How to be a conscious consumer

One of the most central issues at the core of our major problems - climate change and social, economic, and gender inequality - is consumerism. Overconsumption fuels unethical business practices such as underpaying labor and using cheap, unsustainable materials to cut costs, so businesses can supply consumers with the deluge of cheap products they want. One of the best things you can do as an individual is to become a more conscious consumer, and in this article, I will give you some easy steps to start with.

1. Sleep on it

Before researching sustainable businesses and products to buy, make sure that you really NEED the product and are not just buying for the dopamine hit. Ask yourself why you really want the product, if there are any other free or cheap alternatives to achieve the same thing, can you use something you currently have for the same purpose. Imagine yourself using the product, would you use it often and for a long time? I suggest writing out questions you want to ask yourself before making a purchase in the Notes app on your phone so that you can easily have access to it. For bigger purchases, keep a wish list and add items that pass the initial screen test to this list. Revisit it after a week, or a time frame of your desire, and if you still want it, then you can make the next step to purchase it. Most of the time, after a week or so, you would realize you can live without the product after all, and this would have saved you from an unnecessary purchase. This tactic really helps with ensuring you’re not sucked into the whirlwind of trends and are consuming according to internal needs and not external pressure.

2. Quality over quantity

Once you’ve decided to make a purchase, consider getting a high-quality item that you will enjoy and be able to use for a long time. Even though the upfront cost might seem steep, if it is an item that you will be using often, investing in a high quality item that is durable will be more beneficial for your wallet and the environment in the long run. For example, investing in a clothing staple such as a good jacket that you will love and wear on the daily for years is much better than buying a cheap, trendy jacket from a fast fashion brand that will pill and disintegrate after a few months.

3. Reuse before purchasing new

Before purchasing a new item, consider buying secondhand or asking your family members and friends if they have a similar item that they want to get off their hands. For example, if you want to buy a trench coat, reach out first to your mom and sister, who might have a trench coat collecting dust in their closets which they would gladly get rid of. Go to thrift stores and secondhand stores, both online and in person. The process of revisiting thrift stores and sifting through items until you find what you want can act as a buffer period for you to confirm your need for the item. When you finally get what you want in the end, it will be much more satisfying and you will cherish the item even more because it is unique and you’ve put a lot of effort into procuring it. The added bonus of buying secondhand is that your items will be one-of-a-kind, lending your home, closet, and personal belongings their own character, independent of trends. This is the true way to get de-influenced.

Another alternative is also to rework what you currently own into an item that works. Have clothes that you don’t wear anymore? With a bit of sewing, they can transform into new and unique pieces. Old boxes can become containers, bottles can become vases, and there are so many possibilities for all of the objects you used to cherish to have a second life. Look for resources online for ideas and get crafty!

4. Be wary of cheap prices

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. To get an item to be so cheap, the business is probably cutting costs using unethical methods, such as underpaying their labor, not cleaning up their waste, using cheap materials that are bad for the environment, and not investing in their employees’ health and safety. Whenever you are tempted to buy something because it won’t make a big dent in your wallet anyways, think about other lives who will be impacted by your purchase and support of this company.

5. Support small and local businesses

Before going straight to big names, consider supporting small and local businesses around you. They tend to be more transparent, put more effort and care into their production since they will be relying on quality products instead of economy of scale to drive revenue. You also get to know where your money is going, and you will value your item more if you know what goes into making it - the hard work and craftsmanship needed. Getting in touch with the production method can do wonders for you as a consumer. You will learn to appreciate craftsmanship and slow production, and become a happy participant in the slow economy.

6. Do research before you buy

When you do purchase from a big business, especially if you’re doing it online, make sure to research the company properly. How do they produce their products? Are they taking sufficient actions to become sustainable? If they declared sustainability goals, are they making actual progress or greenwashing? This might be time-consuming at first, but doing thorough vetting before purchasing from a company means you can add or subtract it from your list of businesses to buy from for a while to come. Practice reading company reports and looking at sustainability metrics and qualifications will equip you to be able to identify legitimately sustainable companies and make informed decisions.