Cost-Effective Advice for Transitioning to Conscious Consumerism

Holidays, birthdays, new school years, special occasions — they all tell us to shop, shop, shop. Not to mention trying to keep up with the Joneses and have the latest appliances, technology, interior designs, and fashion. Inevitably, we will all face that day where we look around at our house and see that we have goods we don’t necessarily love, that we’ve consumed ourselves into debt, and that we’ve stockpiled items that won’t last or will go out of style in a few years.

If you find yourself wanting to simplify your life and wishing your home was filled with intentional purchases, then you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find advice on how to transition to conscious consumerism without breaking the bank.

Somewhere to Start

Start by going through your house and figuring out what you don’t use and don’t need. Decluttering your home will leave you in a better place to assess your needs and wants. As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. So, don’t be hasty to throw everything away. Consider selling your gently used items or donatingthem to charities, homeless shelters, or secondhand stores.

Reclaimed Furniture

Many businesses are using reclaimed materials to produce quality furniture and housewares. This means that you get the double benefit of knowing you’re being a conscious shopper and getting amazing goods that will last longer and stay in style. Stores like Crate and Barrel offer eco-friendly furniture and housewares for great prices. Quality goods made of repurposed materials understandably require more time and costs to produce. To help offset the costs of such products, use a Crate and Barrel promo code or search for special savings online.

Buying Quality Over Quantity

It’s not about how much of something you have, but the quality in which it’s made. It’s better to have one quality sweater that you love — made of eco-friendly materials from an ethical company — than it is to have three low-quality shirts that you’re not sure you love and that won’t last. With quality comes the higher price tag, so while it may take more time to save for the perfect item, the quality will outweigh future costs since you won’t need to replace the items as often. Using deals to make your purchases can go a long way to saving a bundle; use coupons, promo codes, sales, and cashback offers to help with costs along the way.

Researching Brands

Don’t be a victim of catchy advertising and marketing. While an item may look appealing and the ads try to convenience you that you need the product, it’s important to take a step back before making impulse purchases. Research the brands before you purchase from them, and investigate whether the company’s ethics and business practices align with your beliefs.

Here are some things to consider:

• A company’s employment practices
• The source of materials
• Carbon emissions during production and sales

Curating Your Home

Take this as an opportunity to curate the best within the four walls of your home. Whether you’re buying furniture, houseware, or clothes, every eco-friendly purchase you make makes a difference. Additionally, you will be taking the time to find and buy the best, most unique products, which will help you to truly find your taste.

If you have any interest in simplifying your life, purchasing sustainable eco-friendly goods and buying quality products, then now is the time to get started. Don’t make radical changes by swapping out everything you own for an eco-friendly quality version because that would create more waste. Start by decluttering and assessing your wants and needs. Then, consider purchasing reclaimed furniture and houseware, research brands, and take time to examine your tastes. Little by little, your house will reflect your tastes.