What Is Conscious Consumerism & Why Is It Important?

With climate change becoming a bigger problem now more than ever, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help our environment. One small step in the right direction can make a huge impact and with the consumer model constantly shifting, we believe now is the best time to become a little more conscious when deciding where your money is going.

What is conscious consumption?

Being a conscious consumer means you are someone who thinks critically about the social and environmental impacts before spending your dollar.

“Conscious consumption is an umbrella term that simply means engaging in the economy with more awareness of how your consumption impacts society at large. Shopping sustainably, with the intent to preserve the environment, is one way to consume more consciously.” – The New York Times

Why is conscious consumerism important?

Being a conscious consumer is just one small part of fighting climate change or making an impact on social issues. Becoming more conscious about where you are spending your money can drastically curb the effects of pollution and waste. While conscious consumerism can be beneficial from a sustainability standpoint, it also revolves around the idea of having a positive social and economic impact.

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Tips on How to Be a Conscious Consumer:

1. Buy Less.

Not only is being a conscious consumer better for the environment, but it can also save you money! Before you buy that new sweater, think about whether you really need it or not. When it comes to food, plan your meals ahead of time and try to create meals with items you already have at home. When you go grocery shopping, only buy what is on your list! This way you hopefully won’t have food waste at the end of the week.

2. Buy Secondhand.

Purchasing items that have been used can also save you money as things such as electronics, furniture, etc. are often reduced in price. This is especially important when it comes to clothing. Business Insider states that the fashion industry emits more carbon than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Buying one used item of clothing reduces its carbon, waste, and water footprints by 82%!

3. Shop sustainable, and ethical.

Did you know that you, as a consumer, can vote with your dollar and make the world a more equitable place? Show that you care by supporting businesses owned by people of colour and indigenous persons. Eat at restaurants that treat their employees fairly. Purchase items from stores that have sustainability goals. Get your groceries from local farmers’ markets.

4. Repair things you already own.

Conscious consumerism isn’t just about buying things, it’s about the entire lifecycle of putting your items to good use. Instead of throwing away items that are broken, look up how you can get them repaired. Learn how to sew and resize clothes that may be too big for you or have holes in them. Many clothing companies, such as Patagonia, are starting to offer repairs to damaged clothes which encourages people from throwing their items in the trash.

5. Avoid fast fashion.

The term fast fashion refers to a highly profitable industry that mass produces clothing, shoes, and accessories based on the latest trends. This clothing is available at a low cost, but most products aren’t exactly made of the highest quality. Since trends come and go, most people who buy fast fashion items wear them short-term, then dispose of them. In many ways, it has dangerous repercussions on the environment.

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6. Educate yourself.

Before spending your money, do your research. Do your due diligence to ensure that the company you are about to support also supports the things you care about.