Before we get to the matter at heart , we would like to say that whichever type of consumer you identify yourself with, the intention of this article is not to shame or criticize. On the contrary, we would like to enlighten people on the benefits of researching and considering items before buying them. So, what are the benefits?
You will save money and be more mindful of your spending habits. You will be attentive to your priorities. You will have less clutter and live a more minimalist lifestyle, which will provide you with thinking and breathing space. You will know what you are spending your money on and the real ( not claimed) benefits of the product. And finally, and perhaps one of the most important benefits- you will be an independent thinker, uninfluenced by marketing ploys, ” product ingredients”, social media hype and so on. And this is what we mean by a wise consumer.
So, how do you become a wise consumer? There are certain factors to take into consideration. Convenience, well-being, getting what you pay for, and moral responsibility.
- Convenience- life is busy and time is thought to be limited. Whilst this can be true, bear in mind that we prioritize what is important. So, although buying things because the shop is nearby, makes life easier in the short run, the quality of what you are buying is not likely to be as beneficial. How many of you have bought last minute fruit and veg from the express supermarkets to find that what you are eating is both expensive and tasteless? Organisation is the solution here- organising time, so that when you spend money you are recieving something worthwhile in return. Also, luxury health- be wary. The products may be beneficial, but due to packaging and brand names, products can be over priced when really you could have purchased many products in their natural form and consumed them differently for a huge fraction of the price.
- Well-Being- we are products of earth. Not laboratories (at least not yet). So, no matter what all these fancy face creams, diet packs and protein powders claim to offer- in reality you will be spending money for short quick fix results, that may aggravate things in the long term. There can be a place for these type of products for certain skin conditions and so on, but if there is anything lockdown has taught us-we can survive on the basic essentials. Do your research prior to buying products -research the ingredients and the impact it has on the skin and body. Look for natural and cheaper alternatives. Eating well, exercising, and stress reduction are key. Maintain your dignity, you are not told what you need to be or look like or told what spend your money on- you decide. If it’s food, avoid processed and ready made foods when you can.
- Getting what you pay for – we have touched upon this in the above points, but it is so important for financial prosperity that it needs to be discussed once more. When you start to be more mindful about what you are receiving in return for what you are spending, you will notice a shift in your finances and the quality of life around you. You work hard to earn the money that you have, so for it to be spent, the desire within you has to be earnt. Not tempted, not manipulated, and not to temporarily satisfy.
- Moral responsibility- this factor can be quite difficult to adhere to, but it is so important. Purchasing from companies that you know host sweat shops or child labour factories in third world countries, indicates that you support this. Do your research. In the past it was difficult to know, but now many brands are becoming much more ethical and disclose this information.
Incorporating the above factors within your purchasing thought pattern can only beneficial. Of course, it will be difficult to sustain all the time, but where and when you have the time to reflect, do so. And if you choose to make time, even better. These are the marks of a true wise consumer.
Natural Intentions 