As a conscious consumer I try to be that – conscious. Which means I’m conscious of what I buy, why I buy it, and whether I need to buy it at all, and whether I can find a second hand option if so.
I’m conscious, but I’m not perfect. I don’t always follow the consumption rules I’ve set for myself. Because of time, cost or practicality issues. And more often than not, this makes me feel bad. It makes me feel bad for the environment, and it makes me feel like I’ve failed as a conscious consumer.
But as no one can be perfect – should this make us feel bad? Yes probably, if it happens too often. But no, probably not, if it’s not a common reoccurrence. Because if conscious consumption turns into something that makes us feel bad, we’re probably less likely to keep it up.
An exception?
I’ve had to make an exception to my rules. When it comes to books, I’ve had a break from buying any, and I’ve gotten myself a library card to start borrow books instead.
But now, ahead of summer, I gave in, because I really wanted to get some new ones to read this summer.
I felt bad. I felt like I shouldn’t. I felt like I should read some of the books I have and try to find those I was looking at in the library instead. I’ve had several visits to the book shop recently looking at a few books I wanted but each time, I left without buying any. Because I felt bad about doing so.
The other day, I bought them anyway. Because I also want to support independent authors. And I want to support book shops that are struggling to survive against internet giants.
And also, I’m not perfect.