Comments on: Conscious Consumerism – what’s that?

By: Roch S

Roch S — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:31:14 +0000

Ever since I heard of freecycle a couple of years ago I’ve become a big fan putting anything from old books to appliances on there… What a great way to keep everything out of landfills.

I wanted to share http://www.ottawamarket.ca with Katherine… that website focuses not only on blogging about the transit program in Ottawa but also about building a sustainable community with more infill and condo conversions project in the city.

Cheers.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:43:57 +0000

I so totally agree Sarah! I work in sustainable transportation and I find that all the time we are discussing HOW to mitigate the environmental effect of goods movement, I keep thinking, the best way to solve this issue is just by getting people to buy less stuff. Then we’d have less goods moving! Pretty simple hunh!?

I agree with you also in terms of buying hip, green stuff. But I’m hoping that purchasing these types of items is just the first step for people who are trying to become more conscious consumers. At the other end of the spectrum is as you say, only purchasing items when you really need them. For people who are new to being green though, they may not be prepared to go to that extreme right away and my thought is let’s help introduce them to alternatives and get them thinking!!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:08:13 +0000

I think it’s great to spread the word about how to find stuff that is made ethically, using more eco-friendly materials and processes.

Hopefully we’ll all remember the most important step of all…. to reduce our consumption.

I find it can be so tempting to buy that cool item- even though I don’t really need it- because it’s green so I can feel good instead of guilty about my shopping urges. I’m trying to reign in wild inner consumer and buy less stuff in general.

But when my pants are beyond repair, or I’ve lost my mitts (yet again!) it’s great to know there are ethical, local, green replacements out there.

thanks for the post!