How to shop sustainably

Sustainable shopping has lots of benefits for the planet and ourselves. But shopping sustainably can mean different things to different people. From buying reusable products like reusable straws to Australian products, there are lots of ways we can make our shopping habits more sustainable. Use this guide to get started on your sustainable shopping journey.  

In today’s world, where the impact of consumerism on the environment is more evident than ever, many of us are striving to make more conscious decisions about our shopping habits. Shopping sustainably doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint; it also supports ethical practices in industries ranging from fashion to food. The demand for sustainable products in Australia has seen a significant rise as consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact.

With the consumerism at an all-time high, it's vital now more than ever to make conscious choices that support environmental stewardship and ethical practices. From the clothes we wear to the food we consume, every decision we make in the marketplace can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. So, grab your eco friendly tote bag, and let’s dive into the art of sustainable shopping — making each choice count for a healthier earth.

Understand the impact

When we talk about understanding the impact, we are referring to the broader consequences that our shopping decisions can have beyond the mere acquisition of goods. The environmental and social footprint of our purchases stretches from the initial creation of a product all the way through to its ultimate disposal.

Take the example of the fashion industry. Often, clothing is produced in countries with lax environmental regulations and workers' rights protections. The industry is one of the largest consumers of water, and toxic dyes and chemicals frequently pollute waterways, affecting both ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, the rapid production cycle of fast fashion encourages a throwaway culture, leading to immense waste as consumers discard clothes after just a few wears.

In terms of social impact, garment workers in some countries work in deplorable conditions, earning meager wages, and facing serious risks to their health and safety. Child labor and forced labor are also pressing concerns in some parts of the textile industry.

Ultimately, sustainable shopping is about making a deliberate choice to be part of the solution rather than the problem. It's an ongoing commitment to educating oneself about the origin of products, the processes behind their creation, and the ethics of their production, and choosing to support companies that are explicitly working towards a better, more sustainable future. This is the essence of understanding the impact—a critical first step in becoming a conscientious consumer.

Why you should shop sustainably?

There are many reasons we should consider more sustainable products. Perhaps the most obvious is the environmental reasons. We’re currently facing a waste and consumption crisis in Australia and ‘the West’. Although Australia is known for many amazing things, it’s also one of the most wasteful countries in the world in the world and our waste levels grow at twice the rate of our population. Our current consumption cycle is built on a throwaway model where we buy cheaper, poorer quality goods that are designed to be replaced.

But this model leads to mountains of landfills and pollution. Shopping more sustainably means trying to break free of this unsustainable consumption cycle. Another great reason to shop sustainably is that more sustainable makers and retailers have an ethical and social interests. Meaning, you’re less likely to be supporting unjust working conditions and the exploitation of labourers and animals when you shop sustainably.

There are also lots of personal gains to shopping sustainably. Buying items that you love and know will last feels great. It’s also great knowing you’re supporting an ethical, sustainable or small business that has the planet, people and animals at heart – that’s a purchase to feel good about. And of course, we can’t talk about shopping sustainably without talking about money. While some reusable items require an investment up front, over time the habits you’ll develop around mindful and thrifty consumption will see you save lots of money in the long run.

What does it mean to shop sustainably?

Shopping sustainably means different things to different people. Most people will think of shopping sustainably as buying products that are better for the environment. One of the main ways people shop sustainably is to opt for reusable products like reusable coffee cups. Buying reusable products is usually to save on single use plastic waste and other throw away items that wind up in landfills. At Sassy Organics, we have a huge range of eco friendly products including reusable grocery shopping bags and reusable straws, like glass drinking straws that can help you along your sustainable consumption journey.  

Shopping ethical is also an important part of sustainable shopping. Shopping ethical means supporting makers that provide their workers with fair, safe and just conditions, while also not exploiting animals or the natural environment. Many brands are both sustainable and ethical like Ethique, which specialises in solid beauty and personal care products that eliminate the need for single use plastic bottles and tubes. However, Ethique is also an ethical brand that has multiple partnerships with organisations from environmental to community care and development. Opting for a brand like Ethique means shopping both environmentally and socially sustainable.

The second  hand market is a treasure trove for sustainable shopping. By purchasing pre owned items or renting, you are helping to extend the life cycle of products and reduce waste. This approach is especially effective for items that you may only need temporarily or for clothing, where the fast fashion industry’s impact is particularly harmful.

Is shopping small more sustainable?

