Conscious Consumption: 5 Tips for Making Intentional Purchases

Global consumption has ramped up to overdrive, and because of this, many of us find that we are buying more than we need. 

Conscious consumption is about avoiding that trap, and instead, making thoughtful, intentional choices to save money, avoid waste, and ensure every single purchase has meaning. 

Here are five practical tips to help you shop smarter: 

1. Clear The Clutter

Before you buy anything else, it’s time to streamline what you already own. Most people have plenty of unused items in their homes. These items may be broken (but repairable), unwanted (but sellable), or simply still waiting to be used. 

Sell, gift, or toss the items you no longer want, and you’ll have a better idea of the things you actually need. If you can’t part with certain things, but you need the space, find a self-storage unit in your area to keep them safe while freeing up room in your home. 

2. Value Quality Over Quantity

It is so very tempting to grab the cheapest option when you shop, but when you do so, you’re often being taken in by a false economy. The cheapest options are typically those made badly and in need of replacing sooner. Investing in well-made, durable items helps you save money and avoid wastage. You’ll also save yourself the disappointment of watching those cheaply made goods fall apart after a few uses. 

3. Avoid Impulsive Spending

Around a third of consumers say they are more likely to make an impulse purchase online, rather than in store. However, the competition is pretty close, and it really comes down to personal preferences. The reality is that, whether in-store or online, we are all impulse buying more as marketing gets more intelligent, prices of cheap goods become cheaper, and it becomes more convenient to buy anywhere at any time. 

If you can give yourself 24 hours before making a purchase that is not an absolute necessity, you have enough time to reflect on whether the item is truly worth it for you—avoiding those problematic impulse buys. 

4. Invest In The Second Hand Economy

Second hand marketplaces have really taken off over the last few years. The global value of second hand and resale apparel is estimated to be worth over $197 billion US dollars. 

It’s a great way to buy well-made items at a competitive price, while also being more environmentally friendly. 

If you buy well, you can also easily resell in order to further extend the life cycle of your unwanted belongings. Not to mention, reselling your unwanted possessions creates handy cash for financial goals, which is always helpful! 

5. Maintain Your Values As You Buy

Quick, cheap, badly made purchases can still be tempting. The question to ask is this: Is it worth the potential costs to the environment, people, or animals behind the creation of those items? 

Choose businesses that are ethical, sustainable, and that follow the best labor practices available to them. More than 17% of people say they are willing to pay over 50% more for ethically made products, which means businesses will listen if you demand better practices from the products they create. Money talks. 

“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein 

In a world where we are all intensely targeted to buy more and more and more and more, it can be so hard to catch yourself before you spend away without thinking, making thoughtless purchase after thoughtless purchase. 

You can change your spending habits, though. For the good of the environment, your bank balance, financial goals, and more: 

• Take your time
• Make intentional purchases
• And fill your home with well-thought-out items.

Consumerism is difficult to avoid, but not impossible.