Illustration by Teresa Yan

Our phones have become exhausting. With the rise of AI-generated content and doomscrolling, social media is no longer an escape from reality. Our lack of permanent ownership over the digital media that we own and the rising prices, dampen the appeal of subscription-based streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify.

And so, physical media is making a comeback. Many feel nostalgic for the offline world and are investing in their physical collection of media in an attempt to replace what they would usually consume digitally via their phones. 

But how can you join this trend without overconsuming? Here are some tips on how to engage with physical media in a responsible and sustainable way.  

1. Use the Library  

Libraries have so much to offer to students. Visit and sign up to your local library for free, but remember to also use the UAL libraries to your advantage. It is more cost-effective and eco-friendly to borrow a book instead of buying it. If you fancy listening to an album or watching a movie, you can also borrow CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays at the library too. Media which can be reused and shared by anyone is the most sustainable form of media consumption.  

2. Buy Second-Hand Media  

If you prefer to build your own physical media collection instead, aim to buy your resources second-hand. Visit your local charities and thrift all sorts of physical media: Books, CDs, Vinyl, Cassettes, DVDs, Blu-rays and more. Oxfam is one of the best locations to find great gems. Likewise, Car Boot sales are a great option to find second-hand treasures, especially print media like magazines or books. Peckham, Chiswick and Dalston Car Boots are some of the best in London. Also, look out for markets, fairs and pop-ups. For example: the Book garden London pop-up in Kennington Park sells £3 second-hand books. Remember, don’t collect, curate. Start your collection small and build it slowly to create one that will be used and loved to its greatest potential, instead of it sitting on your shelf.   

3. Repurpose older technology 

Second-hand technology is a good option to limit your phone usage. Instead of streaming, why not get an iPod or listen to the radio? Or go further back in time and get a Walkman if you own cassettes. A digital camera or a camcorder are also great tools to document your life without using your phone. Cash Converters is a second-hand retailer that has shops all around London, where it’s easy to find good quality second-hand tech. Websites like eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, are the best when searching online.  

4. Seek for print media 

Print is the new ‘it girl’ and this format’s popularity is rising, especially with magazines. The best places to find a range of unique independent publications are newsagents like MagCulture, Shreeji, or the South London Gallery shop, which is next door to Camberwell College of Arts. You can also directly subscribe to any indie magazine of your choice and have it delivered to your doorstep. 

With the return of print magazines, zines are also taking off. Zines are DIY self-published mini-magazines that you can create yourself, using your own resources at home. There are zine workshops in London that you can join, many of which you can find on the website Eventbrite.