How To Be A Conscious Consumer

Stage 1: Production

Stage 2: Use

Stage 3: Disposal

Second, and before making any purchase, I consider not just the environmental impacts, but the social impacts (the benefit or detriment to the community) and the economic impacts (or who will benefit from my purchase) that occur at each stage of this lifecycle.

Sound complicated? I promise it isn’t! Read on, and I’ll walk you through it.

Stage 1. PRODUCTION

Whether you’re browsing online, or in store, take a good look at the item and ask yourself  ‘how did this get here?’  The answer will tell you a lot about the sustainability of the product. Things to consider:

Raw Materials

Packing and distribution

Purchasing

Stage 2: USE

Does the thing I am buying have multiple uses?

Always try and opt for things that can multitask. For example, will you be able to wear that shirt with multiple outfits? Or will it only go with that specific pair of trousers?

How long will it last?

Will that piece of furniture you’re eyeing last 5-10 years? Or is it likely to end up in landfill within 18 months? 

How long am I planning to use it for?

Is the purchase a quick fix like a plastic water bottle you will use two or three times then throw out, or is it a reusable bottle you can use for months or years?

What happens if it breaks?

Something I hear often these days is ‘it isn’t worth fixing’. Indeed, the sad reality is, often it’s cheaper to buy a new replacement product than get the old one fixed. Try and opt for products that are less likely to break (bonus: you’ll save a lot of money in the long run!), but also consider if replacement parts are available.

Stage 3: DISPOSAL

What will happen to the item once I no longer need it? Most people don’t think about an item’s ‘after life’ when they’re standing at the checkout. We normally consider this down the track when we are trying to work out how to get rid of it. Try and challenge your thinking, flip your view and consider this before you buy.

So there you have it! I know it can be hard to shift your way of thinking, and in my experience, it definitely didn’t happen overnight. But I believe that small, but mindful changes to your thinking here and there will, over time, lead to a shift in the way you consume that just feels natural. Give it a go, you’ll be a conscious consumer before you know it!