Our society is essentially consumerist: consumption is one of the fundamental engines of the current economy and has a very important role in our lives, since we need to consume products and services to live.
However, the vast majority of consumption is very little respectful of people and with the environment. To change this reality, we need to acquire RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION HABITSthat they focus not only on the quality/price ratio, but on the rest of the factors that concern a product. Continue reading in ecology to learn more in depth What is responsible consumption, its benefits and examples.
What is responsible consumption in our daily life
The concept of “Responsible consumption” refers to a type of consumption away from the typical “consumerism” in which the consumer is an active agent that seeks that the activities of the company that provides products or services to have a ethical behavior both on social and environmental plane. That is, not only is consumed according to the properties of the product or following the dictates of marketing strategies, but being conscious and responsible regarding the impact that this product or service generates on the environment and in society in general.
To do this, we must analyze several aspects of the product or service: the first thing is Check that the product is really necessary. Once this cut has passed, we must analyze the following 5 general lines:
- Production
- Transport
- Distribution
- Consumption
- Waste
For example, we can verify that the raw materials that make up the product have been produced/extracted according to respectful policies; that resources have been used as close as possible; that the distribution is fair and equitable for sellers; that consumption requires possible impacts, and that these are minimized; and that all waste derived from the activity is managed so that the environment is not damaged, reintegrating them into the productive cycle when possible.
What is irresponsible consumption
In the opposite pole to responsible consumption we would find irresponsible consumption. In short and unfortunately, it is the type of consumption that prevails in today’s society, in which the consumer is guided by advertising campaigns, which can even create fictional or created needs, instead of the beneficial or harmful impact that the product or service may have. A good standardized tool to compare products is ACV analysis or life cycle analysis.
As a variant we can find Greenwashingwhich is a set of marketing strategies that show that a company is “green”, but without having a real respectful counterpart, so they conform as a true scam to the aware consumer. In short, these companies, make a misuse of green marketing. Here we tell you more about Greenwashing: What is it, how it works and examples.
Thus, as a summary, we can say that the difference between responsible consumption and non -responsible or irresponsible consumption is that they are directly opposite types of consumption.
Examples of responsible consumption
How can we exercise more responsible consumption? Although it is very difficult to find companies or products that comply 100% with all our expectations, we leave some some Examples of responsible consumption and products that enter these criteria; You will see that they are useful examples that can be applied in a large number of situations.
- The first to do in any situation is to consider if What we are going to consume is really necessary. What benefit does it give us? What will our life improve? Actually, in developed countries, we need much less things than we usually have. Is it necessary to renew my costumes every season? Probably not. Do I need to take a plane for my vacation? I can look for accessible destinations through equally attractive public transport. While in Spain, do I really need to eat avocados produced in Peru, especially when they are now produced in Spain? Surely, find equally healthy alternatives of local production.
- We must not forget the so -called “programmed obsolescence”, or advanced expiration date that manufacturers introduce to their products to increase demand. The programmed obsolescence of desireIn addition, it is a complex marketing network that makes us desire “the last model”, such as fashion or technology. If you want to be a responsible consumer, we recommend you fleeing these strategies.
- But, we need things. At some point we will have to consume. In this case, the best thing is resort to small and local companies (Better our lifelong tenders of the neighborhood than any large commercial area), and monitor that the products or services we acquire are respectful of the environment and society. There are several web pages that indicate responsible and irresponsible companies, and we also have the calls ecological and social responsibility stampsthat can help us in this task.
Benefits of responsible consumption
The benefits of responsible consumption They are multiple. The social benefits They include the promotion of gender equality and non -discrimination or respect for local markets, among others. As for environmental benefitswe find:
- Reduction of extractivist activities, which are not renewable and generate a great environmental impact. For example, the extraction of fossil fuels and the use of these has a great negative impact on the environment. In this other post you can know the environmental impact of oil and natural gas better.
- Improvement in territory management. For example, reducing soil pollution, which we are talking about here.
- Reduction of the use of hazardous substances and pollution.
- Decrease in water footprint and carbon footprint. In this other post we tell you how to reduce my carbon footprint.
- Reintegration of waste to the productive cycle.
- Energy saving.
- Promotion of ecological products and values.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is responsible consumptionwe recommend that you enter our category of other ecology.
