A lesson in conscious consumerism

The global economic system pulls shiploads of underpriced product from low-income countries to sell as unlimited, cheap supply in high-income countries. This system has had detrimental impacts on the environment, human rights, and global trade relations. Academics, consumers, and businesses are recognizing the potential to embrace trade as an avenue for sustainability and conscious consumerism. However, as an individual consumer, it can be hard to know if your purchases make a difference. Conscious consumerism refers to buying behavior that intends to support or oppose a cause or issue. Conscious consumerism requires that purchasers think about where their products came from, what the impact of their purchase might be, and if their purchase aligns with their values. There’s a variety of conscious consumer behaviors such as consuming less, buying local, sourcing thrift and secondhand goods, investing in ethical companies, and verifying the source of products. Many of these choices end up saving consumers money. Conscious consumerism is worth exploring. It gives everyday buyers the power to shift away from harmful, free trade patterns, and may minimize worker exploitation in supply chains.