4 Perks of Conscious Consumerism

By Cat Iannucci

This year has brought more conversation around conscious consumerism and the might of spending power.  Shopping “small” and local is something we all need to make part of our regular routines. There are so many benefits to being a more responsible consumer, but here are some of our favorites… 

#1

Peek Behind the Brand,
Get to Know the Founder(s)

Many smaller, more responsible brands emphasize their leadership team because they are the people whose passion made your product purchase possible. As a patron of these types of businesses, you have an opportunity to know who is behind the product and what their values are. Which then allows you to ensure that they align with your own. 

#2

Take Care of Your Mother

Mother Earth that is. By purchasing from brands owned and manufactured in the United States you're reducing the environmental impact of shipping. The shorter the distance between where your product is made and you, the fewer fossil fuels are being emitted into the atmosphere from plane, ship, train, and truck travel. 

#3

Slow Down Fast Fashion
& Mass Production

Fast fashion, naturally, applies strictly to clothing and accessories, but the concept of cheap, disposable products extends far beyond fashion. There’s low quality, irresponsibly produced food, home decor, and pretty much anything else you can think of. But the impacts of these fast products are enduring. The waste created each year by fast fashion is hard to believe — globally, we create about 13 million tons of textile waste annually. Not to mention the poor business practices that these types of operations breed; underpaid labor, irresponsibly sourced materials, hazardous waste and production practices like clothing dye being dumped into waterways, and more. By choosing to buy from an independent or local brand that doesn’t mass produce abroad, you’re helping in numerous ways that help the planet and us all.

#4

Create Jobs & Help Your City

Let’s talk money, honey… As small businesses grow they hire more and more people, creating jobs in your community! Plus, small businesses pay numerous taxes including City, State and Federal — unlike corporations and large businesses who receive tax credits or don’t pay any at all! So when you buy from small businesses, you’re helping to actually put dollars back into community services and infrastructure like schools, libraries, park space, fire stations, better roads, and more! Shopping local and shopping small is a WIN-WIN.

“Don’t put anything in your cart if you wouldn’t be proud to know who makes it, what it’s made with, or how it’s made.”