in droves while looking amazing on a shelf.
• TV and Movies: Get ready to own things again. Sounds wonderful to hear, doesn’t it? Streaming won’t go away any time soon. It’s convenient and everyone, even the nay-sayers, uses it in their own way. But there’s something special and even nostalgic about always having your favourite movie ready.
• Books: This one has never gone out of style. Any book lover will tell you the special feeling of turning physical pages instead of scrolling through your phone. You can also keep this replacement sustainable and cost-effective by visiting your public library.
• Clothing: Modern clothing is taking a spin. People in the fashion industry, even fashion students at Humber Polytechnic, are praising 90’s and 2000’s fashion making a comeback. Items from that era can even be cheaper as well.
• Alarm clocks: Don’t let your phone be the first thing you interact with in the morning.
• Camera: Digital cameras often yield better photos and can lead to scrapbooking of your precious memories. Having them developed and holding the physical photo in your hand will only garner more appreciation, especially compared with the photos buried in your phone’s storage that you’ll never care to look at again.

Where do I start?

Going the retro route comes with side quests of its own. Prepare to dabble in a different world and learn more about yourself. Which music platform will you choose? What box sets or movies will make it into your curated collection? How will your style change?

No better time to get out there and see what you’re missing. How do you do it? The cheapest and easiest way is to go through your older relatives’ things, with their permission, of course. A lot of them love their retro collection and have preserved it for this moment. I know they’re just waiting for the day their child comes up asking to listen to music through a CD player the way they did.

After you’ve rummaged through their things, the next step is to go thrifting. Given its increased popularity, thrifting hasn’t been as cheap as it once was, but if you’re looking for a hobby within itself, going from store to store, garage sale to garage sale and even taking road trips far and wide to scour stores is a fun retro activity within itself and yields the best prices.

Sustainability

Not to mention that reusing these items keeps them out of landfills and prevents new materials from being overused and creating more waste. Reusing preserves its authenticity and history. Without the reselling market, quality items will go by the wayside, never to be seen or used again.

There is a reason libraries exist around the world. To preserve and ensure that everyone has access to experience everything from different times. Without that mentality, media would be lost to time. And quality goods would contribute to the growing amount of garbage across the world.

Don’t let that happen.

On Earth Day, we collectively make an effort to protect the environment and reduce pollution of any sort. What better reason do you need to go out and get new-old tech and classic clothes?

Go thrifting with your bestie this Earth Day, buy an iPod, a new outfit or a VHS player. You can say it’s to celebrate, but we all know it’ll scratch that itch and get you off your phone.

Feature photo courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo via Unsplash.

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