“You can never get enough of what you don’t need to make you happy.”
~ Eric Hoffer

It could be said we don’t often consider what we already have and what truly makes us happy. In the modern world there are many of us striving to get what we don’t need to make us happy; living a lifestyle based on having, obtaining and needing more and more stuff to ‘feel’ happy and successful.

Happiness based on materialistic wealth is a scary pursuit, we can as Eric Hoffer states; never get enough to reach a state of happiness, as the very bases of this mentality is to always have more.

A consumer mentality has been building, growing in layers, shaping our society for a long time and it has reached a dangerous height of greed and global consequence.

We live in an age where we have access to an abundance of stuff and an attitude that coverts this abundance as personal worth and wealth. Yet I truly believe overcoming this consumer mentality can open doors to a new life, filled with real experiences, relationships and self awareness.

True happiness can be found in true living; a life that acknowledges the good in the small and everyday; that finds happiness in the now and the present; that sees worth and abundance in what we already have and feels prosperous in the simple presence of life and nature, friends and family.

We can distance ourselves from the perceived happiness found in stuff and at the same time have a real positive impact not only on our lives but on the lives of others and of the Earth.

It is such a positive and powerful step to take, to decide to reduce consumption whenever and wherever we can and the following are just some small steps in the right direction:

1. Consume Less

The biggest step we all can take is simply to consume less. Often we will buy things we simply don’t need. Consider what is driving the purchase is it need or desire? A constant desire for more, new, fashionable stuff is not necessarily the road to a happy and fulfilled life. Consider what kind of happiness can be found in stuff and if it is related to true happiness and self worth.

2. Make-Do

Often we can make-do with things we already have, much of what we throw out or replace is based on perceived obsolescence. Look after, fix up and make-do; don’t replace something simply because there is a newer or more fashionable version out on the market. Learning to make do affords worth in the things we already have and allows us to be satisfied and content without wanting more or better or newer.

3. Share, Borrow, Rent or Reclaim

Instead of buying new there are many items we might only occasionally need, like tools, garden equipment, hobby and sporting goods. All of these are available for rent or could be borrowed from a neighbour or friend. This reduces clutter in our own homes, saves money and reduces waste. Also consider sharing with others that may be in need.

Or consider recycled, pre-loved or used items as an alternative. They may not be the latest and greatest but they are a fantastic option for thrifty and environmentally conscience shoppers. So many items can be purchased second hand from clothing to furniture and household goods. Pre-loved is a great way save money, resources and waste and is often fun and exciting, you just never know what you might find.

4. Buck trends

Much of our consumption is based on fashion and trends prompting us to discard “last season” and constantly up-date to the latest fashion or model. We can place so much worth on being up-to-date but when this means constantly consuming and spending money and throwing out perfectly useable stuff it can seem a little backwards.

5. Give up Shopping

It is a little frightening how many of us have embraced shopping as a pastime or even hobby. On the weekends the shopping centres and malls are filled with people eager to spend hard earned money on all kinds of stuff. The more time we spend surrounded by stuff to buy the more likely we are to buy it. But we can adopt new and positive pastimes; there are many alternatives to shopping including visiting art galleries or museums, the park or beach.

We live in a world that drives us to earn, to spend and only consider what we can gain and not the actual cost, the ethical, environmental or social cost. Yet we can save money and resources by weighing up our consumer habits and considering the options; and free ourselves from the constant pursuit of materialistic wealth by finding worth in what we already have.

There is so much happiness to be found in life, experiences, relationships and nature, not in what kind of this or what brand of that sits on the shelf or hangs in the closet. And yet a simpler life is not dictated by any real convention; it is something achievable for all of us on different levels.

Weighing up what truly makes us happy and dedicating our time and energy towards this end is the key. Often all we need to be happy is what we already have.

Related posts:

1. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
2. Opportunity found; a small, simple, happy life
3. A piece of consumer pie, w/ a little humble topping : Positive Consumer Behaviour

Home grown celery

Fresh fruit and vegetables are fundamental to a healthy diet and we are lucky to have such a stable and various supply available all year round. And nothing would seem as innocent as purchasing a nice fresh apple for the produce section of our supermarket.

But that one small apple is far removed from its humble begins, it has been picked, processed, packaged, stored and trucked or shipped across land or sea to reach its final destination.

Our modern world loves to provide us with packaged convenience and perfection and the fruit and vegetables available from our supermarket are no exception.

And yet many of us are making the switch to local produce as a means to have a more sustainable and positive impact.

When we eat, buy and act locally we can contribute in many positive ways to our community and the health of the planet. Changing the way we shop can be daunting especially when we have come to expect a certain availability, price and convenience. Yet the advantages of buying “local” far outweigh the initial disruption to our usual shopping routine.

“Local” produce is a rather flexible term and can be used to describe any produce grown in our own backyard, our own community and further still the region or even country where we live. By buying local we reduce the amount of packaging, processing and transportation used to provide fresh produce. This in turn reduces energy and resource consumption and the associated waste and pollution.

