April 2nd, 2013
“Sustainable consumerism” is the concept of reducing the
waste, pollution, and emissions in production for services and goods rendered
by consumers.
I can’t speak on the global level but in regard to American
capitalism if a company wants to participate in more “sustainable” practices
through volition because they find value in it and are not government
regulated, then sure that is fine by me.
I learned about “greenwashing” when I attended interior
design school. I suppose I knew it was out there but because I don’t go out of
my way to purchase “green/organic” products I didn’t have firsthand knowledge.
But essentially it’s a way for companies to dub their good or services “green”
by following the lowest parameters set to be allowed to call their product or
services “green.” Then they are able to slap “green” or “organic” on the label,
website, etc and sell it with false pretenses.
If I found value in “organic”, “local”, and “fair trade”
products, sure I would purchase them regardless of the cost.
My shopping habits are out of convenience – I patron the
evil “box stores” because the prices are relatively lower and with the rising
cost of fuel and food, it would not be judicious to spend an extra $50 dollars
each week at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or at a “granola” mom and pop shops
(even though I have watched my grocery bills rise exponentially over the past
few years). If ever I do frequent a mom and pop shop it is because I am in the
area and need something to eat or have found something I’d like to purchase. I
find no shame or guilt in shopping at plazas and malls.
The “ramifications of my habits are a drop in the bucket. I
participate in capitalism and champion the notion that I can continue to
receive goods and services which I need/want and keep people employed by
shopping there.
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