Your spending makes a statement.
We live in a culture of consumerism. Slick marketing schemes and incredibly low prices tempt consumers into making purchases they might have otherwise passed on. Retailers make it easy for individuals to buy in the blink of an eye, with some items arriving within hours at their doors. While being a consumer is unavoidable, you have the power to choose what kind of a consumer you’d like to be. Choose to be a conscious consumer.
Our collective buying patterns have the power to shift demand.
Don’t underestimate the power of the dollar. The way you spend your hard-earned money makes an impact. Collectively, our buying power can shift demand, which in turn forces companies to adjust their supply strategies to compensate. Over time, consumers can significantly influence the tides of the market.
Every dollar you spend is essentially a vote: a show of patronage and support for the brands you select. If you must make a purchase, invest in high-quality, long-lasting products made by socially- and environmentally-conscious companies. Companies committed to the future health of our planet are worth supporting!
Drive positive change by supporting brands committed to sustainability.
More and more companies are making significant strides to reduce their waste, limit packaging and production pollution, and reduce the number of harmful chemicals present in their products. These brands deserve our support so they can continue to mitigate their businesses’ carbon emissions and pressure other companies to do the same.
Choosing to be an eco-conscious consumer takes a little extra work, but the reward is worthwhile. Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the company your hard-earned dollars are supporting. Go beyond what advertisements say and dive deeper to discover if the company’s actions reflect their sustainability claims. Beware of greenwashing, a practice in which misleading claims lead consumers to believe that a company is environmentally friendly, when in fact it is not. The following questions could help you uncover whether the company is altruistic:
- Where is this product produced?
- Does the company value sustainability? If so, what are they doing to combat their current business emissions?
- Does the company partner with or support non-profit organizations committed to mitigating climate change?
- Is the company utilizing eco-friendly packaging?
When you shop at sustainable companies, you show you value equitable business practices.
Buy goods from companies who are committed to doing good. BLab is a non-profit network that seeks to change the global economy to benefit communities and the planet. One of the ways they do this is to measure companies’ social and environmental impact. Companies that meet BLab’s stringent qualifications are certified as B Corporations. BLab shares these companies with conscious consumers so they know they are supporting businesses committed to people and the planet. Discover BLab’s list of B Corps and shop with confidence.
One Planet Life applauds the following companies for their commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
4Ocean is a certified B Corp who removes one pound of plastic from waterways for every purchase made.
TenTree is a certified B Corp who will plant ten trees with each t-shirt or sock purchase.
BetterWorldBooks is a certified B Corp who has donated over 38 million books and has resold or recycled over 475 million books.
Green Field Paper Company provides unique and sustainable paper products such as seed paper.
These certified B-Corps are committed to sustainable harvesting practices and fair treatment for farmers.
Handcrafted chocolate sourced with integrity.
Fair trade coffee sourced from small-scale grower cooperatives.
Coffee and tea products that directly support farmers.
Fairtrade and environmentally-conscious nuts and dried fruit.
These apparel brands are on the cutting edge of sustainable practices, thinking not only about fashion sustainability but also giving back and supporting environmental initiatives.
Patagonia is a certified B Corp that commits 1% of total annual sales to the preservation and restoration of the planet, connects individuals with local environmental organizations with Action Works, champions regenerative organic agriculture with Patagonia Provisions, and supports second-hand markets with their Worn Wear program.
MANG Gear is committed to mangrove restoration. For every UV shirt purchased, they plant a mangrove in coastal areas.
Allbirds is a certified B Corp footwear company committed to reducing their carbon footprint to near zero by 2030.
Athleta is committed to providing women with superior performance gear without compromising the environment. They received their B Corp certification in 2018.
Nisolo is B-Corp certified and passionate about combating the fashion industry’s exploitation of workers and the planet’s resources by implementing the five pillars of the Nisolo Sustainability Framework.
Discover more OPL-approved organizations committed to protecting the planet through sustainable actions.
More Ways to Maximize Your Impact
Supporting sustainable companies is one way to make your money count. Other eco-friendly ways to maximize your impact include:
Buy Second-Hand Goods. Thrifting or shopping consignment stores is the most sustainable way to give still-useful items a second life and reduce your waste. Avoid the extensive supply chain required to produce and ship a new product. Instead, enjoy the hunt at your local thrift stores, yard sales, vintage boutiques, online resale, or even trade with your neighbors in local “buy nothing” groups. You never know what you’ll find! Make a stand against our trash culture and give a second chance to a gently-used item.
Shop Local. Every dollar you spend locally is the equivalent of $6 spent in the community. Give back to your friends, family, and neighbors by frequenting local restaurants, shops, and businesses. When you shop locally, the whole community benefits!
