PLUS: Free Downloadable and Printable Storytelling Activity Page For Kids
When shopping, all we see is the finished product on the shelf. For that item to reach that store shelf, it had to go through a very long journey that involved many people and places. To shop as a conscious consumer means to look beyond the finished product and take into careful consideration its sustainability and the impact that it has had on the environment and communities worldwide. Read on to learn what it means to be a socially conscious shopper, and the incredible reach of your dollar’s impact.
How are consumer goods manufactured?
The answer depends on which industry, but the thing to keep in mind is that a product for sale has passed through a potentially incredibly long supply chain before arriving at your local superstore or shopping center. Most products are made outside of North America in order to take advantage of relaxed labor laws abroad. This kind of exploitation means that not only do foreign workers in third world countries earn an undignified wage, but they are also not protected by the same health and safety regulations that the West enjoys. Adequate rest time, safe and comfortable working conditions, and a liveable income are not guaranteed. In addition to the social impact, mass-produced goods take a serious toll on the environment. From extracting raw materials from the earth through mining or deforestation, to being heavily treated and processed with dangerous chemicals in energy-consuming plants, to traveling all over the globe in boats, trains, planes, and trucks. This socially exploitative and environmentally damaging narrative is true for most mass-produced consumer products available at the click of the button for same-day delivery.
What is a socially conscious consumer?
A socially conscious consumer is exactly that: conscious. Conscious of where their money is going and what people and systems it is supporting. They are acutely aware of the harms listed above, and choose to empower themselves with that information to make smarter buying decisions. In such an overwhelmingly capitalist generation, your voice for change truly lies in where and how you spend your money. Conscious consumers live their values through their spending choices, and make sure to do their due diligence in terms of researching brands they can trust. They look for brands that have a positive impact on the lives of the people who make their products, and on the planet, all while delivering a product that is safe and high-quality. Finally, a socially conscious shopper is an inclusive consumer and thus values diversity. They seek out Black-owned, queer-owned, women-owned businesses knowing that they are empowering entrepreneurs who have been marginalized and may have had to work twice as hard to start their amazing company. It is important to remember that when you pay less for a product, it’s because the environment, underappreciated communities, and the workers are paying. Conscious shoppers appreciate paying slightly more for an ethical, sustainable product.
How to tell if a company is socially conscious?
In a sea of mass-producing, exploitative companies, the heart-based, ethical brands stand out through their official certifications and inspiring stories. Keep in mind that there are several factors that determine if a company is an ethical and sustainable brand: the environmental impact, the security and dignity of the labor force, the quality and safety of the final product, and the founder, or who the sales directly benefit. Brands that are ethical, fair trade, environmentally friendly, and sustainable are usually very proud of it, and will offer their certifications and values clearly. It goes without saying that the larger the company, the less likely it has ethical business practices. So consider shopping at smaller, local retailers or doing some digging online for small businesses that make a positive impact with their products. The fact of the matter is, conscious consumerism does take more effort, time, and sometimes money. However, when one considers what is at stake - the environment, human lives, developing communities, and more - it is definitely worth the investment of making mindful shopping decisions.
Summary
If a toy brand cannot tell you clearly and transparently where their products were made and by whom, you likely would rather not know. Since there are so many variables in a single product’s life cycle, start small and start with the cause you are most passionate about, such as sustainability, the environment or fair trade. Bishy Bishy Bash is a heart-based brand founded by a young Canadian immigrant from New Delhi, and is committed to making a positive impact with every product sold. Our mission first and foremost is to empower children with positive affirmations to build healthy self-esteem and teach them to speak love to themselves and others. But we took it even further. We chose a supplier that is certified fair trade in order to ensure ethical treatment of and wages for the workers and artisans in India. Our Positive Affirmation Friends are eco-friendly stuffed animals ethically made of 100% premium cotton that has been certified Standard 100, meaning it is entirely safe and non-toxic for babies and children. We make the best non-toxic play mat for babies and toddlers, stuffed with GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified eco-friendly poly filling. To offset our carbon footprint, we have proudly partnered with 1% For the Planet org., and a portion of our sales is pledged to environmentally-friendly programs that keep our planet loved and cared for. Bishy Bishy Bash is working to raise happy kids in happy communities on a happy Earth by ethically making eco-friendly, sustainable toys that inspire self-love. As a sustainable toy brand, we believe that every decision we make, big or small, has a huge impact and can change the world.
Click here for a free downloadable and printable empowering storytelling worksheet activity for kids to explore how they can have a positive impact on the world.
