A group of individuals is changing the history of the world’s economy just by making better purchase decisions. They are called “sustainable consumers” and here we explain how you can be one too!
There is no longer need to feel disempowered as a consumer. Ten years ago a so-called “green revolution” started and our society is now ready to take the peak. Believe me, this is downhill with no brakes, and for the first time in history, it’s a new economy with a good purpose.
A bunch of social entrepreneurs and eco-conscious people willing to build companies have gathered to make this world a better place. Basically, we are leading a new type of economy, doing business out of social and environmental problems. But why?
There are obvious climate changes with environmental catastrophes printed on the front page of newspapers worldwide; then we get politicians pointing their dirty fingers to us, the consumers, for being part of this very system they have created. Our response?! We have started to demand better! We are smarter than ever; we have the technology, the skills, the education and the resources to ask and to offer more eco-friendly options.
This has got to the point where now institutions cannot even catch up with our demands. For instance, the Ecocide law, which could criminalise ecological damage. More specifically, the 91 large corporations that are responsible for 78% of emissions worldwide and the destruction of our ecosystem.
The power belongs to the people
A proof that this goes as fast as a rocket, is the plastic issue. A year ago the world freaked out for the images shown on each of our screens about the pollution of our oceans. More people became also aware of a new concept, micro-plastics, which are largely found in the water we drink and the fish we eat.
And from a more institutional perspective, China’s plastic ban affected countries in Europe and the US, and it basically consisted of a new scheme issued by several countries in Asia; Western governments were troubled for ignoring a new policy that was announced a long time ago.
Again, what was the reaction of us, the consumers? Far from getting paralysed, we spoke up. The video below shows events happening right in the supermarkets and turning into a new way of doing activism. This went from bad reviews all over social media addressed to major brands as well as supermarkets, requesting at least not to wrap fruits and veggies in plastic.
Another great example is that video which became viral because of the unbelievable amount of plastics below the waters in Koh Tao, Thailand (an island that meant to be paradise). Watch this to see what exactly I am talking about:
Our beautiful planet is overwhelmed with plastic and waste, and it only took us a few months until supermarkets started offering more plastic-free produce. We shift the story of a brand or business because we have the power to demand better. When we speak up, a contagious chain of better behaviors happen. Because we can be there for a change.
Eco-hub of social impact resources for worldwide consumers and brands to make better decisions
We decided to create a worldwide platform featuring good news that takes form in social and eco enterprises showcasing the fact that individuals can actually make an impact. This is not a temporary trend, but the response to a new demand form society. If anyone doubts that, we confirm social and eco-impact businesses are here to stay.
These brands are eco-friendly or more sustainable alternatives, and product by product, are creating a real impact. At Ourgoodbrands we share that impact whenever we can, and the reasons behind are that it helps to empower each of us around the kind of decisions we make. Each of these decisions truly matters and contribute to a better world.
Tech solutions, food & beverage brands, eco-friendly beauty and hygiene alternatives, fairer fashion & accessories options… But also information about the most innovative materials, production processes and business models! Whether you are a consumer seeking affordable eco-lifestyle options, or the next social entrepreneur starting an ethical brand, this eco-hub is the right place for you.
And if you were worried about ethical brands being more expensive, we will demonstrate this is also not true. Thanks to some early adopters, ethical has become more accessible than ever. If you want to implement changes slowly, you can always start with a few goodies that will also make your life a bit easier: a bamboo Yourstraw, or a bamboo toothbrush, a Rockwell safety razor, an Atlas & Ortus coffee cup, or a LifeStraw water bottle. If you are a tech lover, there are plenty of FREE apps.
Did you know about the search engine that plants trees for each time you search? Ecosia is available for everyone to download on our phones or set up as the main browser.
Or OpenLitterMap, an app that can make you mine Littercoins (digital money or cryptocurrency) every time you take a picture of litter that you find in streets while you contribute to plastic research.
Oh, do you also use toilet paper, I guess? Who Gives a Crap is a brand that is committed to building toilets around the world while saving thousands of litres of water, barrels of oil, greenhouse gas emissions as well as fresh trees to be cut from our forests.
If you don’t know where to start, check out aligned lifestyles such as Zero Waste or Minimalism, and take what is feasible for you!
You don’t need to do it all at once because, again, every single step matters and building long-lasting habits takes time. We definitely don’t live in the ideal world (YET!) to become eco-conscious from one day to the other. Be patient and kind to yourself as well as your planet!
Our message is not to get overwhelmed and focus on the positive changes you make on a daily basis.