Most of our supermarket produce is picked before ripening, stored and transported across country. Local produce on the other hand is often produced on smaller farms; meaning they can harvest frequently when the produce is ready; providing a tasty and more nutritious product. And because the produce is grown locally you often are able to purchase it within days of picking, meaning the product retains much of its beautiful taste and nutrition.

Local farmers markets provide a great opportunity to purchase local fruit and vegetables.

Although buying local is not a guarantee of organic produce; when we buy direct from the farmer we get a better understanding of where our produce comes from, how it was farmed and are able to ask questions. Supporting our local community and rural areas by buying locally grown produce is a great way to contribute to our local economy and the welfare and sustainability of communities large and small.

If you do not have access to a farmer or community market try to buy fruit and vegetables that are grown close to where you live; if not your local region then within the country. If purchasing produce from overseas look for fair-trade certification to insure the farmers received a fair price and that the produce was farmed in a way that supports their local community and environment.

In saying all this by far the best way to “go local” is to grown our own! Fruit and vegetable gardening is fun, rewarding, economical and a great way to reconnect with nature. All of us should be able to grow even a small amount of fresh produce, from potted herbs to fruit trees, depending on where and how we live. If you are limited with space consider joining a community garden, many cities and towns offer wonderful community spaces where you can grow your own produce alongside other like minded people.

Buying local is healthy and nutritious, environmentally conscience and supports the sustainability and welfare of local communities.

As a quick guide to going local consider the following:

• Where was the produce grown?

Local produce is considered anything grown from your own back-yard, the immediate community, surrounding area, region, state or country.

• Try to visit local farmers and community markets

Most communities whether large or small, rural or urban, will have some form of community market. Often selling more than produce, visiting your local market can be a wonderful experience full of fantastic opportunities to buy locally crafted and grown products and produce. Putting money back into your local community is a very positive and sustaining action.

• Can’t find or don’t have time to visit a community market?

In your supermarket look for produce grown close to where you live, if your supermarket doesn’t provide information on where their produce comes from make sure to ask. If buying produce from overseas try and look for fair trade certification.

• Reduce Packaging

When buying from supermarkets and markets look for fruit and vegetables that are not packaged in plastic wrap and containers. Consider using reusable cotton bags to transport your produce home instead of unrecyclable plastic bags. These are available online are washable and a fantastic investment.

• Grown your own!

Gardening is fun, easy and economical!! As mentioned above this is a fantastic way to ensure the fruit and vegetables you eat are the freshest and lowest impact produce around! If you are not already a gardener finding the time and know-how may at first seem daunting but the advantages are far-reaching!!

Although we may not be able to source all our fruit and vegetables from local producers; working to ensure we consider the impacts of our choices can help to reduce our reliance on over packaged, processed and long range transported produce.

There are significant benefits to buying local that outweigh the convenience of supermarket shopping. For me a trip to the local community market or an afternoon in my garden is a much more welcome experience than an hour or so spent in a busy, crowded supermarket.

If you haven’t already; consider making the switch to the healthier, yummier, more sustainable and community minded option of going local and see what the change can do for you.

Related posts:

1. Balance and consequence : Clean up with simpler and safer cleaning products
2. Balance and Consequence : Choosing beauty products that meet our own healthy, ethical and environmental standard
3. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle

Many of us are eager to keep our homes clean and safe for our families. We use various products to disinfect, deodorize, sparkle, shine and sanitize every room, appliance and piece of furniture. Unfortunately when we rely on conventionally cleaning products we quite often expose ourselves and the environment to potentially hazardous and toxic chemicals.

We need to consider the fact that we often come into close contact with cleaning products, especially laundry detergent and surface cleaners. Although the associated health risks from these chemicals, when we are exposed through typical household use, are likely to be low; the long term health effects and possible associated allergic reaction can be unknown.

Some cleaning products can contain neurotoxins, carcinogens, allergens and heavy metals; all of which are associated with health problems. Stronger cleaning products will come with health warnings and we keep these locked away, out of reach, but don’t hesitate to spread them round our homes, when its’ time to clean, releasing toxins into the air and washing them down the sink.

Any of the toxic chemicals found in cleaning products; particularly phosphate, non-biodegradable synthetic ingredients, bleach and ether-type solvents are hazardous pollutants. When these chemicals are released into the air or washed down our drains they can have adverse effects on our natural environment and wildlife.

Fortunately many of us are making the switch to low toxic and environmentally conscience cleaning products. By simply reducing our exposure to these conventional cleaning products we can eliminate any possible ill health or environmental effects associated with their toxic ingredients.

Luckily it is easy to clean up the majority of everyday household mess with a little natural soap and water or with simple ingredients like bi-carbonate soda, vinegar, lemon juice and a touch of elbow grease.