One of the core principles of sustainable shopping is prioritising quality over quantity. Investing in high quality products that last longer means you’ll be buying less over time, which is both economically beneficial and better for the planet. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or homeware, choose items that are well made and durable.

Another part of shopping sustainably is choosing Australian made products and supporting Australian brands and retailers. Buying Australian products means supporting the local economy and providing local jobs. Australian made products are also better for the environment because they have to travel shorter distances to reach consumers and there are strict environmental laws for manufacturing in Australia. Another benefit to buying Australian products is that you can have confidence in their quality and know you’re buying something that will last.

At Sassy Organics, we stock lots of Australian skin care brands and Australian makeup brands. Australian skincare brands are a great choice for shopping sustainably as they not only use better manufacturing processes but also lots of local, Australian botanicals and ingredients. The same is true for Australian makeup brands which adhere to strict guidelines to produce safe cosmetics.   

One of our favourite Australian brands for sustainable products is Ever Eco. Since 2013, Ever Eco has been making reusable and sustainable products to help Aussies (and people around the globe) shop sustainably. Ever Eco were pioneers of stainless steel reusable straws and are on a mission to help end the single use plastic crisis. If you want to start shopping sustainably, we suggest starting with Ever Eco.

What is the best way to shop sustainably?

Shopping sustainably is about more than just buying lots of reusable products – it’s a lifestyle and mindset. For starters, shopping sustainably is about breaking free of the consumption cycle that sees so many of us buying things we don’t really need or want. When we make a conscious effort to live and consume more sustainably, we’re really deciding to be more mindful about our purchasing habits. And when you do that, you find you’ll only really shop when and what you need.

Another part of shopping sustainably, as we’ve mentioned, is to focus on quality over quantity. Saving up for a reusable item or a sustainable item of clothing instead of buying five cheaper, unsustainable products can be a great experience. While you might have to wait longer, you’ll feel better about the purchase, and you’ll know you’re buying something you want and will use time and time again.

When it comes to the actual buying, look for local and smaller retailers to buy your products from. Why is shopping small sustainable? Small and local retailers tend to have a focus on sustainable selling practices. For example, at Sassy Organics we use plastic free packaging materials and offer a recycling program to provide a total sustainable purchasing experience. Part of shopping sustainably is to properly dispose of the waste that comes with any sort of shopping. This means recycling your packaging and, for beauty packaging, finding a proper recycling method like the one we offer via TerraCycle ®.

Before making a purchase, take the time to research the brand. Look for certifications and labels that indicate sustainable and ethical practices, such as Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp certifications. These labels can guide you towards products that align with your values of supporting environmental sustainability and ethical labour practices.

What is the best way to shop sustainably for others?

Many of us understand the importance of shopping sustainably on the day today, but we can also think about sustainable shopping when it comes to buying for others. Much like when we shop sustainably for ourselves, eco and ethical gifting is about our mindset. Eco friendly gifts are a great way to get someone something that is a bit different but also good for the environment. One of our favourite eco friendly gifts is to make a reusable product hamper. This can include an assortment of reusable straws and something like a reusable coffee cup, all put together with some stylish reusable bags. Another sustainable option is Australian gifts.

At Sassy Organics, we have a range of Australian gifts including tea gift sets and other stunning Australian products that make impressive and thoughtful gifts. The last part of sustainable gifting is opting for eco friendly gift wrapping. Luckily there are lots of eco friendly gift wrapping alternatives to single use gift wrap, ribbons and bags. Reusable bags are of course a great way to deliver unwrapped gifts. But if you want to stick to wrapping, try and find recyclable and ethically or non died wrapping papers.  You can learn more about eco friendly gifting over on our blog here. 

Shopping locally not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with long distance transportation but also supports your local economy. Small businesses often have a smaller environmental impact and are more likely to use sustainable practices compared to large corporations. Additionally, buying locally produced food can help reduce packaging waste.

Final thoughts

Shopping sustainably is about making informed choices that align with the well being of our planet and its inhabitants. By taking small, conscious steps, we can each contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability. Remember, every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Choose wisely, and let’s make a difference, one sustainable choice at a time.

Sustainability is a rapidly evolving field, and what’s considered sustainable today might change as new information and technologies emerge. Stay informed about sustainable practices and innovations by following reputable sources and participating in community initiatives.

Community involvement also plays a critical role in the sustainable movement. By participating in local environmental groups or initiatives, you not only stay informed but also contribute actively to the development of a sustainable community. It's also a way to influence others, building a culture of sustainability within your local environment.