Festive Offers, Christmas Discounts, and Black Friday Sales.
We've all been there…
The appeal of sales and slashed prices often lead us to impulsively fill our virtual carts with items we don't truly need.
This is in stark contrast to simpler times when buying clothes used to be a thoughtful process. Indian families would carefully plan their clothing purchases around festivals and special occasions.
Each item of clothing was an investment, purchased only when truly necessary or for a significant purpose. Take, for instance, the Bengali tradition of Poila Boishak, where the dawn of a new year was celebrated with new clothes. Similarly, the grandeur of Diwali would see households meticulously choosing outfits that reflected their style and encapsulated the festival's spirit.
In the face of this dichotomy between earlier times and the present day, the concept of Conscious Consumerism takes centre stage, urging us to reevaluate our choices.
Understanding Conscious Consumerism
In a world driven by consumerism, the choices we make as consumers have far-reaching implications. From the products we purchase to the brands we support, our decisions can shape the future of our planet and society.
Conscious consumerism, however, stretches beyond the mere act of making purchases. It encompasses an entire mindset that takes into account the whole journey of a product, right from its inception to its eventual end.
As conscious consumers, our responsibility extends beyond merely reducing consumption; it involves striving for sustainability in every purchase. This shift in mindset encourages us to be more mindful of what we invest in, ensuring that each purchase is an intentional step towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Why should we, as consumers, care
The Environmental Impact
The urgency of conscious consumerism becomes even more apparent when we consider the staggering environmental consequences of our choices.
Fast fashion and the throwaway culture surrounding products have exacted a heavy toll on our planet. To put this into perspective, the fashion industry is responsible for a shocking 20% of global wastewater and a significant share of microplastic pollution in our oceans. Moreover, the fashion industry's carbon footprint is estimated to be larger than that of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. At this pace, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are expected to surge by more than 50 % by 2030.
The Ethical Considerations
Delving into conscious consumerism reveals complex supply chains intertwined with labour practices that often exploit workers and overlook their basic rights. This sobering reality calls for our attention and action.
Conscious consumerism acts as a guiding compass, steering us toward companies that uphold fairness and prioritize the well-being of their employees. By consciously opting to support brands that ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for human rights, we actively foster a more equitable and just global economy. This approach not only empowers workers but also underscores the message that ethical standards hold equal weight to the products we embrace.
As consumer consciousness rises, industries are being compelled to embrace transparency like never before. In this evolving landscape, our role as consumers becomes a potent force for transformation. Every choice we make, every product we choose, carries the weight of influence. By demanding greater transparency from brands, we catalyze a movement that compels them to reveal their inner workings and practices. It's a ripple effect that extends beyond individual purchases, amplified by the collective voice of community-based consumer action. This newfound transparency is a powerful check, holding companies accountable for their decisions and inspiring them to adopt sustainable measures.
How can we make a difference?
Amidst the pressing environmental and social challenges, conscious consumerism emerges as a tangible avenue for individuals to shape a brighter future actively. It's more than just a buzzword; it's a deliberate choice, a call to action with real impact.
EcoDhaga is India's first closed-loop fashion brand that focuses on giving a new life to fashion waste created by consumers. We thrift, recycle, donate, and upcycle the fabric we receive from individuals with the vision of creating a more circular economy. We aim to create an economy where we keep the materials and resources we use in circulation for as long as possible while minimizing waste.
By supporting businesses like EcoDhaga, which prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, we become part of a movement that envisions a future where commerce and conscience go hand in hand.
Comments