Quite often pulling out the big guns like disinfectant, bleach and chemical cleaners is overdoing what can be wiped away with simple ingredients. It is possible that we rely too heavily on these chemical cleaners because they are labelled with such persuasive slogans of fresh, clean, germ free homes. But we owe it to ourselves and the environment to try reducing our use of potentially harmful and polluting products; especially when the simpler alternatives are cheaper, safer and usually just as effective.

How we can choose safer and effective cleaning products

Try using simple ingredients:

• Natural soap and warm water is often all that is need to keep our homes clean
• Also try bi-carbonate soda and vinegar to shine and clean in the bathroom and kitchen
• Lemon juice and natural vanilla are fantastic and effective deodorizers as is a little bi-carbonate soda sprinkled onto fabric and then vacuumed up
• Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are fantastic natural disinfectants and smell great too
• Check online there are great recipes using simple ingredients for all kinds of household jobs

For the tougher jobs there is an every growing amount of products available from great companies that use environmentally conscience ingredients and practices. Look for products with certified labelling and be wary of the every present greenwash, companies will quite often make vague or unclear claims as there is little regulation over terms like eco-friendly and green.

When purchasing cleaning products look for ones that:

• Are certified readily biodegradable
• Avoid the use of chemicals such as phosphate, non-biodegradable synthetic ingredients, bleach and ether-type solvents
• Are certified cruelty free, because many cleaning products contain chemicals these are quite often tested on animals, it is important to always look for products that state otherwise
• Contain ingredients made from renewable resources such as biological based solvents from citrus, seed and vegetable oils
• Have reduced or recyclable packaging and buy concentrate and refillable containers when available, this reduces waste and saves on energy

By choosing safer products, supporting environmentally conscience companies and giving simple ingredients a go we can reduce our exposure and the Planets exposure to potentially harmful and polluting substances.

It is easy and economical to switch to simpler methods of keeping our homes clean and a much safer alternative to conventional products. We can avoid the need to buy into slogans of fresh, super clean, super fast, ease and perfection and adopt a simpler approach to clean, happy and healthy homes.

Related posts:

1. Balance and Consequence : Choosing beauty products that meet our own healthy, ethical and environmental standard
2. Balance and Consequence : Fruit and vegetables and the benefits of “going local”!!
3. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle

When looking to simplify our lives we are often faced with doubt; it is something we can come across everyday; either in our own mind or from the opinion of others. There is the ‘but,’ the ‘but’ that at times rears its head in our attempts to balance our own lives with a desire to live a more socially aware and sustainable lifestyle.

Most of us acknowledge on some level that the way we live in the modern world is unbalanced, that it can have negative consequences for the planet and for people.

And we want to do good, when faced with the opportunity to make a better choice, one that has a positive impact, we will try and ‘do the right thing’ or ‘make the right choice’.

Unfortunately there are many aspects of our daily life that tend to get in the way of our desire to make better choices. The very crux of the matter is our modern life is filled with stuff designed for expediency and an image and a lifestyle we all have adopted on varying levels of wholeheartedness.

And it is quiet often these very items of cheaply priced convenience and desire that have very real negative environmental and social consequences.

Yet, to stop and consider the social and environmental consequences of every choice can be a daunting expectation. And I do at times hear that little voice of doubt and haste going, but, but, but…

*But* it is just the way it is

• Although easier to accept sometimes; we need to reconsider the idea that the world is operating outside our control. If we acknowledge the poverty, starvation, exploitation, degradation and pollution, the reality of our modern lifestyle; it is harder to accept that simply, well, its’ just the way it is
• Be hopeful and acknowledge that each of us is a member of the human race and everything we do has a consequence that changes and shifts the future of the world
• By simply accepting that its’ just the way it is; we are accepting there is no hope for a brighter future for the planet and for all people

*But* its’ too hard

• Try not to be overwhelmed by choice, product labels, promises and advertising. Once we have a better understanding of the issues it is easier to make choices that have a positive impact.
• Don’t be afraid of change, it can be as easy as trying something new or making the decision to give something up even if just for a short time. What we think might be hard, will sometimes be so very easy, once we overcome the fear of change.
• Adopting new sustainable and ethical alternatives can be easy and once we make small changes if we feel the benefits they quite often become lasting habits

*But* I like all my stuff!!

• And we all work hard to have things in our lives. We work long hours in often thankless jobs to earn more money so we can have all the stuff we want. And is there anything wrong with wanting stuff?
• Having stuff can be great, but it shouldn’t define who we are or be the basis of our happiness. We need to balance our need for stuff with the consequences of a consumer lifestyle. Re-examine our wants, needs and desires and only choose to consume what we truly need.

*But* is it really that bad?

• For us lucky ones it can be hard to accept the implications of our lifestyle. When we are not faced daily with the negative effects of consumerism it is pretty easy to dismiss all the talk of how our choices affect others less advantaged then ourselves.
• But there are real issues connected to our modern lifestyle; ethical, environmental and social issues that have very real negative implications for all of us.
• With education and compassion we begin to realise that although these problems exist away from our site they are very real.

