Conscious Consumerism
3 Ways to be a More Conscious Consumer Right Now
We care deeply about creating intentional spaces that reflect our core values. The events of this year have made it clear that our actions as consumers have the power to drive impactful change at home and across the globe. Sustainable products, conscious consumerism and repurposing household items are the three core tenets at Composed Living.
3 Ways to Empower Yourself to Become a More Conscious Consumer
We want to encourage our readers to take a look at their own core values to see if their purchasing habits are in alignment with their ethos.
1. Support Fair Trade and Environmentally Responsible Brands
Shop brands that promote fair labor practices, safe working conditions and environmental responsibility throughout their supply chain. A good place to start is by looking at the materials that are used to create an item and doing some due diligence about the manufacturing process (Google will be your best friend here). Get familiar with certifications too.
For example, Fair Trade Certified ensures that products are made by people in safe working conditions, their manufacturing process protects the environment, and that their workers can build sustainable livelihoods by earning additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Visit Fair Trade Certified for more information on fair trade certifications and where to shop sustainably.
You’ll definitely catch us investing our dollars in these ethically made and sustainable brands below. Look for more of our favorites on or website.
- Coyuchi
- Cuyana
- West Elm
2. Shift Your Spending Mindset
Our bigger, better, newer society has conditioned us to shop for bargains and then upgrade to the newest model as soon as we tire of the old one. This is a recipe for mindlessly filling up our homes with stuff we don’t really need.
Fight back against this conditioning with these friendly reminders:
- Embrace the power of reusing, renting, buying secondhand or going without. We love Rent The Runway for gorgeous special occasion dresses (FYI staying at home binge watching Netflix qualifies as a special occasion in our book.).
- The cheapest price isn’t always the fairest price. Workers who made your item may not have been paid fair living wages and water pollution and other environmental concerns are typically corners that are cut in order to cheaply produce an item. You may pay a bit more for an item that is ethically made, but you can feel good knowing that you are supporting a better quality of life for farmers and workers while protecting the environment.
- Train yourself to view purchases as an investment. When you truly need something, spend a little extra money and focus on ethical investment pieces that are designed to last. Plus, you’ll find that you’ll save money in the process as you’ll need to purchase less in the long run. Woohoo!
3. Look for Companies that Give Back:
Giving back is so in right now, and we are happy to see many corporations and small businesses stepping up to the plate to help combat pressing issues like climate change, racial and gender inequality and supporting marginalized communities. Another thing that is in, right now? Toilet paper. We subscribe to Who Gives a Crap, which is a social enterprise committed to donating 50% of their profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. Learn more about companies that have been verified to contribute to social, economic and environmental causes here: B Corporation (and be sure to stock up on some Who Gives a Crap toilet paper!).
Leave us a comment and let us know how you make sure your spending habits reflect your values.