Do we really need it?

Happy Parenting – Malta (For Happier Children)’s EWWR 2026 initiative is “Do We Really Need It? – The Material Sufficiency Challenge”.

We invite individuals and families to consider not simply how to dispose of unwanted items, but how to prevent unnecessary purchasing and consumption in the first place.

Before purchasing something, have we considered whether we truly need it, whether we already own an alternative, or whether borrowing, repairing or choosing a durable option would serve us just as well?

The public will be invited to complete one accessible action each EWWR day, such as identifying unused possessions, avoiding an unnecessary purchase, repairing an item, borrowing rather than buying, reducing food waste or reconsidering clothing purchases. The “Before You Buy” guide will provide a simple, practical tool that families can continue using after the campaign ends. Participation includes different ages and household budgets.

The initiative will be communicated through campaign materials and daily challenges shared online, with printable versions only when absolutely needed. Our audience will be the general public. However, we shall give special attention to our members, parents going through separation and need to establish another home.

Some of these parents are already going through financial and other difficulties. Very often they try to please their children even if they have to limit themselves from essential things. Such parents need to be aware on how to make sensible balanced choices, for example be careful not to spoil their children due to unhealthy competition with the other parent.

The value of this campaign lies in helping people reflect, make different choices and share what they learn.

Happy Parenting’s work is grounded in the wellbeing of families and communities. This initiative extends that concern to the responsible use of shared resources: reducing waste can also relieve avoidable household expenditure and encourage thoughtful, supportive habits. We look forward to contributing a practical, inclusive activity that makes the meaning of Material Sufficiency clear and relevant to everyday life.

To assess the initiative responsibly, we intend to document participation, completed challenges, examples of items repaired or borrowed, purchases participants report avoiding, and the reach of our educational materials.