*But* its’ too expensive!

• Quite often cheap or disposable items are inexpensive because they have been manufactured in a way that compromises ethical or environmental standards for greed.
• Learn more about synthetic ingredients, conventional farming and non-union or non-fair trade manufacturing process and the real costs of these cheap items begin to emerge
• Although purchasing environmentally conscience, organic, fair-trade products may cost more at the check-out we need to decide what price we are willing to put on sustainable and ethical practices that benefit all people

*But* nothing I can do will make that big a difference

• It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the social and environmental problems existing in the world today. They are such big and scary issue that we can feel that just one person cannot make a difference. But how can we believe this.
• Maybe we don’t want to hear about the negative consequences of our consumer lifestyle but it is only us who can make the change. As long as we the consumer, continue to support damaging, greedy and unsustainable practices; manufactures will continue to exploit people and the planet.
• Every choice we make can be a choice for the better and even small things make a difference, why not do the small, simple things each of us are able to do.

*But* I’m not a Greeny, Crunchy, Hippie, Do-Gooder, I’m just a normal person trying to live my life!

• We need to step away from the idea that a sustainable and ethical way of life is only for those truly dedicated to living an alternate lifestyle.
• By taking small, simple steps and making small, simple changes and choices each of us can adopt positive change into our lives in a way that meets our needs and reflects our own lifestyle.
• A happier, healthier more ethical and sustainable life is achievable for all of us and can be obtained at our own level.

There are positive things all of us can do to have a far reaching and sustaining impact on our world. I hope that although we all have doubts and fears and in the face of our busy lifestyles we can embrace a few small changes that will reflect positively throughout our lives and the lives of others.

I know there will always be buts to overcome and in the end it is not about being perfect; it is about making the changes that speak to each of us. We need to not loose site of the things we can achieve and embrace positive change and our ability to make choices for the better.

Related posts:

1. Top 5 small, simple steps to overcome a consumer mentality!!
2. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
3. Don’t sweat the big stuff! : Positive Impact with Ethical Consumer Behaviour

Have you ever considered our disposable lifestyle, how many of the products we use everyday are designed to be thrown out after as little as just one use? Tissues, toweling paper, razors, coffee cups, drink containers, food containers, nappies, tea bags, plastic shopping bags are all manufactured, packaged, transported and sold to be used once and then discarded, sometimes within a matter of minutes.

And it doesn’t stop there, nearly all consumer products have a conceived limited lifetime. In a society that places so much value on the ‘latest’, ‘greatest’, ‘up to the minute’ fashion and trends it is not surprising that we often find ourselves throwing out or replacing many household and lifestyle items year in year out. Computers, televisions, whitegoods, clothes, shoes, cars, home wares, furniture and so many gadgets and ‘necessities’ of everyday living are repackaged and rereleased all the time, creating a false sense of obsolesce in the ‘out dated’ model.

This didn’t just happen, it was designed. Throwaway, breakable, disposable goods were originally conceived after World War II as a way of creating mass economic growth and we have embraced them for their convenience and perceived necessity.

And you’ve got to hand it to them, this revolution in disposable goods certainly generated an economic boom but at what cost?

• The earth is being forced to try and digest an ever growing amount of waste. Through landfill and pollution we are drowning the planet in toxic waste that, in the case of plastics, can never be entirely broken down.
• We are relying on cheap oil to manufacture and transport all these goods for our convenience and immediacy but how much longer will this be an option?

Consider the amount of garbage one household generates… how much of our trash is made up by disposable, convenience items… plastic toothbrushes, pens, lighters, batteries, containers, cleaning cloths, oven trays, wrapping, packaging and so much more.

We need to consider the environmental impact of these items and weigh it up against their convenience.

• Plastic is non biodegradable which means after it is thrown out it does not breakdown to a natural state and will more often than not end up as pollution either in landfill or quite often in our oceans and waterways
• When plastic waste is incinerated it creates toxic fumes that pollute our air and environment
• It takes large amounts of chemical pollutants to create plastic, as well as significant amounts of fossil fuels
• Although biodegradable the paper industry also contributes to air and water pollution, energy consumption, water consumption and deforestation

When we look at the facts above it may be worthwhile considering an alternative to throw away and disposable items. Weigh up the very negative long lasting environmental impact of a disposable item’s real lifespan against their designed use of a few minutes, days or months and an imbalanced picture begins to emerge.

But, as always there are alternatives readily available and with a few changes in our habits and product choices we can reduce the need and reliance on an unsustainable disposable lifestyle.

