How To Consume Responsibly?

Let’s assume you need a new set of cookware, a new party dress, or simply a new tube of toothpaste or a bag of coffee beans.

How do you choose which brand to purchase?

Advertising or a friend’s advice might sway your decision. Maybe you just purchase the same brand every time because your mother did or because it’s the only brand you’ve ever tried, and it’s the simplest option.

However, an increasing number of us are deliberating before making a purchase. We’ve heard that out-of-control consumerism is wreaking havoc on the environment. We all know that product safety isn’t always well-regulated and that businesses don’t always think about our health and safety. We’re concerned about manufacturing and farming methods’ social and environmental consequences.

two toothbrush in mason jar

What Does It Mean To Be A Conscious Consumer?

The notion of conscious consumption is not new, and there are several distinct definitions available on the internet.

This is how I see it: Before deciding what to buy, an aware consumer examines the health repercussions and the environmental and social impacts of a product.

 A thoughtful shopper considers their options before making a purchase. They’re involved in the buying process and will ask a few questions before making a purchase:

  • Is this something that my family and I can do safely?
  •  Is it causing any harm to the environment?
  • What is the societal impact?
  • Instead of buying goods, they don’t need, an aware consumer makes intentional, educated decisions.

An aware customer expects companies to be transparent and real and avoid items that do not align with their beliefs. Someone is confident in their decisions because they have done their homework and identified the greatest options for their family.

 I’m guessing that most visitors to my blog are already mindful consumers in some form. Perhaps you’ve replaced some harmful cleansers with better alternatives, or you’ve begun to use reusable containers instead of plastic wrap. Perhaps you’ve shifted to natural, non-toxic goods or invest in sustainable apparel instead of quick fashion.

Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished so far in becoming more conscious of the effects of the things you purchase! Let’s have a look at what more you may do to make yourself a more socially conscious shopper…

What Does It Take To Be A Conscious Consumer?

First and foremost, being a conscientious consumer is not about being flawless. There is no set route to follow. There is no requirement to pass an exam. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m all about mindful moderation, baby steps, and doing what works best for YOU!

Ultimately, being a conscientious consumer means concentrating on the most important values to you, educating yourself, and doing your best within your time and financial limits.

brown sticks

 My objective is to assist you in being the best conscientious shopper you can be! Here are my top ten recommendations for becoming a socially conscious, long-term consumer:

1.) Do Your Homework – Spend some time researching what you intend to purchase.

 Visit the brands’ websites and read the About Us section to learn more about the manufacturing process. To understand the health and environmental effects of goods, consult reputable sources such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

2.) Know Your Compounds – You don’t have to be a scientist to know which ingredients and materials are dangerous to humans and the environment. There is a lot to learn about this topic; however, the following are the most important ones:

 Hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants are found in many items, from personal care to plastics to home furnishings. Nonstick cookware and food packaging contain perfluorinated chemicals, which are possibly carcinogenic. Yes, these hazardous compounds are permitted in goods by law. It’s the wild out there, so the more educated you are, the better.

Are you ready for a more conscious way of living? Let us know in the comments…

21
Jan, 2021

Greenwashing – The Enemy of Sustainability (Part 4)

In any economy, consumers are usually king. However, greenwashing is a marketing ploy that misleads consumers. As a consumer, you need to be aware of the products you are purchasing.

Below you will find some tips to help you identify and avoid greenwashing!

#1. Knowledge Is Power

“People are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

– Hosea 4:6

As a consumer, it is vital that you are aware of the greenwashing techniques used by companies to sell their products. You must be familiar with the terminologies employed such as “all-natural” or “low emission,” etc.

For instance, one should be aware of the sin of irrelevance of greenwashing. For example, a product may claim to be a “CFC- Free” one and the claim might be genuine but unhelpful as the law generally bans CFCs, which you should be aware of as a consumer. Know all the greenwashing techniques to stop yourself from getting fooled.

When in doubt, turn to your trusty friend Google! Nowadays, with globalisation and advances in technology, there are many blogs and online forums where green movement activists share and discuss information about companies that convey misleading information about their products.

 

#2. Ask Questions

If you are not sure that a product is genuinely made from recycled materials, don’t hesitate to ask the company questions. When you probe for more details, you will be able to identify whether the company’s claims about their products are valid or not.

 

#3. Don’t Go for Products, Go for Brands

Nowadays, it is easier to find a chocolate producer with three out of its fifty products having been certified as sustainable and eco-friendly. However, it is much more complicated to find a company where all of its products are made from recycled materials and positively impact the environment.

However, the companies that abide by the highest sustainability features when producing their products are not driven by money and profits but instead want to spread their green message to the whole world.

How can you identify such companies?

  • By the word of mouth
  • Their eco-friendly measures described on their websites

#4. Packaging

Like how appearances can be deceptive, the packaging is also one of the elements used by companies to deceive consumers. Suppose that a product is packaged with 100% recycled material, but what about the contents of the product?

Many companies use green-coloured packaging to emphasise the idea that their products are eco-friendly. Some even go as far as including natural imagery like green leaves and animals in a forest. A great example of this is the Huggies Pure and Nature diaper line packaging displaying a child surrounded by green colours. This is intended to show that the child is happy, healthy, and with nature thanks to the product.

Consumers should not be carried away by the packaging of the lovely and “all-green” product!

 

#5. Beware of Buzzwords

Companies often use buzzwords like organic, natural, green, low-impact and eco-friendly to fool customers in buying their products and these words are used without having any legal repercussions.

Here is an extract from the second article in this series, where we talked about the sin of vagueness:

“Sin of vagueness is when companies use too broad or poorly-defined terms for their products that cannot be adequately understood by the general public. For instance, the word “all-natural” is often used in the environmental claims’ of companies. However, even toxic chemical elements such as Arsenic, Mercury and Uranium are naturally occurring compounds. This means that the term all-natural does not necessarily imply a green and sustainable product.”

To have a green lifestyle doesn’t only mean using products that are labelled green. As a consumer, you are also responsible for the demand and supply of a product and hence you should be able to recognise greenwashing. Please share your comments!