Three questions for the conscious consumer

Earth Day/Month is a good time to reflect on one of the most important aspects of living more sustainably by making the conscious decision to simply consume less.

Becoming a conscious consumer may seem simple, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always easy. Especially in a culture where we’re bombarded with advertisements that tell us we’ll be happier, better looking, more popular, healthier or smarter if we buy a specific product. Billion-dollar advertising budgets are aimed at making us feel like we need more stuff.

Asking yourself these three questions before you buy something will help align your action with your ideals and curb your environmental impact too:

1. Do I need this? Simple and effective. Do you truly need this item? Everyone’s definition of “need” will be a little different. If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, here it is: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” If you truly need it, continue to No 2.

2. Can I make this? If you are able to make something instead of buying it, you have complete control over the ingredients, packaging, and efficacy of the product. Make art instead of buying mass-produced prints, whip up your own body care products or concoct you own cleaning solutions. With the entire internet at your disposal, you can find guidance on making any number of things.

If you can’t make it...

3. Can I borrow it or buy it second hand?We are obsessed with ownership, but for some items that we might use only once or twice a year, it might make better financial and environmental sense to pool your resources with a friend or family member. Share the item, halve your expenses, and reduce the space devoted in your home to store things. Win-win. Alternately, seek out a secondhand store or online marketplace to save money. A 50-year old table that’s still solid and gleaming after decades of use will always be a better investment than its big box store particleboard counterpart.

“Make Every Day Earth Day”... West Central Solid Waste District (source: Madeleine Somerville/Earth911)

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