To limit our dependency on disposable items and our overall consumption and resulting waste; consider the following:

• Use reusable items whenever possible this includes reusable shopping bags, pens, lighters, razors, food storage containers, refillable drink bottles, coffee cups, washable dish cloths, cloth napkins, hankies, nappies etc. And this doesn’t necessarily mean going back to the days of old, there are new exciting reusable items available from sustainable forward thinking companies for nearly every item imaginable.
• Avoid the use of plastic wrap and disposable sandwich and freezer bags by investing in quality glassware storage containers to refrigerate leftovers.
• Always reduce, reuse and recycle and look for items made from recycled products or with recycled packaging. Be inventive, any item that can be washed out and reused saves on waste and consumption.
• Before replacing an item consider the option of repairing it or replacing it with a second hand item. Is the need to replace it based on a conceived obsolescence? Can you make do with the item for a little longer?
• Try not to be over influenced by fashion and advertising. When it comes to clothing, foot ware and gadgets consider the impact of your choices before buying into fashion and fleeting trends.

We owe it to our planet and ourselves to escape from this unnecessary throwaway lifestyle. Make a simple change next time you are faced with the option of disposable or reusable and see the difference. With a little imagination, creativity, forethought and care we can move towards a sustainable and positive future.

Related posts:

1. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
2. Balance and Consequence : Fruit and vegetables and the benefits of “going local”!!
3. “I hear what you’re saying but…” : overcoming that little voice of doubt and haste

Hmmmm “Beauty Products” … cosmetics, lotions and potions… I have a few tucked into my bathroom draw as I’m sure most of us do. Moisturiser, toner, makeup, perfume… these are things most of us probably use every day to a varying degree.

And this is no coincidence; the beauty industry is a multimillion dollar money making machine, churning out ‘new’, ‘improved’, ‘fresher’, ‘longer lasting’ promises of perfection and enhancement!! It is only natural that in a society that places so much worth on outward appearance that many of us find ourselves investing in products that promise to perfect and preserve our ‘beauty’.

But do you have any concerns over the kind of impact your beauty regime may be having to your health? Or what kind of ethical or environmental impact your choices have?

Let’s take a closer look at these products and find out a little more about their impact on our health, ethical views and environment.

• Health Aspects

Beauty products are applied directly to the skin, allowing the ingredients to be absorbed into our bodies. Certain ingredients regardless of if they are naturally occurring or man-made can have adverse effects to particular skin types and sensitivities. It is important to be aware of potential allergic reactions to new products and particular ingredients.

In addition to this there is growing concern about the possible health effects of synthetic ingredients found in most conventional beauty products and cosmetics. Man-made chemicals are present in many products from perfume to lipstick, mascara, foundation, moisturiser and nail polish. These ingredients have been linked to skin problems, hormonal conditions, immune dysfunction and cancer. While we need to have some faith in the manufacturers and laws governing our health and safety, there is currently still debate over the absolute safety of these synthetic ingredients.

Admittedly it is hard to uncover definitive evidence for either their safe or unsafe use and this on its own is a concern. There is research being conducted and questions are being raised about the long term effects of synthetics and a call is going out for clearer information and labelling on products. In the end it needs to be an individual choice based on your own standards of a safe and healthy product. To find out a little more on these ingredients you can read the following articles Potentially harmful ingredients : the ugly face of chemical laden beauty products and Synthetic ingredients : the debate over synthetics.

Fortunately, for those with concerns, there are products that limit or avoid the use of these synthetic ingredients. If you would like to try an alternative seek advice from your Natural Health Store or visit one of the many online stockists to find a product that suits your needs. If you are concerned about the ingredients in your current products try a new one that may limit your exposure to synthetics. The post on Marketing Nature may also provide some helpful information on choosing a product that meets your own standard of ‘natural’.

• Ethical Aspects

Some of us may not consider, when choosing our beauty products, how these choices can have an impact on animal welfare. Due to the potentially harmful nature of the synthetic ingredients used in many of these products they are often tested on animals before being added to products and placed on retail shelves. Animal testing causes unquestionable harm, cruelty and abuse, is inhumane and for any caring consumer, intolerable. You can find out more on the practice of Animal testing here. If you would like to make an ethical choice; always choose products labeled as cruelty free. If you are unsure consider contacting the supplier.

In addition to animal testing, for those concerned with animal welfare, it is worth checking your product choices for animal derived ingredients. Although the industry is beginning to move away from these ingredients to use plant based or synthetic alternatives, they are still used in some areas and it can be very difficult to determine whether a particular ingredient is animal or plant derived or synthetic as they are often not ladled as such. Keep an eye out for collagen, elastin, keratin, tallow and glycerine as these are possibly derived form animals. Look for products that state clearly their ingredients and if you are concerned contact the supplier or manufacturer or seek out an alternative.

• Environmental Aspects

As a society we are increasingly dependent on synthetic and man-made materials. The manufacture and disposal of these ingredients and products are having a disastrous and widespread environmental impact. As mentioned above beauty products contain varying degrees of synthetic and chemical ingredients which through their manufacture or disposal can end up as pollutant in our environment. There is more detailed information on the environmental impact of synthetic ingredients in the article Synthetic ingredients : the debate over synthetics.

