CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM

1. Buy Nice or Buy Twice

Sure, it’s tempting to click “add to cart” on that $30 polyester sweater from the mega-site-that-shall-not-be-named. But here’s the 411: polyester is basically plastic spun from petroleum… and wearing petroleum on my largest organ all day? No gracias! I get it — not all of us are out here casually dropping $100 on ethically made, 100% wool or cashmere sweaters. (If you are, congrats! Adopt me.) But when you can, save up and buy quality pieces that last. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in an endless cycle of replacing sad, pilled, faded stuff every few months. That goes for everything we use…buy the solid wood dresser, buy the stainless steel pots and pans, and buy the organic sheets and comforters. Invest in the everyday things you use daily so you don’t have to replace them in a few months. Your future self will thank you for not being back on that same checkout page two months later.

2. Bulk or Bust, Refill or Regret

If you’ve ever wandered into a Sprouts, you’ve probably seen those giant bulk bins —the ones with protein powder, flours, grains, and nuts just begging you to scoop up exactly what you need. No wasteful packaging, no random bags cluttering your pantry. It’s a game-changer! I can’t even count how many times I’ve bought a full one-pound bag of something, only to use half a cup and watch the rest collect dust until I finally toss it (RIP, forgotten almond flour).This whole refillable trend isn’t just for food. Some of our Be Smart Get Prepared® first aid kits are refillable — because why buy an entirely new plastic case when you can just replace the bandages and ointments on our  First Aid + More site? And let’s give a round of applause for brands like Blueland and Branch Basics, who are out here serving refillable cleaning products with ingredients you can actually pronounce. Companies are starting to break out in every category that focus on reducing the amount of plastic and packaging we buy, it’s really exciting. Now it’s just up to us to make the decision to support them.

3. If You Cannot Afford to Buy Two, You Probably Shouldn’t Buy it

I first heard this gem on social media a few years back — I think it was a rapper dropping some unexpected financial wisdom. The rule? If you can’t comfortably buy two of whatever it is without feeling the financial squeeze… maybe don’t. If those shoes, that gaming system, the designer purse, or the “latest drop” can’t be bought twice without forcing you to survive the remainder of the week on $21— it might not be the right moment.And listen, I say this with zero judgment and full honesty: I am the last person who should be preaching. I have YOLO’d my way into some regrettable purchases (and… some credit card debt that I’m still paying off). Recently, I’ve tried to adopt this “can-I-buy-it-twice” philosophy and — let me tell you — it’s a lot harder than it sounds! We’re constantly hit with ads, influencer hauls, and limited time only! pop-ups, all whispering: treat yourself. But here’s the deal — and yes, I know this sounds like it’s totally contradicting my first point — invest in the things you truly need and that will last, and rethink those impulse buys that can absolutely wait.

4. Everything is making us sick” — Yup. Welcome to Earth!

At some point, I spiraled into reading every label like I was studying for finals — and honestly? It’s both empowering and terrifying. I’m not here to boss you around, but I am here to encourage you: start paying attention to what’s going on (and in) your body. If the ingredient list reads like a chapter out of Leviticus, it’s probably packed with fillers and preservatives your body doesn’t need.The good news? We live in 2025 and there are apps that do the work for you:

• EWG’s Healthy Living App — Rates thousands of food and personal care products.
• Think Dirty — Helps you spot the junk in beauty and personal care products, and kindly suggests safer swaps.
• Yuka — Scan your food and products, and it’ll tell you exactly what’s hiding inside.
• CodeCheck — Another barcode wizard that gives you both health and environmental impact info.

Don’t panic when your go-to shampoo or favorite snack gets flagged. We can’t live in a bubble. Just do what you can: swap for better options where possible, stay informed, and remind yourself that your body is the one place you have to live forever. Treat it well!

5. Align Your Purchases with Your Values

If it’s important to you, then guess what? It matters! Whether it’s ethics, sustainability, faith, politics, or just wanting to support the little guys — your money speaks louder than any Instagram post ever will. Every purchase is a tiny endorsement of the kind of world you want to live in. It’s super easy to default to the giant online mega-retailer that delivers in 0.4 seconds. But sometimes, making choices that align with your values means being okay with waiting a few extra days, or spending a few extra dollars. It’s about taking a stand with your wallet.  So next time you’re scrolling and ready to click “Add to Cart,” pause and ask: Does this purchase align with what I actually care about? Am I supporting companies that treat people, animals, and the planet well? Or am I just looking for the fastest ship time and the cheapest price tag?

It’s buying that one well-made sweater instead of five fast-fashion plastic sweaters, swapping out the sketchy shampoo for something your hormones will love you for, and supporting brands that actually align with your values — even if that means waiting 5-7 business days. We’re all figuring it out in a world that constantly tells us to buy more, spend fast, and never ask questions. So read your labels. Scan those barcodes. Invest in quality. Make your voice heard with your wallet. And remember: every single purchase matters to your future self, others, and the planet. Will you get it right every time? Nope, but incremental changes can add up to something really significant. Go ahead, spend — but do it like you mean it.