There are three main ways (that I can think of) to be a responsible consumer and they are:
- By supporting small business.
- Making a shopping list.
- Knowing your budget.
These three things will hopefully help you avoid consumer guilt.
Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I’m horrible to shop with. I will walk in to a store and do a lap without touching a thing. This means I haven’t really looked at anything properly. Sometimes I will touch something and then retract my hand and screw up my face like I’ve been bitten because I am such a textural person.
The most entertaining thing is when I haven’t made time to make my own candles and I smell mass produced candles at the shop, then audibly gag. Obviously shopping online takes that away.
Online Consumer Trend
Shopping online means that I really need to know what I’m looking for. I’m a beginner level online shopper at best. This is what makes me qualified to inform everyone of my responsible consumer ways. Especially when sales are on and buying stuff is unavoidable.
If you have listened to the radio today, or left the house you are probably aware of some sort of sale. Whether it be the Black Friday sales, Boxing Day sales or a stocktake sale. I’ve purchased some things online today to make the most of the Black Friday sales. I wish I could say that I had my Christmas gifts to give list all sorted and saved buckets of money today, but I’m never that organised.
Be An Ethical Consumer and Support Small Business
It’s really easy to shop online, usually at big stores with really low prices. If you can find a small business to support and make the time to go to their store, then you will really feel the joys of shopping local.
Buying directly from the producer, often at markets, can also reduce the need for single use packaging. Just don’t be that person who expects massive discount store prices from an independent artist. The responsible consumer knows that if you’re buying a top for $10 a whole heap of people have been screwed along the way.
Make a List
We mere mortals have been programmed to be consumers. Nothing says ‘buy it’ like a sale. To avoid this trap keep a list on your phone of items that you need. Then when something flashes in your face saying ‘buy me’ you can refer to your list. If something isn’t on there, then give yourself a pat on the back for not being sucked in.
I really upped my weirdo score today getting excited about buying bathroom accessories. Yes, I got excited about a toilet brush and soap dispenser that have been sitting on my shopping list waiting for sales.
Next November I’m going to set a calendar reminder to figure out everyone’s Christmas gifts and purchase them (or the materials for making them) on Black Friday. After saving dollars for them of course.
Know Your Budget
A budget is a “simple” way of not getting yourself into financial strife when the sales are on. If you can’t afford it then you most certainly aren’t being a responsible consumer. Remember, the most important person to look after is yourself.
PLEASE do not get a credit card, chances are the savings you are making are less than the interest that nasty piece of plastic is going to cost you.
There are lots of ways to budget, so when you are trying to figure out which way works for you, it may not be so simple. There are a few good resources that helped me along my finance self education path, so I will leave a list of them here for you.
Budgeting Tools for Consumers
The Barefoot Investor book by Scott Pape is what started off my journey of being a responsible adult with money.
She’s on the Money podcast is addictable, don’t say I didn’t warn you! Full disclosure, I haven’t listened to their Black Friday Podcast, but if you want to click here.
I don’t know if my husband or I ordered Sort Your Money Out by Glen James after listening to his podcast, but it is also a winner.
You should be able to borrow the books from the library, but if you do buy them be sure to take notes and share the resources with a friend or five.
Finally if you want to make a purchase for the environment that doesn’t cost a fortune get a worm farm.
You can read my post on how to have a well functioning worm farm if you need some tips.
Don’t get stuck down the black hole of Black Friday. May the force be with you.
The Beaches Farm Girl reviews products independently and is supported by you, our audience. We may earn an affiliate commission from products you purchase by the links on this page. Please remember to shop pre-loved, small and local when it’s an option.