Sustainable Consumerism

Sustainable consumerism is being sustainable as a consumer.  This means that as a consumer, you are thinking in a sustainable manner, and only purchasing necessary amounts of products, and choosing products based on their effect on the environment.  A sustainable consumer would prefer to buy organic items, and items that are packaged supporting an eco-friendly movement.  

 Globalization and capitalism are positive in their manner of educating and informing consumers of sustainable purchasing, however, they are negative since they encourage consumers to buy more which results in more waste.   

 Greenwashing is companies using false advertising and claiming a product to be healthier than it is.  This is very common, and consumers should always be aware of it.  Rather than just going off the label of an item, consumers should look at the nutritional information to be sure that it is factual. I would be willing to pay a premium for foods labeled organic, local, or fair-trade, however, not the premium extreme that currently exists.  I do believe that if more people began this trend, and the demand for this items were higher, the prices could be lowered.  I prefer to shop at small mom and pop shops, since the quality is generally much better.  I also like knowing that I am helping out a local business, rather than a huge corporation.