Another environmental issue to consider is the packaging of the products we choose. Many beauty products are packaged in a way to excite and entice our interest, this can result in unnecessary layers of wasteful packaging and materials. If you are concerned about waste and sustainability look for products that use minimal, sustainable packaging or recyclable materials.

While we need to be aware of the issues it is great that there are real alternatives out there for anyone who has concerns over a particular product. Beauty products are a part of our modern lifestyle and each of us needs to address what kind of product choices are right for us.

If you are concerned about any of the aspects outlined above consider the following when choosing beauty products and cosmetics.

• Spot test new products for any possible allergic reaction
• Check for synthetic or chemical ingredients; in particular the Phthatale Family, Lauryl Sulfate, Amine Family, Formaldehyde and Paraben Preservatives (see Potentially harmful ingredients : the ugly face of chemical laden beauty products for more detailed information)
• Look for “Cruelty Free” or “No Animal Testing” certification
• Check for animal derived ingredients
• Consider the amount of packaging and if it can be recycled

Once you have a guideline; finding products that meet your immediate needs of results, convenience and price as well as any health, ethical or environmental standards you may set is much easier.  It is possible to balance our needs with the consequence of our choices and make decisions that benefit our health and have a positive ethical and environmental impact.

And remember beauty is only skin deep, all these potions, lotions and cosmetics won’t enhance our true beauty; the beauty that lies within : )

Related posts:

1. Balance and consequence : Clean up with simpler and safer cleaning products
2. Marketing Nature; finding real natural alternatives
3. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” ~ Thomas Merton

We all need balance in our lives, a balance that allows us to consider our wants, needs and desires. To be able to weigh up our lifestyle and make choices that reflects a true desire to do better and an understanding of our impact as members of a consumer society.

I know I have touched on the subject a few times before; specifically here and here, but I feel this is the essence of what Small Simple Life is about and thought it necessary to come at it from a slightly different angle and perhaps in a little more detail.

I am hoping, over the next couple of weeks, to target specific areas of our everyday life and look at how our choices and habits have an effect on the world around us.

I truly believe the only change that is lasting is change born from a true desire. If we simply make choices and learn habits based on what we think we should do or what others tell us we have to do; then they do not have the staying power of those founded on true belief and understanding.

I feel many people may distance themselves from certain products, choices, habits and ways of living because they fear giving up a modern lifestyle. They don’t want to live a ‘hippy’ existence; detached from technology, fashion and all the chemically enhanced and modernised gadgets we all take for granted in the Westernised world.

These things play a role in all our lives to a varying degree and it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to throw their modern lives out the window and adopt a completely sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Am I getting this wrong? I know each of us is driven by different needs and there are different things in all our lives that take priority. I just feel if people had a little more understanding of some of the consequences of a modern lifestyle we might as a society start to really desire to change some of our habits.

Not to give it all up but change our focus from blind consuming to positive choices; those that reflect positively on all peoples and the planet.

And there are many, many small changes, choices and habits we can adopt in our daily lives. But these need to come from a true desire to make a positive impact and not simply because we’ve been told it is right or better or good.

We need to understand the issues and embrace the power we have to alter the focus of consumption. From the companies and manufactures down to us the consumer and eventual disposer of goods, we need to understand the effects of the products we choose. If we put our money into sustainable, ethical products and practices we can power the change and shift the world towards a brighter future.

In order to examine this in a way that will hopefully prove helpful and inspirational; I want to consider certain key areas of consumption. From fashion, beauty and cleaning products, to the food we eat, the energy we use and our very lifestyle; I want to examine what choices have a positive and sustaining benefit and what ones may have a negative social, ethical and environmental impact.

It is all about balance. We can, in each of our lives, adopt some positive changes and habits to benefit ourselves and the world around us and learn to balance our modern lifestyle and needs with a true desire to have a positive impact.

If we do not fear change, if we acknowledge our own consumer impact, we can base our actions and choices on true understanding and the belief that each of us can either contribute negatively or positively to our lives and the lives of others.

So for the next couple of weeks I will be dedicating a weekly post to a specific area of interest with the aim to create further understanding about the implications of our choices and inspiring us all to make lasting positive change in our lives. I hope to look at specific products, manufacturing processes and companies to discover what real choices are out there. I look forward to finding out what we discover : )

Related posts:

1. Top 5 small, simple steps to overcome a consumer mentality!!
2. Balance and Consequence : Fruit and vegetables and the benefits of “going local”!!
3. Balance and Consequence : Choosing beauty products that meet our own healthy, ethical and environmental standard

“Oh modern life, you are brimming with so many things I want, you fill me with a need and desire for so much stuff. Its’ all choices, choices, choices…”
~I Shopper

Choices based on needs, desires, goals, ideas, trends, aspirations, impressions and inspirations; that are driven by advertising, fashion, envy, excess, power. But, take into account the negative impacts of our consumer lifestyle and you not only have choices based on your desires and needs alone.

