My Behavior Doesn’t Make a Difference
Can You Change Your Consumer Behavior?
“What I do won‘t make any difference” is a very, very common comment. I´m just a spec of sand on the big beach, full of other specs of sand.
But that‘s where you‘re wrong. If all little specs got together to make changes for the better, they would eventually develop into a small dune, and before you know it, the whole beach would be working together.
People are Beginning to Realize Their Consumer Behavior Does Matter
Fortunately, more people are becoming aware of the need for us to be responsible consumers. I know, it can be so-o boring at times. You wish you could go on a spree, buy new clothes, a new car or go on that special holiday.
Ten years ago, no one in Iceland would have believed how our society’s way of thinking has changed. Second-hand shops are (we say) sprouting like mushrooms. We have many goodwill foundations that sell donated items to support their cause. The Red Cross, for example, has stores all over the country. We also have stores where people can sell, or rent, their clothes, giving them new life instead of shipping them abroad where we have little or no control over what happens to them.
So, How Do I Consume, What Can I Do?
Mainly, you can buy less.
Just begin with one item, let’s say you’re looking at a T-shirt online. Ask yourself, do I really need this? How many do I already have? Is this maybe a T-shirt that is (almost) exactly like one or two in my closet?
The 80/20 rule applies here like in so many other cases. Statistics say that you use 20% of your clothes 80% of the time. So, you really don’t need that extra T-shirt. The one (or two) you already have, is a good T-shirt and you’ll be proud of yourself when you refrain from buying another one.
In the Long Run, Your Behavior Will Save Money
How you use your money is another issue. Instead of buying that T-shirt, think about saving up for something you really need, or want. If you put money aside every time you “deny” yourself something, before you know it, you will have saved quite a sum.
True story
I once worked with a girl whose husband smoked. Every time he bought a new pack of cigarettes, she took the same amount of money aside for herself. When she had saved enough, she went and bought what she desired.
I’m not saying you should choose a husband who smokes. My point is, putting aside a small amount of money each time, or buying less, will eventually amount to a sum, not to mention decreasing pollution.
Saving money is not just something you can do for yourself, but also for others. You can put money away and buy your better half sustainable gifts that are good for the environment and at the same time reduce your carbon footprints. Check out our sustainable gifts made from upcycled raw-materials, here in the webshop.
Another option, one that is always valid. You could even give your sum to charity, there are many of those out there doing good things to help people in need.
Guðrún Borghildur
Guðrún Borghildur upcycles leather and silk in her designs which she purchases mainly from the Red Cross in Iceland. Her goal is to reuse and repurpose clothes that have lived a previous life, that way she minimizes her carbon footprint. Some of her items are for sale here.
