A Guide to Mindful Consumption: Be the change.
In a capitalist world of hyper-consumerism, Conscious consumerism can be understood as an eco-movement first and later as a way of life. Does it mean that what we buy matters? Well, yes but Conscious consumption is not just about what products we buy, but it is all encompassing- an entire mindset that takes into account what you are buying, why you are buying it, when it will expire and its method of disposal. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity. It’s an answer to the hows and whys of our materialistic lives.
Why should we care?
We get it. The appeal of festival sales and fast fashion clothes is a sure way to impulsively buy things we don’t need but (Oh, the dreaded but) it is our responsibility to re-evaluate our choices that affect our surroundings.
The throwaway culture of TikTok that enticingly promotes you Stanley Cups has actually put a heavy toll on our planet. So, tell me, are you gonna get those boots or?
The question to ponder over is whether we are moving in the right direction if we are letting our buying choices get affected by celebrity endorsements or if we are letting faux leather trends or fake organic brands fool us. Our role as consumers is not only limited to demanding paper bills, but it is also an influential force of transformation.
How can we practice Mindful Consumption
It is a myth that only privileged people can buy sustainable products. Even if that idea holds a certain amount of truth, there are other ways to practice mindful engagement with our materialistic pursuits.
Sustainable living is all about “something is better than nothing” because small changes matter. Here are a few habits to adopt today:
- Donate, recycle, or up-cycle.
- Say yes to thrifting, buy second hand instead of brand new.
- Support small, local businesses.
- Fight the impulsive buying demon inside you.
- You wouldn’t like it if your date was peacocking, so flexing yourself is hypocritical, isn’t it? Live for yourself, not for society.
A community- driven, conscious consumerism is a catalyst for change; A change that the world needs right now.
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