Currently, we are surrounded by unfiltered products, services and information. Many companies want to show “this product that we cannot do without”, intelligent employees who devote all their efforts to trying to create or reinforce a desire in us. In this particular context, we will talk about the importance of the conscious consumer.
Let’s start with the definition. According to the Ministry of the Environment, it is the conscious consumer who takes into account, when choosing the products he buys, the environment, human and animal health, fair industrial relations, as well as issues such as price and brand.
- On the other hand.
- Consciousness can be defined as “the ability of the human being to recognize and relate to the surrounding reality”.
Conscious consumption has to do with the purchase of sustainability-friendly products or services, as well as promoting choice in line with our responsibility for the impact we have on the environment, which means that we must consider others, the environment and ourselves.
Conscious consumption is an initiative that invites us not to be indifferent to what consumption can provoke in nature and other beings, and also encourages reflection on our investments, so that we can all become conscious consumers.
To do this, we must be aware of our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions; be in touch with the depths of our being, in this way we will know what options we choose and why and why we do it, in this way we can be more assertive in our consumption.
However, it is essential not only to highlight these problems in ourselves, but also in the impact of our consumption on nature and others. We must cultivate compassion and empathy, wonderful tools that foster healthy interaction with others.
It is also important to take into account the environment and not only immediate needs, for this we can ask ourselves: how can I help reduce environmental damage ?, we can start step by step, the important thing is to choose alternatives that destroy. promote well-being.
Much of today’s consumption is based on information strategies to get us to purchase certain services. Conscious consumption is not about completely eliminating the use of services or purchasing products, but invites us to choose what we really need and look for what is most beneficial to all. We must also demand the necessary information.
A conscious consumer task is to analyze whether informational obesity falls into obesity or if you really know how to select the information you need and manage it for your well-being, this does not mean that we see digital marketing as our worst enemy, but that we must use it to our advantage.
It is to take into account that the conscious consumer knows the impact it generates, so when we drink we can ask ourselves: do I need this product ?, how does its production affect the environment?
When it comes to information, it’s also important to help others learn about positive investment and asset acquisition initiatives. There are small tasks that we can all do that we don’t realize or know.
As Albert Vinyals i Ros reveals in his doctoral thesis, talking about sustainable consumption is well seen in a society where more and more data are reinforcing the existence of climate change. However, there seems to be a difference between what is said and what is done.
Studies show that the environment is one of the least important factors in our list of determinants when deciding, usually weighing more variables such as price or aesthetics.
Therefore, it is important that consumption is done consciously, that we focus on values that make our impact as positive as possible, in this way we will promote general well-being. Some values that will help us in this task:
The conscious consumer knows the value of things, so he implements what he really needs in his life. In addition, he advises ethically and knows the power he has to recommend and buy; acquires and uses the services of responsible companies.
When people see an advantage after an action, they feel strengthened and more likely to do it again, in fact, one factor that helps them not be a conscious consumer is that there is a big incentive: convenience. It is essential to leave the comfort zone.
This requires intrinsic motivation, that is, in line with the satisfaction of doing things to generate a positive impact, in this way we can achieve transformative consumption.
Habits are repetitive forms of behavior. Therefore, to become conscious consumers, we must trade them as more sustainable consumers. They must be in tune with our emotions and our economy; otherwise, we won’t be able to keep them.
One way to change them is to set aside laziness, because we often get carried away with the slowing and just see time pass and continue to fail to achieve our goals.
In addition, we can use books or guides to help us be in harmony with environmental intelligence. An example is the teachings of Daniel Goleman, who invites us to recognize the hidden impacts of what we buy or use.
Good planning will help us become conscious consumers, set priorities and follow them. In addition, our purchasing power and prices are also important factors.
We can make an investment plan. Remember that conscious consumption is not only about the environment and others, but also about ourselves. One might ask: what am I consuming on my behalf?How much does this harm or benefit my physical, emotional and social health?
In short, each of us can become a conscious consumer and help others do the same, it is a blessing for nature, for others and for us, in this way we will take steps for personal and collective well-being. quality of life together, taking into account our impact on the purchase and use of the services!