Consider what price you put on your ‘needs’? Not a dollar value but the ethical and environmental price. All consumer products have a social and environmental impact (eek! bad news).

As jacked up consumer junkies tapped into the modern world it can be hard to see beyond the fleeting happiness of a new pair of shoes.

We are conditioned to associate stuff, fashion, beauty, things and more things with a happy, contented, normal, everyday life. But these things exist for our consumption at a price.

We need to acknowledge that our modern world rests on a foundation of poverty, pollution and exploitation (sorry, more bad news). It may sound like doom and gloom and a real dampener on your retail therapy, but take a second to examine the negative effects you may be having and you’re on your way to making positive choices that benefit you, the planet and mankind.

Are we willing to continue to contribute to the negative effects of our consumer lifestyle all for the sake of meeting fleeting desires? Are we willing to give it up? Even though it is everything we need, want and desire? Because it is, isn’t it?

What about the desire for a world free of poverty, the need to live sustainable and the want of a better future for the planet and mankind? These are some pretty heavy things but if you honestly ask yourself; are you willing to contribute to the negative effects of a consumer lifestyle.

The good news is, we don’t have to give it all up! In reality, we are living a modern life, consuming is part of our lifestyle and we are so very fortunate to live such vibrant, challenging, creative and prosperous lives.

This is our life; we have family, friends, jobs, plans and aspirations. Lives filled with technology, advancement and incredible opportunity. I am not prepared to give it all up and I certainly don’t expect you to be.

Act positively and acknowledge the real power, and positive change that can be implemented by conscious, clever and informed consumer choices. Be aware of the ethical and environmental impacts; make choices that reflect your own values. If you care about human rights, animal welfare and preserving natural habitats and the environment you have to acknowledge that every choice you make can either have a positive or negative influence.

We can’t be expected to change overnight and when making choices there will not always be the perfect, no impact option. Opt to make a better choice and even if you don’t always make the best choice at least the ability to weigh up your options and acknowledge the impact is better than consuming blind.

I want to challenge people to consider what it is in life that makes them really happy and then to look around them and see if they are making choices that reflect these ideals. Look and see if your choices are having negative social and environmental effects. They may not be right in front of you, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist

Reconsider your needs, wants and desires; what are you prepared to do without so others can share in the wealth of the world. I’m not asking you all to give up the things you love, simply look for a better option.

There are people out there creating wonderful sustainable and ethical products. Shoes, bags, fashion accessories, beauty products, cars, home wares, clothes, furniture, building design and materials, office supplies and so much more.

Next time you ‘need’ to buy something have a little think about these few things:

1) Do I really need it, if yes what is this need based on

2) Can I make-do or repair something I already have instead of replacing it entirely

If you really want, need or desire it and who am I to say no

3) Check out charity shops, vintage stores, second hand stores, garage sales, markets or online auctions selling pre-loved goods like eBay. A recycled purchase is win-win.

4) Have a quick look online and source out the amazing amount of forward thinking people making a shift and providing real ethical and sustainable choices. Support these people and you support a better future for us all.

We all have the ability to change the ideas of what it is we want, need and desire. Face the implications of our consumer lifestyle, choose not to consume extravagantly, become a part of a positive movement. You may find that the happiness from making choices that have a positive outcome for others and for the planet might last longer than the happiness from a new pair of designer shoes.

Related posts:

1. Don’t sweat the big stuff! : Positive Impact with Ethical Consumer Behaviour
2. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
3. Top 5 small, simple steps to overcome a consumer mentality!!

We all have a conscious and none of us really want to have a negative social or environmental impact, right? But do we really ever consider the connection between the things we buy and the living world?

Every day we hear about climate change, poverty, starvation, disease, drought and pollution, are harassed to go ‘green’, be eco-friendly, biodegradable and sustainable all while having consumerism and product placement choke us and drive us a little crazy. We can’t help but turn-off!

A sense of hopelessness prevails among us in the modern world because we don’t want to give up the things in life that we consume but we also don’t want to be responsible for the consumption the earth!

We must take responsibility for the power we have as consumers and acknowledge that the little things, we as individuals can do, have a worldwide impact. This is all part of making an informed, empowered choice and paves the way for the betterment of our life and the lives of others.

Don’t sweat the big stuff; take charge of the small, simple things we all can do to make a difference.

All consumer products have an environmental impact and it is up to us, as consumers, to acknowledge these connections and make informed choices. We don’t have to become overwhelmed, more often than not a product we choose won’t be perfect but it can be better!

Learn to acknowledge that the toilet tissue in our bathrooms is probably produced unsustainably, the cosmetics we buy are often tested on animals and that the coffee in our pantry may contribute to deforestation and the exploitation of peoples around the world. Then we can acknowledge that there are real alternatives readily available and that we can make a difference by choosing not to contribute to these negative practices.

It is not difficult to make a better choice, once we understand the issues and that our choices can make a difference, it becomes a celebration of our ability to act positively and make a real change for the better.

