There is a certain kind of woman I admire who has let go of constant consumption, has found peace in their taste, and now spends more of their time living largely within it. They see through new and next marketing cycles and curate from a place of thoughtful restraint, bringing only items of genuine quality into their orbit.
It feels like a type of acquired wisdom, gained through lived experience, that more does not equal better and that consumerism doesn’t feel good, driven by insecurity. Instead, trusted essentials can add a personal touch to day-to-day routines, quietly supporting the rhythm of a meaningful life.
I’ve narrowed my own consumption scope in support of brand transparency, though product quality remains equally important, as falling short of promised value only results in more waste. It’s a level of discernment that can only be acquired in a way that certain things cannot be unknown.
In all honesty, though, it’s time-consuming to find brands with strong values and reliable products that meet a high standard of performance. It’s likely why loyalty to tried-and-true products usually comes with age (read: time and experience).
It’s thus been small habits that have furthered my skills as a conscious consumer, and coming from someone who’s experienced a fair share of buyer’s remorse, it has felt good to buy quality products from brands you’re excited to support.
As I’ve become more intentional in developing discernment, I thought to share small, easy-to-implement habits to inspire your own journey as a conscious consumer:
1. Non-Toxic Coffee (and/or Tea).
I had a Keurig for longer than I’d like to admit, but it was there that I began to understand the risk of microplastics on our health and planet. I’ve since switched to a pour-over coffee vessel, using a plastic-free electric kettle to pour hot water through the coffee grounds. I appreciate this morning habit to begin the day, and am excited to use Forgrave’s beautiful tea infuser to eliminate tea bags in the evening.
2. Refillable Products
I love RŌZ’s shampoo & conditioner, and the refills greatly reduce my plastic waste. I also keep DedCool's laundry detergent and hand soap refill on a 60-day subscription, which easily automates the need. The refillable Atmo Home candles are ingenious (as mentioned in Worth the Shelf Space?), and I’ll top up in this or this fragrance as needed.
3. Clothing Rentals
I’ve reduced my clothing purchases as I've gotten older, typically investing only in quality basics made of natural fibers. If you need a push in that direction, I loved this article from The Curated by Jessica Harris.
I’ve also written about how to use Indyx (co-founded by Yidi & Devon Rule) to understand your taste and build a closet with better cost-per-wear.
I use rental platforms (Rent the Runway, Nuuly, & Pickle) to help me pack for vacations, pausing membership in between if my wardrobe doesn’t need a boost. It’s been especially helpful for wedding outfits, and lets me mix up my style on special occasions without feeling wasteful.
4. Read Non-Fiction (NOT Self-Help)
There is a time and place for a self-help book, but you’re more than likely doing great and being a little too hard on yourself. I’ve instead enjoyed learning about niche interests, which can provide greater context on history and different POVs. I’ve unsurprisingly gone down a rabbit hole on responsible business, but have pulled a few future reads from caitlyn’s recommendations as well.
Not a knock on fiction. I’d argue you can learn just as much from a well-done fiction novel, but non-fiction requires a different kind of discipline … at least from me!
5. Question Marketing
As a marketing major, I actually became aware of this in the classroom, learning about various strategies that appeal to human psychology. It can be a fun and creative challenge, but it’s also a job meant to drive demand despite good intentions. This article by Totally Recommend does a great job highlighting how quickly lines can get blurred trying to increase sales.
I still enjoy a good marketing campaign, but challenge myself to see tactics more objectively and understand my why if I want to purchase. I used to jump for a limited-edition drop (with scarcity driving up value), but not-so-quickly learned that usually meant out of style soon. There will always be the next hot thing!
Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on responsible business and intentional consumption. I’d love to know your tips & tricks, so drop them in the comment below.