6 Tips for Shopping Consciously
In today’s world, where convenience and consumerism often go hand in hand, shopping consciously has become more important than ever. Whether you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, support ethical practices, or simply make more thoughtful purchasing decisions, it's possible to shop in a way that aligns with your values. With just a few changes to how you approach your buying habits, you can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll explore six tips for shopping consciously—helping you make smarter choices, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Sustainable tablewear: Placemats, napkin rings, coasters & drink identifiers made from 100% coconut leather. Design: Alex Shield Design x Aiya ayiA
1. Have a plan & avoid impuse purchases
Do you ever go shopping for one specific item and end up with a whole cart full? Before you shop, have a plan! Know in advance what you need and if something else happens to catch your eye, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?" or, “Do I already own something I could use instead?” If you’re shopping online, leave the additional item(s) in your cart for a few days. Did you forget about it? Are you still interested? A lot of what we purchase is done on impulse, and not really due to an existing need.
2. Can you find it second hand?
Before you buy new, consider whether this is an item you can purchase second hand. There are so many ways to shop preloved! Check out your local thrift and antique shops as well as online marketplaces. You could also swap with or borrow from family and friends! Have you ever heard of a Swap Party? It’s a get together with family and friends where you swap items. An important thing to note is to only buy what you need - we can also overconsume when buying second hand.
3. Buy what you love!
Have you ever felt excitement or pure joy when you found the most incredible pair of shoes, or the perfect piece of artwork (or whatever it was you were looking for)? If you are absolutely in love with the item you found, chances are you’ll want to keep it around and will not want to replace it anytime soon, saving on what we’re sending to landfills. If you find yourself asking if this is the right piece, or you’re not sure if the item will really meet your needs, hold off until you find the perfect fit.
4. Do some research
Always ask questions! What is the product made of? Does it contain toxic chemicals? Is this product safe for my family? How was it made? Where was it made? Who made it and are they subject to good working conditions and paid a living wage? The choices we make as consumers have a huge impact on the environment and all living things.
5. Support local businesses
Did you know that shipping accounts for approximately 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions annually?* By buying local, we are supporting our community, contributing to our local economy, and also lowering our carbon footprint.
6. Have a core list of values
Establish a core list of values/guidelines and go through them before making every purchase. You could start with not buying anything made of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. You might choose to source all of your decorative items from local artisans. Decide what is really important to you, and stick to it!
