Avoiding consumerism may be a near impossible feat, but being a better buyer isn’t quite so difficult with the rise of the conscious consumer. The concept is one where consumers purchase products or services produced with social and environmental considerations in mind. In other words - think before you buy. There are a handful of simple ways to engage as a conscious consumer when it comes to your next purchase, including the following:
Think of the environment
Products that contain recyclable packaging or green elements tend to denote that your purchase is eco-aware. There are plenty of brands that are crafting everyday essentials along with eco-conscious - brands such as Tsuno whose Overnight Sanitary Pads are made from eco-friendly natural bamboo and corn fibre chlorine and are packaged in biodegradable sleeves, and recyclable cardboard boxes. Also, avoiding the use of a plastic bag will help to promote consciousness about excess waste, as well as reduce your own personal contribution to landfill.
Stick to fairtrade
Items clearly marked fairtrade are those that have been sourced in an ethical manner, in a way that benefits the community in which they have been created. Purchasing these products is a way to make sure that what you are buying is not only directly financially profiting its creators but that they have been made under decent working conditions, with sustainability in mind.
Prioritise local
Help to support local businesses and boost the economy by purchasing products that have been made within the nation, if not local area. Purchasing products or from companies founded locally may take you away from an import-heavy supermarket towards a local market, or nearby business. It will also help to ensure that you know where that product came from, how it was made, and by whom.
Do your research
The beauty of internet search engines is that it enables us to have a world of knowledge at our fingertips. Ignorance about where a product comes from is no longer an issue - it takes just 30 seconds to determine the background of your latest purchase - where it was made, by whom, and even the conditions they worked under. Just as you may discover some negative aspects of a brand whom you favoured, research may also help you find a far more eco-friendly, fair trade alternative.
What changes have you made to become more of a conscious consumer?