Making Conscious Purchasing Decisions
If you read the most recent blog, you learned about what a conscious consumer is and why this method of consumption is valuable. If you haven’t read it yet, click the arrow at the bottom of this blog!
So, if we decide to be more conscious in our purchasing decisions, how do we know what to do next, whom to trust, and what to look for?
Choosing Ethical Brands
Many slow fashion brands are genuinely committed to ethical practices. Look for companies that demonstrate:
Impact Statements: Clear declarations outlining their social and environmental goals.
Third-Party Certifications: Certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp provide independent verification of ethical practices.
Detailed Sustainability Pages: Websites dedicated to transparency, outlining their sustainability efforts and achievements.
Transparency: Companies that readily share information about their supply chain and manufacturing processes.
Sustainable Companies to Support:
Many sustainable companies have all of the above ethical values and practices! I will name a few that I love and can vouch for! However, these options are definitely on the pricier end, so prepare for a little sticker shock and less items overall. Wait for clearance sales and wait until you really NEED something to buy it new.
Studio K: This is my go-to yoga lifestyle brand because it's comfortable, cute, in my favorite colors, and plant-based! The brand is transparent about everything, and I've even met the owner/designer at the headquarters in Bali! I have seven colors of one of their bra styles and wear it every chance I can as a shirt or a bra. It's one of the only bras I own! Plus, they ship your things with minimal packaging and eco-friendly tags!
Reformation: This is my go-to for nice clothing if I can't find something at a thrift store or swap. It's expensive, so I only buy it if I need it (like for my stepbrother's wedding) or stick to the sales. The sustainability section of their website is impressive and educational. One of my fondest memories of this company: I saw a sweater I wanted to wear as a cover-up to the wedding mentioned above. It wasn't available online, so I went into the store to ask when it would be back in stock. They told me they only order limited quantities of fabric, and once something is gone, it's gone! While frustrated that I could not get the sweater, I was so happy with their response and limited batch production!
Rothy's: These shoes are eco-friendly, extremely comfortable, and fashionable. Rothy's is my go-to shoe brand for work or nicer-looking shoes every day, and I feel good about supporting the brand. They are transparent in their practices and present themselves as a high-quality fashion brand, appealing to various customers. Check out their final few to find more affordable options!
Looking to save a buck? We are all about the swaps as the number 1 way to get new clothes and items!! After that, it’s thrifting all the way!!
The Power of YOU
Championing Change:
Every purchase is a vote. By supporting ethical and slow fashion brands, you send a powerful message against exploitation and in favor of responsible practices.
Let's break free from the cycle of fast fashion and embrace conscious consumerism!
Call to Action:
The next time you reach for your wallet, consider the impact of your purchase. Research the brand's practices, seek transparency, and choose companies that align with your values. We can create a future where businesses prioritize ethical and green practices.
When you support local businesses, you have a substantial impact on your community, even if it's just a small purchase or two every week.
Benefits of Buying Local
Lori Mallini created a beautiful thrift boutique called Protea Thrift in Kailua, Hawaii.
1. You know where you are buying your product from
2. You know where the product is made
3. You are supporting small businesses versus supporting a giant corporation.
Paying attention to these things helps us create a more positive impact on our environment. It gives us back our power as consumers because we are decisively aware of where our money is going. You are supporting authentic brands that are working to impact the world positively.
Understanding Company Values
Doing research before purchasing items from a company is also incredibly helpful. The beauty of technology is that various resources teach you how to become a conscious consumer.
All it takes is a quick search and a little research to see if the companies you currently support or from which you have bought items are ethical and if they are being funded by an ethical company, bank, or corporation.
When we take our power back as consumers, we share the love and support with businesses that put their heart and soul into their mission to create a more positive impact on the world.
When we shift the focus from "What can this do for me?" to "What is this doing to our environment?" we will see more sustainable changes in our behavior.
