Time to read : 5 Minutes
As a society, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the impact our lives have on the planet and the world around us. Some of us opt to support small businesses over big conglomerates, participating in the circular economy, or being curious about where and how things are made – there’s a lot to be more conscious about.
So how can you become a more conscious consumer in 2025?
💡 A circular economy is defined as ways to keep using items for as long as possible to reduce waste. Or reuse, repair and recycle, if you will.
Firstly, what does it mean to be a conscious consumer?
Being a conscious consumer means exactly that – being conscious of what you’re consuming. This means looking beyond the price and factoring in things like quality and the impacts of what you’re buying.
Some examples of being a conscious consumer include:
Shopping at farmer’s markets or locally-owned shops so the profits go straight back to the community.
Buying second-hand clothes to reduce waste.
Purchasing fair trade coffee where workers are paid fairly.
Choosing cruelty-free skin, hair and beauty products where there’s no testing on animals.
By being more aware and intentional about where our money goes, we’re able to have a more positive impact.
Slow down your buying decisions
One of the best ways to be a more conscious consumer doesn’t involve any fancy research or drastic change. It’s simply just to slow down.
Fast fashion, cool ‘must-have’ gadget’s, and conveniences like Uber Eats and Amazon next day delivery have left us living in a very rapid state of consumption.
We’ll consume without even really thinking twice about it, and then be left wondering where all our money went, and why we’re supporting unethical supply chains. And it doesn’t help to have the convenience of payment options such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) at our fingertips 24/7.
Slowing down your decisions allows you to be more intentional with where your money is going, and help break the cycle. It’s also not a bad thing for your bank balance to ask “do I really need this?”
So next time you go on auto-pilot – reaching out for your card or choosing BNPL – try to rethink your actions.
Cultivate a ‘second hand first’ mindset
Many of us have bought something on Facebook Marketplace or picked up a gem on eBay at some point. But getting into the habit of buying second hand first can help you.
Make a mental note that the next time you get that impulse to jump online and order something that you will intercept the urge. Could you source a preloved version? This may even save you some money too.
Build community
Sadly, it feels like today we’re relying less and less on community. That means no borrowing a cup of sugar from the neighbour, or lending someone your hammer.
And we’ve become so used to consumption, that we go and buy the brand new version before we ask to borrow.
So how can you build a community that focuses on sharing resources? To establish a community you firstly need buy-in.
Decide who will be in your community – it can be friends, neighbours or anyone in your local area, and then start tabling resources that can be borrowed. It could be gardening equipment, DIY tools, kitchen utensils – the possibilities are endless.
But before you start your community, check if there’s one that already exists which you can join. By building and cultivating a community where you share pooled resources you will find many opportunities to buy less.
Mend over spend
The declining quality of goods and materials along with a ‘throwaway’ attitude has meant mending has become a lost art in modern society.
Yes, but… there is a kickback to having the convenience of technology that may pay off. YouTube or TikTok has a stack of instructional videos to learn key skills. Whether it’s sewing, mending or repairing, it’s a great way to take advantage of step-by-step video tutorials, or there’s always your local library.
Either way, mending over spending can help you to get more life out of your belongings and spend less over time.
Consider the ‘buyerarchy of needs’
The Buyerarchy of Needs was coined by Sarah Lazarovic. It offers a handy framework for shifting to more sustainable consumption.
The model prompts you to do the following:
Use what you have in the first instance.
If you don’t have it, consider (in this order) borrowing, swapping, thrifting or making.
Only as a last resort, buy it.
This way of thinking helps challenge the ways we’ve been conditioned to ‘add to cart’, and helps us slow down and think more consciously.
Shop small, shop local
Small businesses tend to work on more ethical practices and run their operations with a lot more heart than big corporations.
Could you find everything you need locally? Looking at smaller or local Australian businesses for everything from gifts and cosmetics to fruit and vegetables helps your local area and may even snag you a bargain, as well as a sense of community too.
What’s your passive impact?
Your impact can run deeper than just your daily shop. For example, are you comfortable with what your super fund invests in? Does your bank’s values align with yours? What impact is your energy company having on Australia?
Making the switch to services and investments that align with your values can help you make an even bigger impact.
Be aware: being a conscious consumer can sometimes mean your purchases come at a higher cost. This is where it’s important to do your research to find providers or companies who align with your values. Once you start making more conscious decisions, you’ll be on your way to making positive impacts.
Bottom line
Becoming a more conscious consumer isn’t something that happens overnight, so don’t put pressure on yourself to be the perfect consumer from day one. Instead, it’s a gradual process that involves a lot of research and refinement.
But getting started on your journey to conscious consumption is a step you should be proud of… and one that can improve your finances in the long-term too.
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Financial disclaimer
The information contained on this web page is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. You should check with a financial professional before making any decisions. Any opinions expressed within an article are those of the author and do not specifically reflect the views of Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd.
