Looking into "conscious consumption"

Material culture has been present for centuries, the mass-obsession with the consumption of goods- food, clothing, and objects. And yet, in the 21^st century, it has never been more obvious that consumption is a worldwide phenomenon. The desire to consume, to acquire more, to fit in, is unavoidable in this age. With the incessant amount of advertising and product promotion, the desire to consume feels implemented into our daily lives.

With prices rising, consumption itself feels equally impossible. How can I purchase all of these advertised products if I simply cannot afford it? Why do we compare ourselves to those that do?

Conscious consumption has arisen on multiple platforms, engaging in products with more awareness of how these purchases impact the environment, how they are manufactured, and to consume less. In essence, attempting to lower consumption by only purchasing high-quality, long-lasting materials or items.

The issue with conscious consumption is those on a budget are often unable to afford higher quality products, forcing them to shop elsewhere. A similar issue arises with sizing inclusivity; stores with unethical manufacturing practices are often more inclusive with sizing. Furthermore, even high-quality products can be manufactured unethically. In hindsight, there are not many ways to consume consciously and ethically, especially in an age where product promotion is everywhere.

Conscious consumption, however, is still vital to consider, as there are ways in which this can be done:

Stores like Vinted, Depop, and charity stores are perfect for many purposes, and effectively help donate to charities and help others who need additional income from selling their belongings. Likewise, shopping at independent businesses helps to support those who are growing their own store and support their artistry.

So, is conscious consumption a lie? While constant promotion within a capitalist society can make it feel impossible to consciously and ethically spend, there are ways to consider how purchases can also effectively support communities.