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What is the philosophy of conscious consumption? Is it just a fashion trend or can it really change the world? Who can say to himself “I choose conscious consumption”? Let’s figure it out together!
What is a culture of conscious consumption?
Conscious (responsible, reasonable) consumption or, translated into English, sustainable consumption is the conscious use of production products, natural resources and intangible benefits in such a way as to reduce the negative impact on the environment and limit the use of harmful materials.
Where did the trend towards conscious consumption come from?
The history of the concept of conscious consumption is closely connected with the large-scale growth of production in the middle of the 1970th century. During this period, high-tech and relatively cheap raw materials appeared, the level of demand for goods and services increased sharply … By the beginning of the XNUMXs, the problem of overproduction, a huge amount of disposable and plastic products and improper disposal of growing volumes of garbage became especially acute.
Developed countries began to gradually introduce the principles of conscious consumption:
Reducing excessive consumption of natural and non-renewable resources.
Separate waste collection and the pursuit of a circular economy.
Recycling and reuse of recyclables.
Use of renewable resources.
Production of products with a long life cycle.
Accumulation of relevant experience for future generations.
Conscious consumption as a trend came to Russia much later, already in the 2000s. However, this approach is now supported by more companies and ordinary consumers.
Conscious consumption rules: where to start?
We have put together a list of the best tips and tricks to help you proudly say “I’m moving to conscious consumption” and start doing your part in the field of ecology and environmental protection.
Conscious clothing consumption
“Fast fashion”, fabrics that are cheap to produce, impulsive shopping, spontaneous purchases of unnecessary things at stimulating sales… The problem of (un)conscious consumption of things is one of the most acute in the XNUMXst century.
Here is a list of rules that will help you change this situation, at least within a particular family:
Buy high-quality clothes and shoes made from reliable materials that will last you at least several seasons.
Do not be fooled by advertising of new clothing collections, aggressive appeals, sales and discounts. In fact, you will not save money, but spend it (and at the same time stimulate hyperproduction – the scourge of the modern fashion industry).
Review your wardrobe regularly. If you couldn’t avoid unnecessary purchases, at least don’t throw things away, but send them to recycling or charity.
Try to stick to one style of clothing, avoiding the seasonal trends.
This concept of conscious consumption in English is called slow fashion – “slow fashion”. Take into account its motto: “Quality is more important than quantity”!
Mindful eating
Overproduction of food products is another global modern problem of mankind. Many countries are publishing shocking numbers, voicing how many tons of food are regularly sent to the trash. So, according to a UN report, up to 40 tons of all food products are destroyed in the United States. In Russia, 15 to 25% (depending on the category) of purchased food is thrown away.
If you do not want to contribute to these numbers, try to adhere to the following principles of mindful food consumption:
Don’t buy more than you can eat. Do not go to the store on an empty stomach, do not react to attractive colored price tags – buy products only on a pre-compiled list.
Choose unsympathetic (but high-quality) vegetables and fruits, do not neglect slightly rumpled or asymmetrical goods. According to statistics, it is their supermarkets that are most often thrown away unsold.
If you plan to eat something bought in the near future, choose the product with the shortest expiration date. This will reduce the rate of write-offs of expired products.
According to the experience of Western countries, conscious food consumption can generally make an excellent contribution to the health and eating habits of the population.
Conscious consumption and Zero-waste technologies
The principle of zero-waste (zero waste) is aimed at minimizing the amount of garbage in the household (and therefore on the planet) through the reusable use of things, as well as the collection and sorting of waste and their further processing.
If you have made a choice in favor of this concept, you need to adhere to the following rules:
Use reusable products wherever possible. Shopping bags and woven bags or nets instead of plastic bags and sachets in the store, wax napkins instead of cling film for food storage, washable containers instead of disposables, etc.
Sort and recycle as much of your household waste as possible. How to do it right – you can read here.
Try to choose sustainable products and packaging, supporting those manufacturers who care about minimizing their negative impact on the environment.
Conscious consumption of resources
Basically, we are talking about the two most common resources available to an ordinary city dweller – electricity and water. Remember that the operation of power plants causes the depletion of natural resources (oil, coal and gas), an increase in the level of greenhouse gases and other atmospheric pollution. Irrational use and excessive waste of water also leads to an imbalance of water resources.
Here are some habits to get rid of if you are committed to conscious consumption and care for the environment:
Craving for constant lighting of the apartment: turn off the lights in those rooms where you do not plan to be in the near future (this is not always easy, but teach children to do the same). Replace all light bulbs in your home with energy efficient ones.
Irrational use of electrical appliances: always fully load the dishwasher and washing machine, close the refrigerator doors immediately and do not boil the electric kettle in vain.
Love for water treatments: do not pour water while brushing your teeth or lathering your head and body, put water-saving nozzles on faucets and showers. Flush the toilet on the economy flush setting, if your toilet has one.
Let some of these rules seem quite simple and “insignificant” – in fact, it is precisely from such small steps that humanity’s path to a healthy and clean planet consists.