Being Eco-Conscious is about being intentional about the products we buy

Maressa Benz
Sep 10, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Apr 14

Let's face it... we all do it.. SHOP. No matter how much we budget, it's unavoidable.

We’ve all been there. Doom scrolling late at night, adding things to our cart we don’t really need. In a world where one-click purchases and fast fashion dominate, shopping sustainably while on a budget can feel overwhelming or even impossible.

At The Eco Connection, we believe in thoughtful, everyday actions that align with your values and make a real difference for your wellbeing, your wallet, and the planet.

Especially when it comes to every day items like home essentials, beauty and hair products.

What Is Eco-Conscious Shopping?

Eco-conscious shopping is the practice of making mindful purchasing decisions that minimize harm to the environment and support ethical, sustainable practices.

This includes buying less, choosing secondhand or reusable options, supporting small or local brands, and considering the full life cycle of the product you're buying.

It’s not just about what you buy. It’s why, how, and from whom.

Being eco-conscious means aligning those choices with your values and taking an extra moment to think about the lifecycle of the products you're buying. Sound complicated? Don't worry, it's simpler than it seems.

Being intentional starts with a simple pause. When you're about to make a purchase, take a moment to consider its full impact.

Ask questions like:

Where did this come from?

How was it made?

Will it last, or will it end up in a landfill sooner than I'd like to admit?

That brief pause for thought can be the difference between making a responsible choice and an impulse buy that you (and our planet) might regret.

Also, think about the lifecycle of what you're purchasing.

Who made it?

Is it from a sustainable source?

Is it cruelty-free?

Can it be recycled or composted when you're done with it?

By asking these questions, you're being intentional with your spending and supporting businesses and practices that align with eco-conscious living.

Eco-conscious shopping isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

One of Our Core Values: Consume Less, Create More

One of the most powerful shifts we can make is not just buying better, but buying less- and replacing the urge to consume with something more meaningful.

Here are a few simple swaps that align with this value:

🌱 Tend to a container garden instead of scrolling through shopping apps

💌 Write a handwritten note to your partner or friend instead of buying a quick gift

✍🏼 Blog about your passions or start a creative project instead of impulse shopping

🍲 Cook a meal with what you already have rather than ordering takeout again

🧼 Repurpose jars, clothes, or linens to reduce waste and spark creativity

By choosing to create over consume, we reconnect with ourselves, the Earth, and our greater purpose.

Ever notice how good it feels when you make a thoughtful choice? There's a sense of empowerment that comes from knowing your purchase is a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable future. Imagine that feel-good moment multiplied by all the eco-conscious consumers out there; we're talking about a massive positive impact!

Not to mention the fact that it can have a ripple effect on the people around you. If you have a boyfriend, finance, spouse, roommate, these are are people that you can potentially impact in a very positive way if they see you practicing what you preach.

Practical Ways to Shop More Sustainably

Here’s how to bring eco-consciousness into your everyday purchases:

1. Pause Before You Buy

Ask yourself:

Do I truly need this?
Do I already own something similar?
Can I borrow or repurpose instead?

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Look for:

Timeless designs
Long-lasting materials
Items made to be repaired or reused

3. Support Sustainable Brands

Look for companies that:

Use ethical labor practices
Offer low-waste or refillable packaging
Are transparent about sourcing and impact

Pro tip: A smaller brand with heart often makes a bigger impact than a large brand with greenwashed marketing.

4. Shop Secondhand First

Before buying new, check your local thrift shop, Facebook Marketplace, or clothing swaps. It reduces demand for new production and keeps items out of landfills.

5. Focus on Local & Small Businesses

Local goods have a smaller carbon footprint and often come with more transparency, care, and community.

But let's get real... we can't all be eco-conscious 24/7 100% of the time.

Our community is about being empathetic and kind, and understanding that we are all humans and more connected than we think. The point isn't to shame ourselves or others for the choices we make but to make better choices when we can.

It's about making small, manageable changes that add up to something big for our planet. 💚🌏

Start by looking at your current items that you use, and moving forward, invest in high-quality products that you use daily like bedding from Quince. Their bedding is made from bamboo or cotton. I have the bamboo duvet cover and I love it.

If you fill out the form below, us an email at theecoconnectioninfo@gmail.com, with the subject line: $20 off Quince, and we'll send you an email with Quince to get $20 off your order ($50 minimum).

Sustainable living doesn’t start with buying eco-friendly products. It starts with slowing down, asking better questions, choosing less, and making space to create instead of consume.