Guest Post - How to Be a Conscious Consumer

With as much news as there currently is about climate change, we should be incredibly conscientious about the products we are consuming. This can range from not buying as many products to making sure you support companies who are ethically-minded. 

In a world that is as big as it is and with a problem as large as climate change, it can feel daunting to reverse many of the effects that we have had as a people on our world. Many times, people get overwhelmed at the thought of climate change and typically do not know what to do in order to help.

It is also common for people to feel like the problem is so big that there is nothing they can do to change it or make it better. That is not the case. There are many things that we can do to help avoid making our environmental conditions worse. 

Education

Probably the best thing you can do in order to be a conscious consumer is to educate yourself. Through education you are able to learn what problems we face and what you can do in order to help.

When you understand a problem it typically makes it less scary. Looking at climate change as a problem to be solved rather than an insurmountable problem comes with becoming more informed. 

Not only should you be taking the time to educate yourself on the climate issues themselves, but you should take the time to educate yourself on the products that you use regularly and their impact on the environment.

Daily Actions 

Reducing consumption and waste is a big part of being a conscious consumer. It does not mean that you have to totally reduce all of your consumption, since that would be unrealistic for many people. What you can do is find ways to reduce what you are consuming.

For example, a great way to reduce needless waste is to have a reusable water bottle and coffee thermos. By having reusable items, you will reduce your consumption levels. Reducing your consumption levels requires some creative thinking, but your quality of life does not have to suffer. 

Think Before You Buy

Be aware of what you are consuming. Taking the time to think before you buy is a great way to make sure you actually buy what you need. It does not mean that you cannot treat yourself to something nice, but it does mean that you purchase things in a mindful way. 

Buying second hand or thrifted clothing is a great way to be able to get new clothes without contributing to the fast fashion industry. There is a massive problem with fast fashion in our world, and the fashion industry is one of the top contributors to pollution. Try to support brands that use sustainable materials, like hemp or bamboo fabric. 

Being Smart About Your Consumption

While you may not be able to single-handedly change the state of our environment, you can try to not make the problems worse. Through research, education, and awareness you can make sure you are supporting brands that are ethical and responsible when it comes to our environment.

Talking with your friends and family is also a great way to help. Share with them what you have learned about consumerism and share your tips with them on how to become a more conscious consumer. Our environmental problems are big, but together we can make a difference that starts at home with the items we consume. 

Author bio: Madison Adams is a beauty and lifestyle blogger from Cincinnati, OH. Using her psychology degree, she likes to draw on human insights to make her writing (and life) more impactful. 

Interview - American Flora

As professional organizers we see a lot of “stuff” in people’s homes. When determining what we should keep, one of the areas we focus on is, quality. We spoke with Mary Brewster from American Flora about her collection as an antidote to disposable consumption.

For the busy person, what is American Flora?

When looking for a beautiful and unique gift, American Flora provides accessories that are Sustainable and Made in America. Our website is user friendly to make shopping very easy.

What is your origin story, how did you start the company?

I started the company because I wanted to sell a sustainable line of dance and yoga wear. I’m a ballet dancer who grew tired of purchasing Leotards etc that were not comfortable. Ones that were made with inferior fabrics.When I found out about REPREVE (the fabric I use), I was certain it would be perfect for my line. I was also determined sew the US and use a sustainable fabric. As you can read on my website, REPREVE is made from recycled plastic bottles.After a few years I decided to pivot and created the Wraps then the bags.

What is the Giving section of American Flora?

I designed the LOVE bag to bring awareness to my audience. Awareness about how necessary and easy it is to give/spread love.I decided to donate 15% of the profits from the sale of the LOVE bag to a foundation called Circle of Health International. The Giving page on my website explains the work COHI does. American Flora has always donated to a cause that helps women. It used to be Breast Care at Hartford Hospital. I was very moved by the passion and dedication of the midwives who work for COHI. They work globally. I chose a project in Puerto Rico, where they are still struggling after the damage caused by Hurricane Maria.

Can you explain more about sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion focuses on avoiding waste. Another term for it is Slow Fashion vs the Fast Fashion craze that has been going on for at least ten years.

Fast fashion gained momentum when the prices of some brands of clothes went way down, along with the quality. It also perpetuated the hiring of children in factories, an abundant waste of water, bad working conditions and message that clothes were “throw away”. Why bother keeping them if you could buy something else for cheap.

I chose to create my line using a fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles, which otherwise would remain on beaches, and land as litter.

In addition, I chose American factories and suppliers that adhere to a sustainable practice.

What are some of your most popular pieces or ones you enjoy making the most?

The bags have become the most popular. Initially the Buddha bag was purchased more. When I started the campaign with the LOVE bag, that rose to the top.

That said, the Pink Cactus and Red Cactus Wraps are very popular. I took the images when visiting a Botanical Cactus Garden in Majorca Spain. Those are special for me, and the reason I designed the Black Clutch with a Red and Pink accent.