By Manoj Gupta

Ah, Consumerism….!

Doesn’t that word evoke images of overflowing shopping bags, retail therapy binges, and that undeniable post-purchase high, including those social media selfies…?

We are living in a world of fast food, and fast fashion. We’re even upgrading our gadgets faster than our wardrobes. And we are also making a hue and cry about climate change, global warming, and carbon footprints.

Isn’t it a paradox?

Are we the ones who are creating the problems….and then making hue and cry about them?

Weeding Out the Greenwashing: Separating Fact from Fad

There's no denying it; sustainability is trendy and looks great on paper.

All companies are trying to share the limelight, under corporate social responsibility (CSR), by throwing around buzzwords like ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘carbon-conscious’…. faster than you can say ‘greenwashing.’

But how can one make some sense to this plethora of claims and find some peace in this chaos?

The answer lies in Conscious consumerism!

For us to embrace it, we would need to go beyond those marketing jargon of companies and their claims. A little a fact check via Google on their source materials to the supply chain will give a good understanding of their ‘say:do’ ratio.

Mindfulness and Minimalism: The New Trend in Consumerism

We've all been there.  Strolling through the mall, where that cute apparel catches the eye, and before you know it, it's ending up in your shopping bag. Isn’t it?

But here's the thing…most impulse buys rarely translate into long-term satisfaction. They often end up piling up in your closet, just like your bucket list after a scroll your Instagram Reels.

So, how do we break free from the impulse buying cycle?

The next time you look at something breath-taking in a shopping mall, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Do I truly need this? Do I align with the brand values?  How long will it last?

See, Minimalist living is on the rise today.

Yes, there are even documentaries of it on Netflix. These consumers are decluttering their lives, one apparel, furniture, or gadget at a time. They are opting for quality over quantity. This shift is a win-win for us as well as the environment.

A simple pause is all that matters between that purchase and another waste reduction

VEJA Vous

Heard about VEJA?

This sustainable brand supports Fair Trade methods and environmentally friendly materials. They supply natural resources, plastics that have been reprocessed with wild rubber from the amazon forests. They also guarantee their workers fair compensation and secure working environments.

Second-Hand, First Choice: The Rise of the Pre-Loved Market

It’s not just me who is saying, the numbers are also proving it.

A leading report estimates that the second-hand fashion market will reach $350 billion by 2027, up from $177 billion in 2022. Not only that but according to Growth Market reports, the global used cars market is expected to reach USD 2.75 Trillion by 2031.

Eco-consciousness is 'driving' (literally) these consumer trends. The pre-loved market is booming, and for a good reason. We now have thrift stores, pop-up bazaars, vintage shops, and online platforms, which offer some hidden gems at unbelievable prices.

The RealReal - an online platform for authenticated luxury pre-loved designer goods, giving new life to these beautiful pieces. Now you can be kind to your pocket, the environment, and your wardrobe with your new (pre-loved) CHANEL. Remember, every conscious purchase you make is a vote for Mother Nature and a better future. Today, a gesture may seem like a drop in the ocean, but in the future, we can create a tsunami together…!

Summing Up….

From consumer to Consciouspreneur®, it’s been a fascinating journey.

Over the past three decades, I've navigated the twists and turns of the corporate world, witnessing both the good, the bad, and not-so-sustainable living..

With Conscious Consumerism on rise, let’s join the hands.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of mindfulness, with one purchase at a time….!