Every single purchase you make has either a direct or indirect impact on the environment, human welfare and animal welfare.
It's true. One way to shop more ethically or to be a more conscious consumer is to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:
Was the product grown locally or did it travel thousands of miles to get to me? Who made this product? Were they treated fairly and given a decent, livable wage? What is the impact on the environment from the manufacturing of this product?
I know, it's not one of the most pleasant topics of conversation but it is important to stop and think about how every purchase we make has an impact on someone, somewhere and most importantly, on the planet that our children will one day inherit.
What are some ways you can be a more conscious consumer? It's easier than you might think. According to Shererazade Goldsmith, author of A Slice of Organic Life, here are some simple ideas:
Buy Organic. Commercial farmers can legally use up to 450 different pesticides. Pesticides might make your apples look beautiful and spotless but they can be detrimental to your health (not to mention the environment and wildlife). Conventional cotton farming is responsible for 25% of the world's total pesticide use. That is a sobering statistic. Organic foods and organic cotton are safer, healthier and better for the environment.
Buy Local. Support your local economy and reduce the miles your food and products travel to reach you. Eating bananas and kiwi in the middle of winter might seem pretty sweet, but consider the carbon footprint made from transporting those imported fruits to your supermarket. Eating locally grown foods that are in season is healthier and also beneficial to the farmers in your community who depend on your purchases for their livelihood.
Buy Fair Trade. The term "Fair Trade" means that the product you purchase was made by someone who was paid a fair, livable wage. Consider for a moment why that $6 t-shirt is selling for such a low price. It probably cost pennies to manufacture and was made in a factory with poor working conditions and unfair labor practices.
Reduce Waste. One easy way to do this is to buy in bulk. It is often more economical to buy items in bulk and it also requires less packaging--one big pack of something uses less packaging than two smaller packs of the same item. Choose products made with recycled packaging, use your own bags when choosing your fruits and veggies at the grocery store (or buy them loose) and avoid using plastic baggies when packing your child's lunch. There are so many reusable food containers on the market these days, there is really no excuse. My personal favorite are LunchBots. You can check them out here: http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77292/Gear
Recycle. Donate unwanted clothing, books, toys and household items (and anything else, for that matter) to a thrift shop or church. Reuse glass jars and empty containers for something else instead of tossing them out. Consider compost--the ultimate type of recycling. Use your food scraps and used paper products to create beneficial and nutrient-rich "liquid gold" plant food for your garden.
Reuse. Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts. You can use the rainwater to nourish your plants, backyard garden and fill your bird bath. Rain barrels also save money because you use less water from the household tap.
By pausing to consider how each purchase we make has an impact on the environment, on other people and animals, by making kind choices that benefit our local economy and by recycling and reusing our products, we are being more conscious consumers and ethical shoppers. And it feels good too!
There is a movement of enlightened consumerism underway....will you join?
Peace and Wellness,
Kate
bellaandboo.com
