We live in a world where millions of people, including underaged children, are being exploited on a daily basis to make fashion more affordable to the consumer. Yet, what happens to these people is rarely the main concern of the media, or the consumers who are regularly blinded by the shining sale signs at every corner. Behind the flashy exterior and that special discount lies an ugly truth about modern consumerism that should make you rethink your buying habits.

But it’s not just about taking a stand against slavery and exploitation, it’s also about healthier shopping and consumption habits that will benefit your life, and the life of your family. Luckily, you needn’t make any grand sacrifices to transform your shopping habits, as there are a few essential rules you can implement that will help you become a more ethical shopper. 

Buying the things you really need

Shopping has become an addiction. You might not think of yourself as a shopaholic, but just because you’re not maxing out your credit card every single month doesn’t mean that you too have not fallen into the web of modern consumerism. Take a moment to look around your home and in your closet, and ask yourself whether you really need all this stuff?

The answer is probably no. Not only do you not need 12 pairs of shoes, but you could probably lose half the stuff in your kitchen and you wouldn’t even notice. The truth is that we tend to use only a handful of things we own, so instead of cluttering your life with the things you think you want, why not embrace a more minimalist mindset and start giving away some of the things to those in need? And the next time you find yourself perusing aisles of clothing, ask yourself if you’re in the right place.

Supporting sustainable production methods

So, what does it mean to be in the right place when you’re shopping? For one, it means shopping at a store that emphasizes fair labor and compensation, equality, animal rights, and of course, sustainability across the board. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to research the brands you’re interested in with a simple Google search and some digging around on social media.

If you learn that the brand is harming the environment with its production methods and that they’re not doing anything to minimize its impact, then take your business elsewhere. If a brand is exploiting animals or its workers, then you should report it to the authorities.

Making sure the products are toxin-free

One of the biggest problems nowadays is the unethical use of toxic ingredients in products. From pesticides and herbicides, to harmful ingredients found in common products you either put on your skin or ingest on a daily basis, supporting unethical brands is quite literally ruining your health. This is why it’s important to research products that are toxin-free.

Look for only the verified moisturising skincare you can safely apply on your skin on a daily basis, and make sure that the foods you buy are grown and sourced from ethical and sustainable sources. Choose only the clothing and other materials that are sustainable, such as bamboo and organic cotton, and even hemp. Read every label carefully and don’t be afraid to get in touch with the brand to ask about the ingredients as well.

Supporting local businesses

Big business almost always cares for one thing, and one thing only – revenue. To achieve their profit margins, they will stop at nothing, and they will employ any tactic and strategy necessary to sell you a product or a service, regardless of the impact their actions might have on the environment, their competition, and their workers. You are the only one who can put a stop to this.

Simply put, you can show the unethical brands out there that they do not control you or your shopping habits, but rather that you’re in control and thus choose to support small local companies. Doing this will improve the local economy, boost sustainability and workplace equality, and minimize the environmental impact of production and transportation.

Buy pre-loved items instead

And finally, keep in mind that just because something is pre-owned, doesn’t mean that it’s not the exact thing you’re searching for. You don’t always need to buy brand-new products, quite the contrary, you can find amazing items at farmers’ markets and thrift shops that have barely been used, but are half the original price. Not only is this great for your budget, but it’s also a great way to support the culture of recycling, reusing, and repurposing.

Final thoughts

Ethical shopping is rapidly growing in popularity around the world, as more and more light is being shed on the toxic nature of modern consumerism. Instead of supporting inequality and exploitation, introduce these rules into your everyday life to aid the preservation of the natural world around you, and create a better Earth for us all.

Submitted  Exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Lauren Laporte © 2019 crystalwind.ca

About Lauren:
Lauren Laporte is a Sydney-based content writer with a passion for healthful, mindful and plant-based living. She believes the human body is hardwired to heal on its own so you're better off learning how to listen to its cues! She's nuts about all kinds of animals(the weirder the better), nature and food.Her blog is dedicated to teaching people how to follow their gut, live from the heart and understand that, in the end, true well-being is inevitably an inside job.

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