Photo by Christian Guthier
Since we were talking about our stuff and the effects that our choices have on others on Monday, (and thanks for all of your great comments!), for the question of the day today, I wanted to ask what you all do to be more conscious consumers.
For me, it can be really hard and overwhelming to be a conscious consumer in every area, but it is still something that is on my mind almost any time that I purchase something, whether food, clothing, or household items.
Where did this item come from? How was it made? Who is the company that is selling it? Is there a way I can find what I’m looking for and be a more conscious consumer and still not bust my budget?
So today I want to know:
What Does Conscious Consuming Mean To You?
How do you choose the things that you buy and where you buy them from?
Are there certain things you won’t buy because you can’t find a good source to buy them from?
How do you balance the necessity of buying things for your family while being conscious of the impact of your purchasing decisions?
I can’t wait to hear your answers!
Over the last year, my husband and I have been super-intentional with our money. It’s been challenging to align our hearts + our spending. Funny how the two are related! For me, becoming a conscious consumer includes buying secondhand whenever possible. We don’t shop as a recreational activity, and that certainly helps, too. This is going to be a lifelong process. I do feel overwhelmed at times, wondering “who is the person behind this product?” and wanting each purchase we make to reflect what’s important to us: care for people and for creation — and good stories. We sure like those, too. Looking forward to reading other comments!
Great question. To me conscious consuming means consuming something that I truly need, not want.
It means knowing what went into the production of whatever it is that I am buying and how it effects the people that produced it, the environment and those that profit from it.
To me, conscious consuming means “thinking about what you buy” before you buy it. Asking yourself: Do I really need this? Is this a wise use of our money? Can I find it used? Can we borrow? Not being impulsive.
Concious consuming means leaving the funds home while I enjoy a windowshopping safari. If I really NEED it, I’ll go back later to buy it.
I would say it means remembering the TRUE cost of something. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it doesn’t cost much. Things that influence the true cost of an item: the condition of the workers that made it, the effect on the area where it was produced, the effects on my health or the health of our kids, etc. For example, buying organic costs more money than conventional. But average in the cost of the health of my kids combined with the health of the people living in areas being sprayed with pesticides, and the conventional has much higher costs.
Thanks for bringing this up Kristen! It is such an important thing to remember!
it is different to everyone and where ur coming from