Conscious Consumerism: Power to the People

by Michael & Bianca Alexander

We live in a Supersize Me society where over-consumption and instant gratification are the norm. We have become accustomed to indulging ourselves by buying whatever makes us feel good from one moment to the next. For the most part, we are unconscious consumers. We consume unconsciously for a myriad of reasons: to fill our bellies, to fill the void in our lives, to pass the time, or just to keep up with the ‘Joneses’. We consume without giving thought to where our products are produced or where they go after we “throw them away.” As a result, obesity and disease rates are higher than ever, our landfills are overflowing, and the planet is slowly but surely warming up.

So what can we do about it? It’s as simple as supply and demand. We can become informed consumers and use our spending power as a force for positive change. The more we purchase eco-friendly products sold by conscious companies that value people and the planet as much they value profits, the more we support ourselves, our world, and our society at large. This is conscious consumption at work. Conversely, each time we go to the store and buy something without considering its long-term impact on our bodies, our communities, and on the environment, we send a message to big business—and out to the Universe--that we just don’t care.

Being a conscious consumer means letting go of the “me-first” mentality and using our individual and collective spending power to make choices that work for everyone. We know from personal experience that this is sometimes easier said that done. For example, we love our Starbuck’s green tea-no melon-soy-lattes. But we don’t love the fact that less than 4% of Starbuck’s coffee is fair trade imported. Each time we give in to our taste buds and buy a drink from Starbuck’s, we deny farmers in developing countries their fair wages.

So now when we need a green tea-no melon-soy-latte fix, we try to take the higher road. Instead of giving our $3.65 a day to Starbuck’s, we invest our spending dollars in local coffee houses that serve our community—and fair trade coffee. Over the course of a lifetime, our measly little $3.65 a day adds up to about $65,000.00 each. Imagine if 10, 100 or even 1,000 of our friends did the same. It could add up to millions of dollars—sufficient consumer demand to send a message to Starbuck’s that paying fair wages to all of their farmers is just the right thing to do.

If we all worked together to cultivate our collective buying power, and consume more consciously, the world would be a better place. Organic food would be affordable to the masses, so our bodies would be healthier. Our planet would be greener because we would only buy products from companies that cleaned up after themselves. And maybe, just maybe, Starbucks would start selling fair trade-green tea-no melon-soy lattes.

Power to the people.







© 2007 Conscious Planet Media. All rights reserved.

Bi's Cool List: Conscious Style 101

by Bianca Alexander

Organic Threads Are Pimp
As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing sexier than a fresh, white cotton t-shirt. But with all of the eco-friendly fashion on the market these days, wearing tees made from traditionally grown cotton is not only passé, it’s played. To stay sexy this fall without hurting the planet, make your next cotton purchase 100% organic.
Bi’s Favorites: Preppy polos and tees from Twice Shy.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recyle by Rocking Vintage
Tired of chasing trends? The good news is that one of the easiest—and cheapest—ways to keep your look original is by rocking vintage clothing. Not only will it reduce the total negative impact of sweatshop labor and manufacturing on the planet, but it will also reduce your chance of being caught in the same outfit as your best friend! Retro fashion is all the rage these days, so it’s no wonder stars like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry swear by vintage when it’s their turn to walk on the red carpet.
Bi’s Favorites: Jackets from Wasteland, accessories from the Hollywood Flea Market, and American Rag Cie.

Make the Animals Happy: Go Vegan
Every stylist knows that accessories can make or break an outfit. But for those of us who love animals, wearing leather is not a conscious option. Luckily, there are lots of cruelty-free accessories on the market that will still keep you looking put together. From Nahui Ollin’s elegant purses and organizers made from candy wrappers, to sexy vegan footwear by Charmoné that will rival any pair of Manolo’s, you have every reason to polish off your look in style. And if you simply can’t live without leather or fur, then vintage versions will always be more conscious than spending cash on brand new skins.
Bi’s Favorite: AlternativeOutfitters

Attention Shoppers: Even Department Stores Are Going Green
Trying to dress more consciously, but green boutique shopping not your cup of tea? Well not to worry, with consumer demand for sustainable fashion on the rise, the big department stores have finally figured out that green is here to stay! Barney’s New York is leading the pack with an entire department dedicated to green fashion. And, the next time you head to Tar-jay or Wal-Mart to bulk up on CFL light bulbs, don’t forget to pick up some organic cotton tees (and for you moms out there, they even carry baby clothes!). Whoever says green isn’t mainstream is clearly missing the big picture. Power to the people!
Bi’s Favorite: Tar-Jay.

Color Me Bad
By now you should already know fall’s hottest new shade: The Color Purple. But just because it’s a part of Bi’s royal color palette doesn’t mean it’ll work for you! Conscious style is about more than just eco-fashion, it’s about dressing authentically in the colors, fabrics and styles that complement your natural essence. Though the thought of getting your color palette done may sound so ‘80s, it’s making a comeback with fashionistas everywhere for good reason: When you’re wearing your colors, people see you, and not just your outfit.
Bi’s Favorite: A color consultation with personal shopper (and styling wizard) Jennifer Butler in L.A.