Can we / companies / society make it easier for consumers to make conscious decisions? Yes. Hopefully.
Horrific stories of inhumane conditions in garment factories, revelations of chemicals in the products we cover our skin in, planet damaging stats on the effects of the meat industry – they all make many of us want to change our shopping habits and become better, more ethical / eco-conscious consumers. But based on what’s available on the high street, it’s not always that easy.
Research carried out by YouGov in the UK has shown that 69% of adults would buy ethical products if they were more widely stocked so there is definitely a demand. Sustainable fashion and lifestyle expert Marieke Eyskoot says in Safia Minney’s new book Slow Fashion that: “When it comes to selling ethical fashion and eco lifestyle products, availability is key – we have to make it simple for people who want to make a different choice”.
Eco concept stores are popping up here and there but online is still where we’re more likely to find these products. Great sites such as ethical.market (where the cushion in the photo above is from) in the UK and Modavanti in the US have got great selections and definitely help with the issue of not quite knowing where to shop.
The internet is also a great help in terms of actually learning about sustainability and finding the information needed to make more conscious decisions. Because of the internet, and social media in particular, company transparency has reached completely new levels. Previously, we’ve had to depend much more on what companies themselves tell us, or what fashion magazines tell us about the brands they feature. But companies can get away with a lot of greenwashing, and the magazines often depend on the big brands that pay for advertising so struggle to criticise them. New media channels such as social media helps – there is a more open dialogue and it’s easier to find information, both in terms of negative press as well as inspiring new initiatives / labels / products.
One key thing when it comes to making more conscious decisions and trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle is to know that there isn’t one way of doing it. And rather than forcing yourself to completely change the way you live, making an eco-friendly purchase when you can is a good start. The hope is that this blog helps with this – highlighting the different ways we can make a difference, whilst getting on with our lives and enjoying it on the way!