Passive Consumption
I just ran across the term “passive consumption” this morning. Being a wordsmith from way back, it struck me as the perfect term for how we as Americans do so much of our shopping. How many times have you been on autopilot when buying — guided only by lowest price, or easy access? I plead guilty!
It’s so easy to forget how much power we have. Americans consume more products than any other country in the world. I would think we would want to drive that constant tidal wave of spending dollars toward the greater good rather than what is easiest or cheapest.
Active consumption, of course, implies effort. Exactly right! You have to get off the beaten path, read labels, think about the choice you are making when you buy a loaf of bread or a pair of shoes.
Fortunately, it’s getting easier to make more informed decisions without lots of research and leg work. Green products and Fair Trade products are more available than ever before. Chain stores like Whole Foods and Starbucks are bringing thousands of organic, sustainable, and Fair Trade products to the market. Local retailers, like us, are filling in the gaps and expanding the shopping consciousness.
Finally, I’ll offer my one step challenge. Sometimes we have to walk before we can run. So, I challenge you to change just one item that you normally consume. Change your coffee, look for the locally produced honey, or find that new blouse by shopping Fair Trade online.
Change happens one step at a time, so let me know how it’s going. Put yourself one step closer to becoming a truly “active” consumer.
Keep shopping your good values!