How to be an ethical consumer – it’s easier than you thought!

Now the leaves have fallen, and the nights are drawing in, I’ve said a sad farewell to autumn.

Autumn has always been my favourite season for many reasons. It is still warm enough to venture on long walks in chunky jumpers, but with coats left behind. Halloween brings with it childhood memories of fancy dress and spooky games and Bonfire Night offers up an evening huddled around the fire cooking marshmallows, whilst watching the sky light up in multi colours. It is certainly a Lagom season.

Then I blink, and Winter has arrived! I can no longer leave the house without an umbrella. The rain lashes down daily and the wind arrives in full force (taking my fence panels with it!). The only thing I seem to be able to do comfortably is stay indoors.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, because winter does bring with it my favourite day of the year – Christmas of course!

Now we have officially stepped into winter, I am allowed to start getting excited about the festive season, which means I can chuck on the Christmas movies, get the cinnamon candles out and start eating mince pies again!

It is also the time to start thinking about presents – not what I would like, but what to buy my loved ones. This year I have made changes, which I intend to stick by at Christmas and I hope to inspire you to do the same. This year I’m going to get all my gifts from small, sustainable businesses and I encourage you all to do the same.

So here are some tips to have a sustainable Christmas by bringing joy to your loved ones and at the same time, making another real person do a little dance around too!

Ethical consumer tip 1: Shop local or from independent makers

Buying from large companies and high street brands is very tempting, because we think it is easy. You can go online or to one shopping centre and blitz the entire list in one day. But by doing this you are not only lining the pockets of already stupidly rich people, but you could be buying bad quality and therefore creating more waste. Not only that, but you could be wasting your own money on something your loved one might not even need, because the process of buying is quick, and we don’t necessarily put as much thought into the present.

This year why not venture down to your local high street and wander into the boutique shops. Yes, the prices are a little higher, there is no denying that, these people have to compete with the corporate brands who are able to keep prices low because they use cheap labour and low-quality products. But by spending a little bit more, your gift is likely to last a lot longer therefore creating less waste. It will be unique, so your loved one will appreciate it more and you are also supporting a real person who has probably put their heart and soul into that creation. That sale will really make their day.

Ethical consumer tip 2: Buy less and buy better

When I was younger, my sisters and I would get one main present under the tree and a stocking (well mum’s cut-off tights!) filled with wonderful things. The stocking would be a combination of exciting toys, sweet treats and useful items. It was not completely filled with tat that as a 6-year-old I would get excited by for one day and then discard. I might get a new toothbrush or some lovely bath bombs among the Loony toons Pez or slinky spring.

This was incredibly clever of my mum (and maybe my way of thinking began at a much younger age than I realise because of this), because by doing this she ensured we got some lovely presents to enjoy in the form of a couple of toys, but that we also got things that were useful and needed.

The main present under the tree was then something we REALLY wanted, a cuddly toy we had seen, a baby doll (in my sister’s case) or a Scalextric (in my case!). Okay, this isn’t a ‘need’ but the point is, it was ONE present and we were so completely happy to get the very thing that we had been looking forward to, that we didn’t need anything else.

I know it’s a lot harder these days with children. I know some children who receive more than ten presents on Christmas day, but most of these are not appreciated and I bet half of them will be quietly disposed of less than a year later. So, what I am trying to say is Buy Less but Buy Better.

One quality present is worth much more than ten low quality presents. Or if that won’t go down too well in your house (I don’t have children so I’m not going to be one to preach), then buy several presents but make sure the majority of these are useful or needed too.

Ethical consumer tip 3: Look out for local markets or sales happening in your area

Around this time of year, the creative community will usually hold a Christmas market or sale. This can be the ideal time to buy art, hand-made goods and food too!

Look in the local papers and join local Facebook groups to see what is happening and go with your Christmas shopping hat on.

In my home town in November, artist Laura Rich realised that the famous wine merchants across the road were having a sale, so she got all the creatives and sellers along the street to join up to create a Wine and Art sale! Now that’s my kind of event! An ideal opportunity to buy Christmas gifts and get your wine for the festive season at the same time.

Ethical consumer tip 4: Shop online wisely

How many of you type in Amazon as an impulse when you open your computer to shop? I’m guessing a large majority of you! Well, here’s a few online sites to check out who sell independent designers and makers. Again, make a real person happy and shop the niche and wonderful products on offer on these sites.

Trouva – for the Independents

Shop the best independent boutiques for homewares, gifts, accessories and clothing all in one place. Can’t get much easier than that!

Not on the High Street

The home of thoughtful gifts. Made by creatives, from the UK’s best small businesses. Shop here.

Etsy

If it’s handcrafted, vintage, custom or unique, it’s on Etsy.

Ethical consumer tip 5: Buy an experience

Rather than buy a product or a physical gift, why not buy your loved one an experience. I love this idea because not only does it reduce waste, but it creates experiences and memories, which you know I am an advocate of.

Do they love relaxing? Then treat them to a spa day or a cream tea afternoon.

Do they have a hobby such as photography? Book them onto a photography workshop.

Do they love car racing or football? Book them a day at the racetrack or do a stadium tour of their favourite club.

The opportunities are endless. Collect moments not things.

Ethical consumer tip 6: Get personal

You know that episode of Friends where Monica and Chandler have to make each other their Valentine gifts? Then you get the jist…

This one is great for the sentimentalists among us, but also if you are saving or short on cash. Why not set a limit this year on budget and make a gift instead? This is my favourite type of gift, because I’m soppy and love a present that a lot of thought has gone into. Ideas include:

Create a photo album of all your special memories together.

Design a book telling that person all the wonderful things you love about them.
Create a photo slideshow of a special time you had together and put it to music.

Give them a book of vouchers for your time – ideas include ‘babysitter for the night’, ‘cook for the night’, ‘foot massage’, ‘dinner and drinks on me’.

Ethical consumer tip 7: It’s a time for giving

What we need to remember is that Christmas isn’t about gifts, it’s about loved ones and community.

It’s a time to show people you care, a time to laugh, a time to be thoughtful and a time to look at the good things in life and appreciate them.

For those who are not as fortunate as us, who don’t have family or friends to surround themselves with, this time of year can be particularly hard. Maybe you have a spare seat at the dinner table and could offer it to a lonely person?

That would be the greatest gift of all.

You may also enjoy the following:

Nkuku – homemade home and lifestyle products

The Kinfolk Home interiors for slow living

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