How to be a sustainable consumer

In a world of Amazon Prime and free shipping, it’s almost impossible to contemplate purchases before hitting the ‘buy now’ button. And on the flip side, we have services in place to whisk our trash away quickly and efficiently, leaving no time to think about the real impact of our discards. While it’s true that the American lifestyle is very convenient and comfortable, it has also bred a society of people who purchase and throw things away without a second glance. The cost is not only financial – our habits contribute to a growing environmental epidemic fueled by plastics, harmful chemicals and toxins. We’re all contributing to the problem, but luckily we can also all make small changes that would add up to a big impact and make us more conscientious consumers, thinking more about what we buy and how and where it was produced. By introducing these easy changes to your day-to-day life you can be a more sustainable and conscientious consumer.

  1. Avoid fast fashion – Fast fashion is the model of business that uses cheap materials and labor to produce clothing quickly. While it’s great for getting the latest styles at a low price, the items usually only last half as long as higher quality clothing because they fall apart, go out of style or are simply viewed as entirely disposable. Instead of buying fast fashion pieces, buy well-made staples that will keep their shape and last a lot longer.
  2. Shop at thrift stores – Do your part to reduce clothing waste by buying clothes and accessories that have been pre-loved! If you want to shop online look to sites like thredUP or Poshmark.
  3. Get books from the library instead of a bookstore – This one couldn’t be any easier! Instead of purchasing a brand new book that you’re likely only going to only read once, check it out for free from your local library instead.
  4. Give away books or movies you’ve already enjoyed to friends and family – Instead of getting rid of books or movies you’ve already watched, think of a friend who might enjoy it and give it to them as a gift for a special occasion or as a “just because” surprise. You’ll clear out your home while also passing along a sentimental gift!
  5. Try subscription or clothing rental services – For fashionable clothes that you might not want to wear longer than one night or one season, look into subscription services like Rent the Runway or Le Tote. You can try the clothing for a short period of time and return it when you’re done. You’ll save money in the long run and keep your closet cleaned out too!
  6. Host a closet swap party with friends – Have clothes you want to get rid of? Instead of donating them, gather up your friends and host a clothing swap! Each attendee brings clothes that they want to trade, and for every piece of clothing you bring, you can take a piece from someone else. You’ll get rid of the items you no longer use while also getting something new in exchange!
  7. Have a garage sale – The classic way to get rid of your items without tossing them away is a garage sale! It’s true, one man’s trash is another’s treasure, so why not find out who thinks your trash is a treasure? Pro tip: Get your neighbors together and make it a block-wide garage sale for even more foot traffic!
  8. Bring your own bags when shopping – Most stores charge at least a nickel per bag. Assuming you use two bags a week every week, you’re up to over $5 a year in something that you’re going to put right in the trash or recycling. Instead, buy a tote bag or reusable grocery bag for the same price once and you’ll have a sturdier, customized bag to use forever!
  9. Buy clothing made of natural fibers – Because cotton and linen are natural fibers, they don’t require as intensive of a chemical process to become fabric as other fibers (like polyester or rayon) do. Most importantly, look for organic fabrics when possible.
  10. Buy in bulk – A boost for both your wallet and the environment, buying in bulk is a great way to shop more sustainably. Bring your own container instead of buying one, and only buy the quantity of a product that you need!

While these changes all together might seem like a lot, committing to just one will make you a more conscientious consumer while also making an impact on this environmental and societal issue. Pick the change you think will be easiest for you and start there! You’ll be picking your second change before you know it, and the planet sure will thank you for it. Do you have any other tips on how to be a more sustainable consumer? Share them in the comments below!