Conscious consumerism is evolving, and along with it, the concept of sustainability and mindful living. So, what is the conscious consumer movement and who qualifies as a conscious consumer?
Ethical consumerism is about making good choices by putting a cap on purchases and considering factors beyond the product label. A responsible consumer may learn more about the manufacturer and its supply chain mechanisms to ensure their actions do not compromise the well-being of the environment and human capital.
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Consumer purchases empower or weaken the social-environment system. When we invest in ethical brands, we contribute to the growth of sustainable business standards. Likewise, buying from fast fashion brands or non-sustainable names is enabling them to continue with negative repercussions.
Conscious consumerism does more than just make the customers feel good. It represents choices that are made to improve or lessen the negative effects on the environment. As more customers make ethical purchasing decisions, businesses change how they operate. Consumers and companies that encourage positive behavior are both on the same pilgrimage toward sustainable buying habits. As ethical corporate practices increase, engaging in conscious consumption becomes simpler.
How to become a Conscious Consumer?
Here are 7 ways to be a Conscious Consumer
Embrace Minimalism
Become a minimalist by simplifying your lifestyle and buying only what is necessary are among the key highlights of a conscious consumer. Americans purchase so much it contributes to almost 70% of the country's GDP. Plus, an average American's annual carbon emissions are also five times higher than the rest of the world. This stands to be problematic given the growing concern about environmental deterioration. According to a 2020 UN assessment, the richest 1% of the world population emits more emissions than impoverished areas. Given this context, reducing consumption by making a list of only the essentials and avoiding mindless shopping can make a huge difference.
Related blog: What is Slow Fashion?
Choose Organic
Purchasing organic food is a terrific approach to starting a conscious lifestyle. The foods taste and smell better, have more nutrients, higher quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, and less bacterial contamination. The great thing is that organic products are available in approximately 20,000 retailers across the United States. This means the tools for mindful living and a healthy diet are ample!
Related blog: 6 reasons to buy Locally Sourced Food
Choose Fairtrade items
Investing in fair trade items supports underprivileged farmers in developing nations. Products with fairtrade certifications ensure that they were made following high ethical standards. It is also the reason why 57% of US consumers believe in the reputation of Fairtrade labels. The fairtrade label market hosts over 30,000 products, ranging widely from coffee and chocolate to gold and textiles. You have more than plenty to tick off the necessity list!
Related blog: What exactly is Fair Trade, and why does it matter?
Question the ingredients
Cleaner ingredients are safer and healthier for humans and the environment, so do your research before you purchase. Be aware of the ingredients and find out if they're conventional or sustainable. According to the IFIC (International Food Information Council) survey, 30% of respondents agreed that product ingredients influence their purchase decision. Clearly, many people care enough to prioritize their health. Join them— your body is precious, and it deserves the best of the best.
This also applies to textile, personal care products and more.
Related blog: 3 Textile Certifications to look out for
Travel Sustainably
Exploring fascinating places is soothing and refreshing. It helps in recuperating from exhaustion brought on by overworking or other daily hustle. But the question is if our presence is enriching the surroundings of the destination or damaging it? Tourist waste entering the waters amounts to roughly 8 million tonnes of plastic every year. Given that 80% of tourism is centered in coastal locations, plastic pollution rises by 40% more during peak seasons. You can reduce your carbon footprint while traveling by being mindful of what you pack. Avoid overpacking clothes or carrying too many travel bags.
If you're going for a short overnight or weekend trip, you can also consider eco-friendly canvas duffle bag made from Terra Thread. It is spacious, stylish, and made of fair trade certified 100% organic cotton.
Related blog: What is Ecotourism?
Practice the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
The principle of reduce, reuse, and recycle is an amazing strategy to reduce plastic pollution while also increasing product usability without endangering the environment. Given that plastic accounts for around 18% of the 146 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW), taking every possible measure to keep it from landfills is crucial.
Related blog: What are the 5 Rs of Sustainability?
Support Conscious Brands
The business industry accounts for nearly one-fifth of global carbon emissions and uses 54% of the world's energy. It doesn't fare well in terms of sustainability. Thankfully, several ethical businesses are striving hard to include sustainability in their supply chains today. As mindful consumers supporting conscious brands, we can help raise awareness to push companies in adopting sustainability practices. The rise of customer demand for sustainability and ethical consumerism can drive companies to start taking responsibility.
Terra Thread believes that conscious consumerism is more than just choosing a product labeled as green. It is about prioritizing that things we purchase contribute to something good. It is about changing the ways of doing business throughout the entire industry. All of the reasons why we make diligent efforts to offer products made with 100% organic cotton and to help sustainability and ethical consumerism take a step further in the right direction!
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