4 Steps Closer to Conscious Consumerism
What do companies like Patagonia, United by Blue, and Ben & Jerry’s all have in common? These companies are all part of the movement for increased corporate social responsibility (CSR), public transparency, and legal accountability.
Within the last decade, there has been a rise in demand for businesses to balance profit-making activities with activities that benefit society. According to a 2015 study done by Cone Communications, “91% of global consumers expect companies to do more than make a profit, but also operate responsibly to address social and environmental issues.”
The trend towards increased CSR initiatives is a product of changing priorities, expectations, and ideals among younger generations. As more millennials come of age and are moving into their prime spending years, their influence in reshaping the economy has become ever more present.
I assume that if you are reading this post that you are either interested in learning more about how you can start to practice conscious consumerism or ways to improve that already critical eye when you plan for your next purchase.
So, here are some things to consider before you make a purchase:
1. Look for third party certifications such as:
4. Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Acquiring third party certification is in the best interest of many socially and environmentally conscious companies. These certifications verify certain standards are being met, so that you can feel confident about the impact of your purchase. While this is good, it is important for consumers to know which certifications are trustworthy.
Many companies have been known to create their own certification labels, which really have no substance. Stay skeptical so that you can recognize various forms of greenwashing (as false certification is just one example) and ensure that you put your money where it counts.
2. Don’t just be a consumer, be an owner:
Being an owner means literally that. Do you dabble in stocks, or have you ever considered it? Impact Investing has been growing in popularity since it first became active in the United States during the 1960s. After the global financial crisis and recession in 2008, it regained momentum as more individuals wanted their investments to not only make money but to also have a positive impact on the world.
But, I don't know the first thing about building an Impact Portfolio...
3. Do your research:
Ask yourself: Where was this product made? What labour laws and environmental regulations exist there? Does the company adhere to higher standards?
Find the company’s most recent ‘Sustainability Report’ and browse through it to see if they meet any goals they had set such as a reduction in emissions, reduced energy consumption, etc.
Check to see if they have a Corporate Policy on Sustainability. If so, read through it and ask yourself: How vague is it? Do they commit to anything concrete? How do they define sustainability?
Having trouble finding what you want? You can always reach out to a company via email. In my own experience, many have been more than willing to direct you to resources that promote their CSR initiatives such as environmental efforts, ethical labour practices, philanthropy, and volunteer work. If they are active on these fronts they will not brush you off.
4. Buy things to make other things, or (at least) things that last more than a season:
Fast fashion is the second largest polluter in the world, right after the oil and gas industry. Each year over 80 billion pieces of clothing are produced worldwide, and after its short lifespan only ¼ of it is recycled. The remainder either ends up in a landfill or is incinerated. To lessen your impact, buy classic pieces that always stay in style and are less likely to fray and fall apart. Participate in a local clothing exchange or start a capsule wardrobe!
Another way to rein in your desire to buy things is simply to spend more time creating things. Find a hobby you want to explore, whether it is writing, music, blogging, drawing or taking photographs, and do it whenever you have that desire to go out and make a purchase. Get consumed by something you’re passionate about and maybe you will realize that what you were really craving was a way to express yourself and your unique identity. Create your own ‘brand’ rather than buying into one and you’ll see how much more rewarding it is.
