Why is it better to shop consciously?

Can mindless, rampant consumerism one day be a thing of the past? If we look at the trends related to sustainability and making conscious choices, we can be hopeful that things are moving in the right direction. While we still have a long way to go, you can shorten it by changing your habits and moving towards thoughtful shopping habits. Is it worth it, though?

The harm of impulsive buying

The habit of making impulsive purchases is a very costly one to have, even if you scour the internet for the best promotions and discount codes. Things bought in the spur of the moment, without any deeper thought, often turn out to be useless or low quality - they soon end up in the trash or at the bottom of your closet, where they fade into oblivion. You might as well take a few hundred dollars out of your wallet and throw it out the window. Or leave it in the store, walking out with nothing. It might become a problem if you make those ill-considered purchases with a credit card and start having trouble paying it off. This is a slippery slope to a bad credit history, diminishing your credibility in the eyes of the bank and making it more difficult to get a loan or a mortgage.

The loss of money is just one negative consequence of impulsive shopping. After the injection of dopamine and the short-term euphoria resulting from the purchase wears off, negative emotions may arise. Reflection and guilt over acquiring yet another item you don't need, and, upon closer inspection, you don’t even like. Here is another downside of ill-considered purchases, especially in the context of interior design and home accessories: the lack of planning can cause you to buy something utterly incohesive with the rest of your style. That’s how chaos grows and takes over - and soon your apartment might start to resemble that of a compulsive hoarder. The excess of unnecessary items overwhelms the space and destroys harmony.

Not to mention the dire consequences for the environment - widespread overconsumption is destroying the planet at an alarming rate and that is a fact.

A good choice is a well thought out choice

Conscious shopping decisions are more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and ethical. That’s because addressing your needs is as important as choosing a sustainable brand to go with. You have the ability to vote with your wallet by supporting manufacturers whose values align with yours. By doing so, you maintain your integrity, and this translates into improved well-being in the long run (as opposed to temporary euphoria) and higher self-esteem.

By making thoughtful purchases, you are also likely to buy less. And less, as we all know, means more. “Less” often translates to higher quality, ethical and sustainable production, responsibly sourced noble materials, fair working conditions, and supporting local communities. “Less” also means minimizing your waste and carbon footprint. And finally, “less” is a harmoniously composed interior in which all the elements fit together, providing you with comfort and functionality.

Besides, by choosing consciously, you contribute to creating positive change in a world still overrun by consumerism and mass production. By supporting brands that focus on quality and environmental protection, you put more or less subtle pressure on corporations which continue to engage in harmful practices.

How to buy more consciously?

Conscious shopping is a very simple matter (unless you struggle with shopaholism, in which case you should take care of your mental health first).

Firstly, think of what you really need and how it will change your daily life for the better. When you buy furniture or other interior design items, start by drawing a rough sketch of the room’s design - this will ensure you choose products that fit in in terms of style and dimensions.

Take your time. Try to find a moment to do thorough research on the product in question, but also on its manufacturer. Pay attention to the materials and their origin. Get to know the brand a little more closely: find out what its core values are and how they are implemented.

Every thoughtful and prudent purchasing decision is a small step toward a big change for the better - for you and the planet.