5 ways to transform consumerism and live more sustainably

In my previous blog ‘Transforming Consumerism’, I asked the question: “How can we explore reconstructing our consumerism in a way where our ethics and values can work *with* our desires for creative expression and innovation?

While I explored this question in the content of the last blog, it lacked the practical tips and questions I follow and try to ask myself in my day to day life, which helps me commit to leading a more sustainable life.

Artwork by Lily Padula

See more of her work at www.lilypadula.com

I’ve grown to learn that possessing knowledge and understanding things is one thing, and actually applying it is another, and we all get caught in the trap of doing one without the other from time to time. So, here are 5 ways to help bridge that gap:

1. Shop intentionally

While I try to find different activities to do with friends or on my own than ‘shopping’ without looking for or needing something specific, I can’t deny the fact that I love the joy and inspiration that a day of aimless shopping can bring. However, when I do shop, I try to shop intentionally, and this means asking the questions:

-Do I really need it?

-Do I love it?

-How will this go with the outfits/accessories/homeware I already have?

-Could I dye/tailor something I already have to create this look?

-Is it good quality/will it last me a decent amount of time? (this question always stops me from buying cheap, non sterling or gold plated jewelry that aren’t durable and go green in two days, which I used to have to end up spending more constantly replacing)

-Where was this product made? Is it second hand? Who was it made by? How much were they paid? What materials were used and what was the production process? Are they ‘greenwashing’?

-Considering the answers in the last point, on a scale of 1-10, how ethical is this product, particularly compared to how much I love it/need it? Where do I draw the line?

In the wake of asking myself these questions, I usually reach a pretty solid conclusion on whether or not I should invest in a product.

At Revolution we follow a mantra of zero waste, purchasing and re-selling end of line stock

2. Educate yourself

It’s so easy to turn a blind eye and not think about things that don't directly impact you or sit in your visual field, which is why it's so important to educate yourself (and re-educate yourself) on things that go on behind the scenes and outside of your space, especially when the end result lands in your hands. I find reading articles, following pages and watching documentaries on the effects of consumerism helpful in keeping me on my toes and making sure I’m reminded of where the things I consume come from, and I don't become complacent.

Some of my favourite sources for education on this topic are:

• ‘The True Cost’, documentary on Netflix

• ‘Ethical Fashion Initiative’ on Instagram and their Website

• ‘Stories Behind Things’ on Instagram and their Website

• ‘Minimalism’ on Netflix

There’s endless amounts of resources out there today that allow us to become conscious of our purchases, and choose new habits to help transform the way we define consumerism.

While educating yourself on consumerism is important, don’t forget to also do your research on the specific brands you buy from, you can use the last couple of bullets in point 1 to help!

3. Nourish, cleanse and create an intentional space

Every 2 months I go through my wardrobe and my house and give away, upcycle or throw away or recycle anything that I don’t need or love, anything that doesn't serve a purpose in my life; Whether that's joy, colour, practicality or inspiration. I try to make a habit of not keeping things that are just ‘alright’, things I haven’t used or worn in ages or things that I just don’t need more than one or two of. Growing up, my mum would take me to a big shop twice a year, for summer and winter but in the week before, I had to go through my wardrobe and give it a big clear out, asking the questions in the first the first 4 bullets in point 1, and then writing a list of the things I needed to buy, leaving some space for any spontaneous purchases.

I still practice this myself. Last week, in the midst of a big clear out, I concluded that I wanted to buy a nice red dress for the summer, which I don’t have. As I was looking through my wardrobe, I chucked my very beautiful, but unfortunately quite bright pink dress that I never wore due to the colour, subconsciously in my ‘upcycle pile’ instead of my ‘give away’ pile. Later on I realised it had potential, I bought some red dye from the local hardware store, and a few hours later I had the red dress of my dreams!

Contrary to what some minimalists may argue, I believe that stripping down to the bare minimum is not completely necessary (unless that’s what makes you happy of course). To me minimalism means making sure that the things in your space serve, and continue to serve a purpose, including just pure joy, not only practicality. And that maybe an intentional space, which will look different for every person, is more important than a minimal one.

4. Create a demand

Remember that your pound is your vote, the things you buy create a demand for more of it. Be conscious that what you’re buying is what you’re asking to see more of in the world.

Another thing that actively creates a demand is actually writing to companies and giving them feedback and criticism on their policies and ethical practices, e.g. calling them out on ‘greenwashing’, and perhaps even creating a petition. There are so many email templates you can find on the Greenpeace website too!

5. Do more of what makes you truly happy

During the happiest times of my life, especially when abroad, I’ve always started spending money on experiences, time creating or with the people I love; barely having the time to think about what I want to wear or have in my space as all my time is spent in the same bikini in nature. Obviously, living in the UK means that that lifestyle is near impossible during most months of the year. But nonetheless during more of what we love, keeping active and spending time working on ourselves and what gives us joy naturally stops us from using consumerism to fill a void, or boredom; and we start buying things more intentionally, in ways that more profoundly add to us.

Written by Dina Chehrazi