Living a more sustainable lifestyle has become quite popular lately, and all for a good reason. Our planet is in need of help, and we can all make changes in our own lives to improve our world. That doesn’t mean we should all go vegan or sacrifice every aspect of personal comfort, but doing even a little can make a lot of difference. That’s where ethical shopping comes in.
Shopping can be a fun activity on so many levels, and being a conscious shopper is a perfect way to start your journey toward a greener lifestyle. Here are some smart and simple ideas that will help you shop ethically.
Use fewer plastic products
Plastic use is responsible for a huge amount of pollution, mainly in the oceans. Aside from that, a lot of plastic waste tends to end up in landfills, where it contributes to overall contamination and dirt in that area. Producing less trash and living a more waste-free life is a wonderful method to improve the environment.
Considering that most of the items we use come from Asia, using less plastic can help decrease pollution in China while the Chinese government invests a lot of effort to reduce it as well. Therefore, instead of boycotting businesses that outsource their production, it is better to avoid using plastic in daily life, because that will have a more positive effect on the environment.
Consider being more of a thrift shopper
Thrift shopping has become quite mainstream nowadays, thanks to many celebrities and fashion influencers who popularized it, and it is a great form of ethical shopping.
It may seem like a more time-consuming way to shop, but it’s an excellent way to find unique pieces you will love for years to come. You may even find clothes that last longer than what you might find at a fast fashion outlet. Many thrift stores have an abundance of clothes and many of them are from quality and even exclusive brands, so being persistent and patient can be rewarding in the end.
Buy things that you truly need
Living in the age of online shopping and plenty of stores can make one buy things that aren’t really necessary. If you’re like that, remember that it’s not your fault and that you can always change your habits if you’re disciplined.
Buying things only when you need them is a great way to shop less, while making a shopping list each time you go out to buy something can keep you focused on items that you truly need.
For example, being pregnant often requires a lot of new clothes, but if you decide to wear a non maternity dress when pregnant you will save a lot of space in your wardrobe while also saving money for more important baby-related things, such as a crib or changing table.
Try to buy from small local brands
It’s obviously more convenient to buy from big brands and chain stores, but if you truly want to make a positive effect both on the environment and your local economy, then buying from small brands is the way to go.
Shopping from a family-owned business can help actual people buy groceries and provide for their children, while buying from big businesses only creates profit for CEOs and owners. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should never shop from big business, but opting for family-owned brands is a nice way to learn about new products while also helping others.
Nowadays, there are many local brands that sell their own cosmetic products, so next time you need a new body butter or shampoo, make sure to contact local brands because, chances are, their products will be healthier and made with more love and dedication.
Think about embracing minimalism
Sometimes, buying less isn’t always an option, but if you decide to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, it will surely reduce your needs—which will result in less shopping.
Being minimalist can be both challenging and rewarding since it’s totally up to you to decide how much you want to dedicate yourself to this type of lifestyle. It is best to start slowly instead of rushing into it, so you’ll be better able to adjust to living with fewer possessions.
There are many influencers who offer valuable tips that can help you start your own minimalism journey, but before you start, make sure to get informed, so you’ll feel more relaxed once you dedicate yourself to this type of lifestyle.
Ethical shopping is a valuable and noble habit that can make your life much more meaningful, and these tips will surely be useful. Keep in mind that every beginning is hard, so give yourself time to get used to everything. After some time, you will feel better about having fewer things in your shopping cart, which will also help you live a more eco-friendly life without losing your own comfort and happiness.
About the Author
Chloe is a journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time.
LifeAsMama
Latest posts by LifeAsMama (see all)
- 5 Small and Smart Ideas for More Ethical Shopping - February 18, 2020
- How to Talk to Kids About Death - February 13, 2020
- 7 Tips For Eating Out On The Keto Diet - February 10, 2020
