Turn off lights, turn down the heat, and raise the setting on the air conditioner by a few degrees11. Avoid impulse purchases - think as you buy and consume wisely16. Seek out locally grown produce3. If you've ever wondered what you could do to make a difference, but didn't know where to begin, here are some ideas. I had two weeks worth of clothes with me that seemed to be serving me well as I washed and wore them for months. Over the years, I have become more aware of my community, my world, and my planet. I combine errands so I drive less, and I recycle every bit of paper, plastic, metal and glass in my household. Start small, perhaps making one change this week, and another next week, and so on.
While attending language school in Mexico a number of years ago, I was suddenly hit with the idea that I could live without much of what I had been obsessively acquiring and consuming in the states. As an e-retailer, I sell handcrafted items rather than mass-produced goods providing customers with an alternative to the big box stores, and I donate a portion of all sales. Don't wait, use your power as a consumer to make global changes today!Check out this list of ideas you can incorporate into your life one step at a time., I tried to make that simplicity a priority in my life.The point is, being a conscious consumer requires setting some boundaries and holding one's self accountable.
Find alternatives to chemical-based household cleaners and products. Rather than going to the mall, shop small businesses in your community or shop small businesses online and save gas8. Go ahead, I dare you!. Watch one hour less of television2. I never stepped foot in a supermarket and instead shopped at the local outdoor market. Every effort by every person adds up and makes a difference. Bring your travel mug to your favorite coffee shop (Starbucks offers a 10 cent discount)15.Once I returned to the U. Bring your own cloth bags to the grocery store (many will offer a discount)14. I ate better, I felt better and I slowed down to pay attention to the world and the people in it. I rarely watched television and never saw a computer, instead choosing to read, take a swim, or socialize with others.1. Reuse or recycle12. Start a vegetable garden and grow your own4. I visit the farmer's market on weekends for locally grown produce, I buy more organic and even became a member of a farmer's cooperative.
Avoid socially irresponsible companies and support progressive ones - Read The Blue Pages: A Directory of Companies Rated By Their Politics and Practices or visit The Responsible Shopper. Buy from the bulk bins to reduce packaging6. Buy fair trade products - Read the 32 page booklet The Conscious Consumer: Promoting Economic Justice Through Fair Trade13. Join your local co-op7. Take public transportationYou can probably think of dozens more ways to make a positive change. I do not buy throwaway gadgets like disposable toilet bowl wands (though I must confess my daughter did wear disposable diapers) and I try to avoid buying from companies who have no social conscience. Buy organic products5