The Journey to Conscious Spending: A Guide to Ethical Consumerism
2023 was another good year for the sustainability movement, as the movement has grown faster than ever and now in 2024 more shoppers have their mind set on sustainability than ever before.
The idea of ethical consumerism has gained traction in recent years as more people seek to do their part in supporting social and environmental causes. But what exactly is ethical consumerism, and how can you embark on this conscious spending journey? In this guide, we will explore how individuals can transform their shopping habits to support brands and products that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Sustainable Spending: How To Find & Support Sustainable Businesses
Now, if you’re someone who has decided to commit to sustainable living you may still be unsure as to how you can identify sustainable businesses to support when you spend your money, so today, we’re looking at what you can do to find sustainable businesses to shop with!
Look For B-Corps
If you’re looking to find a sustainable business to spend your money with, one of the easiest ways you can identify a certified sustainable business is checking if they have a B Corp certification. Companies that are registered as “B Corps” have voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance set by B Lab Global a non-profit organization with the goal of spreading sustainability.
You can tell if a business is a certified B Corp as they will have the iconic B Corp logo proudly displayed on their website and marketing materials; or you can use the ‘Find a B Corp’ search function on the official B Corp website to search for businesses that have B Corp status!
While B-Corp certification is the gold standard of sustainability, unfortunately not every sustainable business will qualify or hold B-Corp certification, luckily though there are other ways you can find sustainable businesses to spend your money with.
Search For Sustainable Products
A great way to identify sustainable businesses to patronise. Is to look for retailers that use sustainable materials or methods to create their products, whether it’s small independent local retailers handmaking clothes from organic, local materials, or big retailers like DotcomBlinds.com who use recycled post-consumer materials removed from the oceans to make new window shades.
Supporting the sustainable offerings of small and big businesses alike will help to create a demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly products, giving them incentive to invest in their sustainable offering and expand it, while also reducing the demand for non-sustainable options.
Find Local Businesses
While many large companies and businesses can be sustainable, if you want to find a business that you can be sure is sustainable, it may be a good idea to find businesses in your local area that use local materials and services in their offering.
Smaller local businesses will typically not manufacture their goods overseas with materials from all over the globe and instead manufacture locally, using local materials, which will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the products you buy on a day-to-day basis.
Look In Green Directories
In today’s world where sustainability is such an important factor for many consumers, ‘green directories’ have started to pop up in local areas, as well as a few larger ones that cover national businesses.
A ‘green directory’ is essentially like any other business directory, helping you to find certain businesses in your local area in different fields, like hairdressers, cafes and retailers, but with a focus on sustainable businesses. Looking at a green directory for your local area will help you find local sustainable businesses for you to shop with.
Understanding Ethical Consumerism
Ethical consumerism involves making informed decisions about the products and services we purchase based on their social, environmental, and ethical impact. This means considering factors such as worker conditions, environmental footprint, animal welfare, and more when choosing which brands and products to support. The ultimate goal is to use our purchasing power to demand greater corporate responsibility and compel businesses to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Identify Your Values
Begin your journey to conscious spending by identifying the values and causes that are most important to you. Reflect on the issues that resonate with you most, which could include climate change and carbon emissions, worker’s rights and fair wages, animal welfare and cruelty-free products, reducing plastic waste and recycling, and supporting local and small businesses. Having a clear understanding of your priorities will make it easier to adopt ethical consumerism habits that align with your personal values.
Consider Ethical Choices for Significant Purchases
When it comes to significant purchases like jewelry, you can also choose to support ethical and sustainable practices. For instance, consider lab grown diamond engagement rings, which have a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditionally mined diamonds. By making such choices, you can play a part in promoting ethical practices even for big-ticket items.
Research Before You Buy
One of the key aspects of ethical consumerism is understanding the impact your purchases have on the world around you. Before buying a product, take a few minutes to research the company’s environmental practices, worker conditions, and ethics policies. Check for certifications indicating sustainable practices, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Fair Trade International, and RSPCA Approved (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Transparency is critical, so look for brands that provide clear and accessible information about their sustainable and ethical practices.
Start with Small Swaps
Making the shift to ethical consumerism doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by taking small steps to make more conscious purchases in your daily life. Focus on items you shop for regularly and consider swapping them for more ethical alternatives. Examples of these swaps could include reusable grocery bags instead of plastic bags, eco-friendly cleaning products, locally sourced produce, fair trade coffee and tea, and reusable water bottles. These little changes can make a big impact on your overall ecological footprint.
Educate Yourself Continuously
Staying informed about ethical and sustainable practices is essential for making conscious decisions. Regularly research the latest news, updates, and innovations related to ethical consumerism, and follow organizations dedicated to sustainability and social justice. This will help you make better-informed choices and evolve your habits as new information becomes available.
Vote with Your Wallet
Remember that as a consumer, your spending habits can influence businesses to adopt more ethical practices. By choosing to support brands and products that prioritize ethics and sustainability, you are signaling to other companies that consumers value these principles. Additionally, consider engaging with brands on social media or taking part in petitions to advocate for improved social and environmental standards.
Share Your Knowledge and Inspire Others
One of the most powerful ways to promote ethical consumerism is by sharing your knowledge and experiences with others. Talk to friends and family about the benefits of conscious spending and provide recommendations for sustainable brands and products. Use social media platforms to create and share content related to ethical consumerism, thus expanding the conversation and inspiring more people to make the shift.
Extend Conscious Spending Beyond Purchases
Conscious spending extends beyond just the products and services you buy. Also, consider how you can reduce your overall consumption and waste. Embrace the principles of minimalism and refuse items you don’t need. Prioritize a reusable, repairable, and recyclable approach.
Be Patient and Compassionate with Yourself
Transitioning to ethical consumerism can be challenging, as old habits are hard to break and it may take time to find suitable alternatives for some purchases. Be patient and compassionate with yourself during this process. Remember that every small change counts and contributes to a more sustainable and ethical world. Celebrate each milestone in your journey to conscious spending and keep refining your habits as you learn.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on the journey to ethical consumerism may seem challenging, but with the right mindset and focus on values, even small changes can make a significant impact. Being an ethical consumer requires continuous learning and adaptation, but it’s a rewarding process. So start today, and take steps towards contributing to a socially and environmentally responsible world.