Sustainable Consumerism

According to Oslo Symposium, the working definition of sustainable consumerism is “the use of services and related products which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.” Globalization and capitalism can be seen as both a positive and negative driver in this phenomenon. It’s negative because people are wanting to always try to get more for their dollar. They will not necessarily consider purchasing what is considered more sustainable. But it is positive because it drives businesses to find new creative ways to be sell more sustainable products and services. The consumer might be able to purchase a more sustainable product brought in from some other location because of globalization.

Green washing is when companies trick consumers into believing their products are healthier by using false advertising. I would be willing to pay a premium for some

foods labeled “organic”, “local”, and “fair-trade”.  I try to buy organic foods when I eat the entire food. For example, I would buy organic blueberries because you eat the

entire blueberry. But I would not buy organic oranges because you peal the peel off. I like visiting mom and pop stores when I am close to them. But usually I just visit Gulf Coast Town Center. I can’t justify wasting gas to drive further to a store that sells products that are a little bit better than what you find at Gulf Coast. If everyone has this same mindset, the ramifications are that the mom and pop stores will eventually go out of business.