Conscious Consumption

Mar’s Musing on Consumption

For this week in Mar’s Musings as we enter the year end holidays, I want to speak about the topic of consumption.

It’s not to put a downer on this festive season and time of giving, however I want to add some consciousness to this period and some tips on how we can consume in different ways.

2 things that I did this weekend :

  • I bought several gifts at an artisanal market of small producers who were sharing their arts & craftsmanship

  • I love supporting local & individual producers as I know that the money spent goes directly to supporting them and something I believe in

  • I ordered our Christmas tree from Pinheiro Bombeiro literally translates into “Firefighters Pine”, a “sustainable” way to get  Christmas tree

  • It’s a wonderful circular economy project where the pine trees are cut down due to fire hazards in Portugal, the firefighters do this to raise money for their voluntary efforts and the tree are then collected again and turned into firewood

  • I just love getting a christmas tree this way – it might not look like the “traditional” tree but it comes with so much love and intention

So as we enter year end and this cycle of consumerism, I invite you to ask yourself a few questions before shopping :

  • How much am I buying?

  • How many gifts? Are they all necessary? Do I need to get everyone a gift… 

  • What am I buying? 

  • Is it something useful? Did they ask for it? Is it a need? Or just something to give away… that might end up in the landfill a few days later!

  • Where am I buying it from?

  • Who am I supporting with my purchase? Is it a big brand? Or a small independent producer? How am I voting with my money?

  • Or maybe you could hand-make the gifts? I love the intention of handmade things… I’ve been creating ceramics for years as presents (maybe people are getting a little bored of them I’m still enjoying the process of making them!!)

Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of the year… and all the traditions that come with it, with this I am encouraging us to approach it in a more conscious and mindful way!

I’d love to hear from you, any tips you have on approaching this season a little differently.

Love Mar Michelle

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