The philosophy of conscious consumption is becoming more and more popular today, however, there are still many people who are not particularly interested in being conscious about their shopping habits. What is making people refrain from being a conscious consumer and what are the benefits of becoming one?
The reasons why some people do not find conscious consumption appealing
The modern world is offering more and more amazing goods which are becoming more and more affordable today. The market is producing and selling such a variety of goods competing for customers that there are no doubts we can afford more even with a moderate salary than our wealthy ancestors.
There is nothing strange in the fact many people enjoy such a variety of goods and services as well as the possibility of making spontaneous choices without a fear of losing much money. When the availability of many goods was limited, people were interested in purchasing the ones of the highest quality in order to fulfil the need for this item for a long time. Today, the people of the developed countries do not have such a need any more knowing that they can get a particular item every season. As a result, some people prefer purchasing cheap goods which they can change on a regular basis buying more and more of them not being concerned about their short longevity. Others have an opportunity of buying goods of a higher quality, but they still prefer switching to new ones as the amount they already own never seems enough.
The overfilled market is making people wired to buy without a stop which leads to wardrobes exploding from unused clothes, shelfs in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets boosting with food and cosmetics which are getting spoilt before one can even try them while many people have a firm notion they necessarily need to change their electronic gadgets for the newest models every year. Such a practice creates an illusion of happiness to people who have lost their connection with real selves not being able to find any activity they would really love and which will not require constant shopping from them.
Unfortunately, many such people fail to notice the pattern and they are uninterested in exploring the ideas of conscious consumption. They have learnt to define themselves through their purchases turning their lives into a constant process of working and shopping which does not let them any space for exploring the things they really love and value. They explain it by telling that spontaneous shopping is so much fun and their lives will be dull without it. For some of them shopping is transforming into an addiction or becomes a coping mechanism of an obsessive-compulsive disorder. In none of the situation is it a result of true fulfillment.
The benefits of conscious consumption
Certainly, conscious consumption is crucial for ecology in the first place. Yet, you should understand you will be able to gain much more if you adopt its ideas.
The major advantage of conscious consumption is becoming free from a burden of constant buying and being able to enjoy what you already have. For instance, how many times have you ignored your favourite piece of clothes as you felt obligated to wear a new garment you have bought at least once in your life?
Stopping shopping compulsively will also allow you to see what you already have inside yourself. Just imagine you do not need to waste your weekends on strolls through shopping malls, surfing online stores and wasting the time of your vacation on constant search for new goods. In such a way, you will be able to look around you and enjoy the world becoming more conscious about what you really love to do. May be it is sport or reading books, neither of which do not actually require spending money. You might have a hobby which does require some investment but you have resigned from it as it seems too expensive to you while you are keeping collecting goods you never use.
It may be possible to start saving money on your real dreams which you are not even thinking about right now as you are so busy with shopping.
Of course, switching from a lifestyle of a compulsive consumer to a conscious consumer might be difficult and unpleasant as you will be struggling with urges to buy or at least emerge yourself into the exploration of the abundance of goods without purchasing them. However, when you start saving money and your time, you will finally feel the internal needs and will be able to full the free time with meaningful activities. The swap is not easy but it will bring so much goodness to your life as well as to the natural environment.