It is easy to achieve a better understanding and free ourselves from many of the negative implications of a consumer lifestyle. We purchase products based on different principals, be it need or impulse. An ability to acknowledge the difference, as well as assess the potential negative impact of the product, is the basis of shopping with a conscience.

Whether we are buying a few groceries, a new car or a luxury item simply remember to:

• Understand the issues
• Plan ahead, make a list and stick to it
• Take time to be informed about the different options available
• And make these new habits a lasting change

Acknowledge that each choice for the better makes a real difference and spread the word!

Consumerism is part of modern life, a fundamental aspect of western society and an inescapable force in most of our lives. We can however, be positive consumers, and use our buying power to influence the effects consumerism has on the living planet.

More information @

Environmental Justice Foundation

Consumer International

Ethical Consumer Guide

Related posts:

1. A piece of consumer pie, w/ a little humble topping : Positive Consumer Behaviour
2. Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
3. “I hear what you’re saying but…” : overcoming that little voice of doubt and haste

Using natural products sounds like a great idea and a better alternative to your standard off-the-shelf product. However be warned, there is no legal definition for the term ‘natural’ when used in marketing. This can be confusing, especially when we ask ourselves exactly what do we want from a ‘natural’ product anyway? Are we drawn to the impression of ‘chemical free’, environmentally friendly or simply the idea that a ‘natural’ product must be a safer and healthier option?

We need to realise that just because a product is labeled ‘Natural’ does not in any way imply that it is free of potentially harmful synthetic ingredients or that it is an environmentally friendly alternative. The term is used so loosely in marketing it is difficult to determine exactly what any given brand means by implying their product is natural.

A ‘natural’ product can contain anywhere from 0 to 100% synthetic ingredients. And we must remember that any ingredient be it synthetic or non-synthetic has the potential to be harmful. There are naturally occurring substances that are harmful and poisonous, just as there may be some synthetic substances that are relatively benign.

The reason why we are drawn to natural products in the first place and why it is such a great marketing angle is that it allows us to think of beauty and nature and helps to distant a product from its origins in a chemical laboratory. But we must acknowledge that a product brought off a shelf will more often than not contain some amount of synthetic ingredient.

It is up to us, the consumer, to be informed as to where these ingredients come from and what possible negative effect they may have.

Many synthetics are used because they are cheap and produce a desired effect like overzealous foaming or that ‘oh so’ clean smell. We have been conditioned to expect our products to ‘do’ certain things and as a result shun anything that does not perform to these, if you will, un-natural standards.

But we need to realise that while synthetic ingredients are prevalent in our products; they are causing harm to our environment and potential harm to our health.

So it does make sense to be drawn to a ‘natural’ product and there are real alternatives available that use safer, more environmentally sustainable ingredients and manufacturing practices.

And how to choose a real natural product or a better alternative to a conventionally synthetic laden product?

Well there are two factors we can consider when looking at a list of ingredients:

1) What possibly harmful effects do these ingredients pose to my health

2) What possible harmful environmental impact do these ingredients have

If we aim to determine whether a product is natural, by looking at its impact on our health and the health of the planet , than we can set our own standard and definition of ‘natural’.

By this definition a product with minimum negative impact could be considered a more natural choice. This definition is based on the belief and understanding that natural products should not have a negative impact on nature itself.

We as informed consumers have the ability to choose products that meet our own individual standard of natural.

To do this, we need to take into account not only the ingredient itself, but its origin and the manufacturing process. Being informed as to how ingredients are manufactured and the research on possible harmful effects to our health and the environment helps determine if we consider the product to be natural.

The most important thing to remember is that we all have the right to a better choice, and that the best choice is an informed choice. Decide on standards with which to evaluate your product choices, base them on facts and the things that are important to you. A natural choice can be one that meets your immediate needs of results, convenience and price, but also be considerate of the effects it has on your health and the environment.

If you can’t find the perfect product, don’t be disheartened, stick to your own standards and evaluate what may be a ‘better’ choice. Most products will contain some form of synthetic preservative, so learn about the possible negative effects of some of these ingredients and make an informed decision. Look for phosphate free, cruelty free, biodegradable and products that have sustainable packaging.

Try your natural pharmacy, health food store or health section in the super market. There are many alternative products available, look online for specific products or ask at your local retailers, if they don’t provide an alternative ask why. The more people who decide to make a better choice, the bigger impact we can have.

To learn more about the synthetic ingredients found in consumer products read the article on petrochemical and oleochemical synthetics. Take the time to become informed as to their possible negative impact on your health and the health of the planet.

Be aware of the environmental and ethical implications of your choices. There are many companies out there producing products that are safer and more environmentally sustainable; so why not try an alternative.

Check the ingredients not just the labels, think about your options and evaluate the use of packaging and the brands ethical and environmental commitment. Look for real natural products, choose the ones that meet your own individual standard of natural that is based on facts and not marketing spin. It can be as simply as trying a different product and knowing that you are making a choice for the better.

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