There is no denying the impact of our consumer choices on the planet and society. We need understand that consumerism is a product of our artificial society. It came about when some of us stumbled upon things they could sell and profit from. And these things weren't necessary for our survival. The invention of electricity gave birth to many useless products like refrigerators, automatic washing machines, dishwashers, and several other gadgets. The whole idea behind it was to save time. And what will you do with this time?

That's something you need to think about. What are you doing with all the time you save from these machines that run on electricity.

Moving on to Understanding Conscious Consumption. It obviously emphasizes on ethical, sustainable, and responsible practices. But if you look closely, most of the burden is on the consumers. First, we were given products that we didn’t need. And then we're told how to use it and dispose it properly. Meanwhile, companies using toxic packaging materials just so they last longer or reaches the consumer in one piece bear no responsibility for its disposal. In fact, they mislead consumers by greenwashing and deceiving marketing tactics. Putting green leaf or the word natural etc. When in reality they need to sprinkle the chemical laden product with something natural, and they can put natural on the label. 

Who gave this guideline? Well, these are made by people who have been bought by the product companies. Their lobbyists. 

Please checkout Greenwashing index for the latest report on companies using unbelieve tactics to fool people into thinking they are making green products.

The consumers are shown positive environmental benefits of their actions, social impact, and personal impacts of conscious consumption. You'd be surprised how ineffective recycling is. How making and selling unneeded products is polluting the environment. The companies have little to no mandate on production. Things are marketed to tap into your fears and insecurities that have been built by these companies. And we buy into it. Our information comes from the media they control. 

The consumers are told to focus on mindful purchasing decisions and reducing environment footprint. It is our job to not buy things. What about the companies that producing tons of stuff and then dumping it away when they are not consumed? Shouldn't any company be liable to show ready consumers before they start manufacturing shit and shoving it down people's throats? I feel the burden is on the ones producing it. They should be fined for making things they can't sell and that can't be composted. 

But would that be done? Let's see... The governing body benefits from people starting businesses. Many other businesses profit from it as well. Even if the business is making useless tiny decorative items that have no practical use. Unless we understand the futility in everything except of needed food, required clothing, and minimal shelter, we are part of this mania just as much as the people driving the need to buy are. 

So, I agree with mindful purchasing.