Responsible Consumer
Responsible consumption means using products and services in such a way as to reduce the use of natural resources and prevent waste.
In recent years, our consumer approach has been completely re-evaluated. Quality becomes more important than quantity, and when shopping we have in mind the good of the planet, not only the good of our wallet. We start to be interested in what we actually pay for.
The shift in worldview and greater knowledge about the changes taking place in the environment and society have powerful influences on our lifestyle. We become curious about what we eat and drink, what we wear, what we put on our skin, and what we breathe.
Before buying something, we should wonder if we are doing the right thing, whether our purchase is wise and if we need it at all. Is it healthy, good quality, does not harm the environment and whether the people who produced it got a fair payment? There is now a lot more going through our mind when shopping even for staple goods.
How to become a responsible consumer?
We must realise that, as consumers, we have a huge impact on the reality that surrounds us. That is why making conscious choices is so important. And continuous analysis of various aspects of our impact on the environment is crucial.
Choose ethical companies
What do you support with your purchase? Small business or corporations? Do you know who the producer is and what values they follow? Where the product comes from and who created it?
An ethical brand ensures its workers are treated fairly under the policies and practices on worker safety, provides a living wage and acts against child labour and forced labour.
Also, an ethical brand does not use (or very few and responsibly sourced) animal products, like wool, leather, fur, angora, karakul, exotic animal skin and so on. Ideally, the brand is 100% vegan.
Brands that have nothing to hide are willing to share where and by whom the product was made, and how. These companies take care of transparency and sustainable development and provide full information of their products (such as the cost of material, the price of production, the cost of energy and transport) on their websites or labels.
The fashion industry is one of the most destructive sectors of the economy (along with the meat industry) both in terms of environmental footprint and social impact.
The cheapest plastic-based fabrics are responsible for the emission of harmful microplastic particles. Therefore, the less you change your wardrobe, the better.
Give up plastic
Plastic is literally everywhere - in the depths of the oceans, on mountain peaks, in the stomachs of birds and mammals, in the food we eat, and in the air we breathe.
This plastic pollution crisis is powered by a throwaway economic model, where convenience and economic growth trump the costs to our communities.
It also offers us an incredible opportunity to act.
- give up plastic disposable dishes, cups, straws, bottles
- use reusable containers
- buy products made of natural, biodegradable materials.
