Practicing mindful consumption doesn’t mean depriving yourself — it means making thoughtful choices that align with your values. By adopting this mindset, you don’t only lessen your personal impact, you can also contribute to a more sustainable global economy. The main idea of mindful consumption is to buy only what you need, especially when it comes to new products. Every product requires resources to produce, transport, and dispose of, so by consuming less, especially when it comes to newly produced items, we can significantly reduce our personal environmental footprint.

Before making a purchase, first ask yourself: do I really need this? If so, then can I rent or borrow it, barter for it, or buy it secondhand? If not, then when buying something new, ask yourself: of the options available to me, which is the most sustainable, ethical, and/or aligned with my values? This is especially important to consider for items that you frequently purchase new, such as food and any disposable items. Recognized certifications, such as B-Corp Certified, Fair Trade Certified, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified, can help you identify the most sustainable and/or ethical options in each category. Visit the “Action” link below for more information on the most reputable product certifications to consider.

Certain specialty marketplaces specialize in offering sustainable options, so when you shop at those stores, you know that the items were sourced with your values in mind. Apps are also available to help you make more sustainable purchasing decisions on-the-go. As a starting point, in the “Products” category, the 1y4e team has outlined considerations and our recommendations for many common items, such as non-single-use water bottles and B-Corp Certified kitchen tools.

When purchasing new products is necessary, choosing sustainable and ethical options can drive change on a larger scale. By supporting companies that prioritize sustainable materials, repairable designs, ethical labor practices, and circular economy principles, we send a message to the marketplace. This is often referred to as “voting with your wallet,” where each purchase acts as a signal to businesses about what consumers value. Over time, these small acts add up to shape industry standards, leading to an increased role for these considerations in business decisions. In this way, each mindful choice plays a role in building a more sustainable future.