So many parts of life can cause waste. I cringe when I think about all the diapers my children have used in a landfill. Or all of the cold pacs from grocery delivery. But learning to add more mindful consumption in your life can help to balance out some of the slightly more wasteful habits. Simple changes like carrying around a refillable water bottle or taking public transportation more often minimize your overall carbon footprint.
Unfortunately, breaking free from mindless consumption takes time and effort. But, it offers tremendous psychological, physical, and, of course, environmental benefits. So start small and learn to balance your lifestyle. It may be easier than you think to add some of these ideas into your daily routine!
Mindful Consumption Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Mindful consumption helps you reduce your carbon footprint effortlessly. The typical mindful consumer doesn’t waste money on single-use items. They reuse the same sustainable alternatives, such as:
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- Reusable Cotton Pads
While cotton pads play a crucial role in any beauty or makeup routine, they also contribute to the planet’s growing waste problem. Most people use an average of three pads per day. This amount might not seem like much, but it would already total a thousand rounds per person every year. However, you don’t necessarily have to get rid of your cotton pads. Instead, switch to the LastRound biodegradable cotton rounds from LastObject. Since you can wash and reuse each round up to 250 times, a pack of seven replaces 1,750+ disposable cotton pads.
- Reusable Tote Bags
America alone produces over a hundred billion plastic bags per annum. Not only do 90% of these bags go straight to landfills, but manufacturing that amount of plastic burned around 12 million barrels of oil. Instead of carrying your groceries in a plastic bag, bring reusable totes. Wiselife features heavy-duty, durable, reusable bags built to carry more than 50 pounds. I have a stash of reusable bags I keep in each car and it makes it so easy!
- Reusable Food Containers
Using reusable food containers instead of things like aluminum foil or plastic wrap can help eliminate a lot of waste. Making sure your containers are microwave safe helps even more. And if you want to go above and beyond, get a microwave cover to help reduce your use of paper towels or wax paper over your food to prevent splatters.
Pro Tip: If you want durable, easy-to-clean food containers, try Fullstar. Their 12-pack bundles consist of various sizes.
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A Sustainable Lifestyle Costs Less Than a Materialistic One
The best practices involving mindful consumption help you save money in the following aspects of your daily life:
- Clothing
I will be the first to admit I do like fast fashion now and then. It’s a budget friendly way to try new trends. And I try to be mindful about what I purchase to ensure it is a versatile piece that can be worn in different ways. However, much of my closet is second-hand or classic styles that I’ve had for years and rewear. It’s all about balance. Mindful consumption dictates that shoppers should prioritize functionality over form. Instead of spending several grand on a designer blouse, get a couple of ethically sourced organic cotton shirts. Or see what your money can get you thrifting. And try to think about the amount of items you purchase. Buying sustainable or ethically sourced fashion isn’t really beneficial if you are purchasing hoards of it that you will never end up wearing.
- Transportation
While traditional consumerists spend $1,000 per month on gas and car payments, mindful consumers only need a couple of dollars to ride public transportation. You don’t need a car to travel to and from the office. Although if you feel iffy about cramped subways and buses, get a bike. Detroit Bikes carries a wide range of comfortable, heavy-duty bikes made for cycling in the city. Most of their bikes only cost a few hundred dollars. Many cities also have ride sharing options. Or you can look to friends or co-workers for a carpool.
- Technology
Sustainable consumers know that buying the latest gadgets does not classify as an investment. Switching from one phone to another just wastes your money. Be honest—do you need the features on a newly released phone? Or do you just want one for the brand? By protecting your electronics you can make them last longer and safe yourself money and the environment in the meantime!
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Mindful Food Consumption Helps You Stay Healthy
The rise of unhealthy, yet delicious fast-food meals shifted global diet trends. People had 24/7 access to tasty, inexpensive meals. Fast-food quickly turned into a diet staple for many teens and working adults around the world. However, the obsession with fast-food chains prompted an increase in obesity. As of 2021, 39% of adults worldwide classify as obese—still excluding teens, kids, and seniors.
Luckily, mindful consumers don’t fall victim to fast-food trends. Eating at home is not only environmentally conscious, but also budget friendly! It wastes less food and less packaging. And it’s better for you as well. By using quick prep meals or your slow cooker, it will probably even take you less time compared to eating out.
Take the First Step Toward a Mindful Lifestyle
Goal-setting plays a crucial role in the success of your transformation. As mentioned above, becoming a mindful consumer is a process, and rushing into things produces poor results. Create a feasible plan of action and follow through with it. Start small! You can always add in more as you go along. And even small changes make a difference.
Navigating Important Financial Decisions Wisely
Being a mindful consumer means making extremely vital decisions with all the wisdom in the world. You have to take into account both the long-term and the short-term in doing so. These kinds of decisions could be the difference between a healthy future and one that puts you in jeopardy. You must take into account things such as insurance and anything related to do with the health of you and your family. The good thing is that you can read so much online and gather the right information. For instance, there are plenty of Primerica reviews around that can point you in the right direction regarding life insurance. You should always look out for your future and the finances surrounding it because we never know what is around the corner. If you can be both diligent and calm with these kinds of decisions, you will be in a good place going forward.
Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle can help you save money, and feel more at peace with your impact on the environment.
