Mindless Consumption- what is the solution? Emily Dodds, Heathside

Objects of all manners originate somewhere, that is a given fact. However as much as we may know where they come from, we must also ask: what environment was it made in? Who had to make this and why? What compromise took place due to its introduction? Considering these simple points, it would be easy to understand a double take. Perhaps this lends itself to the revolution of the question you or I may initially ask ourselves: do I really want to contribute? Without change we may eventually find our world in a state of no return and as much as we can ignore this issue now the problem will always find a way to rear its ugly head eventually. So, we the consumers must act as a force of change, to avoid this confrontation which we as a whole are rushing towards at an incredible speed.

Changing habits is where things begin to change, perhaps even turn a corner. Increasingly the mindset of “buying less and buying better” is permeating approaches, just this simple act of placing their finger into the pool of consumption changes societies whole rhythm. Each ripple big or small can be felt to some degree and therefore is most certainly noticed. To make the change from unsustainable to sustainable may prove difficult to endure, its rewards however are necessary for all of us to continue leading the lives we wish to see pan out.

Consideration is key to a successful shift and we must all be aware of its benefits in order to embrace it wholly. Mindful consumption will make an impact on us being able to build a sustainable future after we have become aware that this change will reduce harm on both people and planet. No longer will we carry the blood of another on our back for they are free to live as all others do. Therefore, playing a part in safeguarding practices that protect all others and preserve practices that generations to come will thank us for because beyond everything we are utterly dependent on the Earth for our survival, in the absence of it we would not be here, let us honour those of the past in what they wished and attempted to implement: a system of complete preservation.

Methods generally tend to be simple and clear, often it is easy for us to brush the equal ease of sustainable shopping off and find easy justification for less ethical methods of consumption, which, consequently we have allowed to become utterly convenient, monopolizing our minds and censoring any new possibilities. More and more sustainable shops are popping up and establishing themselves as reliable, go-to brands. Their doctrine remains unfaltering whether they are second-hand or cottage businesses allowing all types of purchasers to access and advocate the essential ethos for the protection of our planet. Even household names such as Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood share these fundamental values allowing for the promotion into wider society and accessible comprehension. As an increasing number of brands begin to establish themselves as allies of sustainability a higher proportion of members within all types of communities can be sure to transform habits.

Finally, we may see an irrevocable change from mindless to mindful through finally becoming conscious of the errors of our ways. Hence those simple four words: do I need this? Takes on a whole new meaning, holding so much more weight and importance for our shared and individual presents and futures.