You might have heard the term “conscious consumer” used a lot lately. As the global green-revolution progresses, the way we are manufacturing and purchasing products is changing. We are all responsible for making the changes necessary to slow down global warming and clean up our act. In this post I’ll share how to be a conscious consumer…
What Is A Conscious Consumer?
There are lots of different definitions of a conscious consumer depending on which article you read. In brief, a conscious consumer is someone who considers the environmental effects, health impact and social implications when deciding what to buy. A few examples of questions a conscious consumer might ask before buying are…
- How will this product impact the health of me and my family?
- Is this product having a negative impact on the environment?
- What is the societal impact of this product?
Overall a conscious consumer will make conscious, considered and informed choices. They will ask questions before buying and consider the wider impact of how they spend their money.
Are You Already A Conscious Consumer?
- You understand that how you spend your money effects how the wider world, planet, society.
- You strive to spend your money only on products and brands with a level of transparency when it comes to ingredients, production methods, packaging.
- You have done your research into ingredients, chemical, toxins, materials that are going to negatively effect the health of your family and the planet.
- You’re passionate about being part of the solution to the Climate Crisis, by not adding to the problem.
If you’re reading this post then chances are you are already a conscious consumer or are at least actively seeking out the knowledge to begin making change, which is amazing!
How To Be A Conscious Consumer
Becoming a conscious consumer is not about perfection! Small changes and gradually switching to more sustainable and natural products is the only way to begin. Here are a few ways to start your journey to making more healthy and planet-friendly purchases…
Consider the Environmental Cost: Look into the environmental life cycle of the product before buying. This includes the manufacturing, shipping, materials used, packaging and the disposal of the product when you have finished with it.
Think Before You Buy: Don’t browse online and shop mindlessly, start by slowing down and taking a moment to think before purchasing. Here are few example questions to ask before you make a purchase…
- Can I live without it?
- Can I get the same thing second hand?
- Is there a healthier more eco-friendly alternative?
- Do I need to buy it or could I rent it?
Always Read The Label: You need to be aware of the ingredients and materials that have been shown to be toxic to humans and the environment. Look out for hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols which are common place in beauty products to home products.
Look out for perfluorinated compounds found in non-stick cookware and food packaging that are known to be carcinogenic. As well as these, you need to note pesticides like glyphosate and others linked to cancer. There are also heavy metals that are neurotoxins that can effect brain health. It’s incredible to think that these ingredients are allowed to be sold openly in products that we use for our beauty regime and in our homes.
Start with your cleaning routine: Start with your by switching the cleaning products that you use. Invest in natural and eco-friendly cleaning essentials, change your multi-purpose cleaner to be chemical-free which is much healthier for you and your family. My personal rule of thumb is, if you can’t pronounce it and don’t know where it came from, chances are you shouldn’t be eating it, inhaling it or putting it on your skin.
Check for Certifications: Lots of manufacturers and brands strive to meet strict guidelines for safety, environmental or social impact. Look out for these certifications on the label or website, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for textiles, and Fair Trade Certified for food and clothing.
Christine
