Conscious Consumerism

Conscious Consumerism

Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of choosing the "right" brands to support?

In this fast-paced, overstimulated world that is full of misinformation, it can feel daunting to try and educate yourself and understand the issues we are facing. We want to help you cut through the rhetoric and become empowered.

So, What is Conscious Consumerism?

Conscious Consumerism asks us to think before we buy. We live in a consumerist culture where shopping is normal, celebrated even, but often unnecessary. First, it means buying less stuff.  Second, when we do make a purchase, Conscious Consumerism results in shopping in ways that have a positive environmental and social impact. 

Things To Consider When Making A Purchase

Identifying your own personal values is key to becoming a conscious consumer. What matters to you? Is it clean air and water and how different industries impact those? Or maybe it's about the people, such as garment workers in sweat shops, and not wanting to support long work days in uncomfortable conditions. It could also be the pesticides that farm workers are exposed to and eating organic or the safety of animals, so you do not buy or wear leather products or consume meat. Perhaps limiting plastics, single use packaging and the lack of recycling options are your thing. No matter what your values are, you must first identify them, to live aligned with them.

The next step is to identify the ethos of a company. Luckily, if a business or brand is doing their part, either socially or environmentally, they will want to inform you about their good work. Look for their mission statements and environmental commitments on their website.

If a business is not sharing the specifics of their practices and policies, if you can not find their sustainability or ethical production details, you can be sure that they have nothing to be proud of. If they are truly doing anything good, they will be sure to provide that information. If you can't find anything, its because it's not part of their business model. 

Unfortunately, the practice of 'green washing' has become quite common. So, we need to look a little closer as to how they operate. Don't just believe their slogans, really read what they have to say. If they tell you they are "eco-friendly," but they do not clearly say how they achieve that, it is (unfortunately) probably not true.

You can also check to see if they have partnered with any philanthropic organization. Many brands include Social Business practices to find ways to give back to the community or planet with outreach and funding of social and eco friendly programs. For clothing, another thing to consider is do they practice "Slow Fashion" or "Fast Fashion?" 

How to be a Conscious Consumer

The urge to splurge is real. Definitely, do not buy stuff that you do not really want or need, just because it is cheap.

  • Step One: Identify your values.
  • Step Two: Think before you buy. Do you really need it? Can you repair the one you have or buy one second hand?
  • Step Three: Become empowered and choose products that are aligned. Buy from ethical businesses that support what is important to you and know that you are making the world a better place.
  • Step Four: Feel good about your purchases and know you have real purchasing power to enact change. 
  • Step Five: Share these ideas with your friends, spread the message on your social sites and empower others to be the change.

 

Key Aspects of Conscious Consumerism

  • Reduce Consumption- This is the most significant action you can make!
  • Mindful, Intentional Purchasing- Skip impulse buying, do you really need it?
  • Informed Decision Making- Research the business, understand who you are supporting and  the impacts of your purchase.
  • Prioritize Sustainability- Consider production processes, sustainable materials and plastic free packaging!
  • Choose Ethical Brands- Support companies that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions and ethical sourcing practices. 
  • Beyond the Product- Consider the entire lifecycle of a product, from its manufacturing to its disposal. 
  • Positive Impacts- Beyond ethical labor and sustainable practices, many brands give back by supporting tree planting, ocean conservation and other environmental initiatives. 
  • Personal Satisfaction- Making informed and ethical choices can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 
  • Economic Benefits- Supporting small, independent brands helps real people, rather than investing in multi national corporate billionaires. 

 

Final Thoughts 
Wouldn't it be nice if all things in your life aligned with your values and inner self? Don't you want to feel empowered and confident knowing that your purchases are supporting the world you want? If you know anything about Lotus Tribe, you know we are big on living mindfully with intention, in an environmentally friendly way.

It may seem odd for a clothing brand to tell you to buy less and be conscious of your spending and consumption, so, why do we do this? We do it for all of the same reasons we choose to practice slow fashion and make natural fiber clothing. Simply, because we care. Profit has never been our sole purpose or goal. Of course we need to support ourselves, but Lotus Tribe is our way of trying to enact the changes that we want to see in the world. So, will you think a little harder before your next purchase? Will you be a conscious consumer?