5 Great Habits of a Conscious Consumer
Conscious consumers think more about their purchases, particularly in the origins of the products they use. It is better for the planet, but it also has positive impacts on you and your family. Finding more sustainable options will leave our planet a better place for our children, their children, and their children’s children.
Plus, these options are now more readily available, making it easy to cultivate the habits of the conscious consumer. If you want to be more conscious about your consumption, take on some of these habits to change the way you interact with the world and feel better about your impact on it.
1 Be informed
Knowing really is half the battle. In our digital age, we can easily learn about the origins of any product or industry with just a few taps on our smartphones. Look at all the things you buy daily.
Is the coffee from that trendy coffee place coming from an ethical source? Are the farmworkers being treated fairly? And what about that sweater you just had to buy? Was it made in a sweatshop?
Taking a quick moment to understand where these things come from and choosing not to buy into them helps you be a more conscious consumer.
2 Read the labels
You will find labels telling you if it is organic, fair trade, or locally sourced from food to clothes. These are the items you should be purchasing instead. Be careful, though. Some labels contain misleading information.
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3 Separate your wants from your needs
Conscious consumers do not heap up their cart at Target with more things they do not need. Sure, they are shiny and pretty but do you really need another pair of heels?
You have ten swimsuits for summer already, but what is one more, right? You might want it, but you definitely do not need it. Conscious consumers go for a more minimalistic approach.
4 Choose locally-sourced items
When it comes to buying food, opt for purchasing from your local farmers. Most cities have farmer’s markets on the weekends, and there should be a produce stand somewhere nearby.
Find the farmers, and you will never be disappointed with the quality. You will be saving more money and getting better food, plus you will be supporting your own community. Everyone wins.
5 Recycle and upcycle
Have you ever noticed how much waste you create? You can be a more conscious consumer by recycling the recyclable waste that you leave behind. Try to avoid buying things that contain excessive packaging and reuse what you can. If you like crafting, you can turn a lot of junk into beautiful treasures.
If you do not have time for that, though, call up the art department at your local school or university and see if they would like your old glass bottles, bubble wrap, and other interesting items for upcycling.
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There are many other ways you can be an effective conscious consumer. You do not have to start doing everything all at once, though. The best way is to start making gradual changes. Once you do, you can help inspire others to live more consciously too.
