Sustainability and mindfulness are hot topics in our society. Social inequalities are being questioned, production conditions criticized, and our view of the environment is changing. These topics come together in conscious consumption. In this article, we reveal what exactly is behind it, why it is relevant and how conscious consumption can be practiced.
What is conscious consumption?
In conscious consumption, social, ethical and ecological aspects all play a role in purchasing decisions. This means that when consuming products, the focus is not only on the cost-benefit ratio, but the purchaser also considers factors such as production conditions, environmental impact, and the durability of a product. Questions like “Do I really need the product? Does it offer me lasting added value?” also influence the purchase decision. In addition to the question of whether or not to buy a product, there is also the question of which product to choose from the large selection of similar suppliers.
Why conscious consumption?
Conscious consumption has benefits for you and the environment.
- Your ecological footprint
Conscious consumption involves considering the consequences and environmental impacts of your purchases. This allows you to make more mindful purchasing decisions that improve your ecological footprint. By buying sustainable and fairly produced items, you can make a contribution to the environment. Additionally, supporting sustainable products increases demand for them, which can lead to a broader market shift from conventional to sustainable goods. This can already be seen, for example, in the increasing supply of meat alternatives in supermarkets.
- High-quality products
People who advocate conscious consumption and therefore take production conditions into account when choosing products often opt for high-quality products. Sustainability as a driver also leads to the purchase of higher-quality products – because fewer resources are required for durable, high-quality products. This pays off both for you as a consumer and for the environment – you need less time and nerves to repurchase an item and resources are saved.
- Make a statement
Conscious consumption underlines your opinions, beliefs and values. As an individual, your own purchasing decisions are the quickest and easiest way to make a difference. Every receipt is a ballot paper – so you can speak out in favor of sustainability and better production conditions.
How can I consume more consciously?
Conscious consumption offers many approaches that you can adopt and incorporate into your purchasing decisions.
- Reduce
Declutter by reselling, donating, or giving away items you no longer need, and aim to reduce the number of products you buy. Ask yourself before every purchase: Do I really need this item for my everyday life? How often will I use it? Do I already have something similar at home that fulfills the same purpose?
- Inform yourself
Research the social and environmental impact of a product before making a purchase. Find out about durability and look for brands that meet your requirements. Also take a look at the production chain and the resources used directly and indirectly for production. This may initially involve additional work, but once you know which suppliers are available and what to look out for, it will be easier and quicker for you in the future.
- Move
The decision between driving a car or more sustainable alternatives such as walking, cycling and using public transport is also linked to conscious consumption. Opting for active transport or public transit can significantly support your conscious consumption efforts.
- Compare
Switching from your current energy provider to a more sustainable provider in the form of renewable energy supports your path to conscious consumption. Compare providers and find out about more sustainable alternatives.