Colloquium Blog: Sustainable Consumerism

What is “sustainable consumerism”? Are globalization and capitalism positive or negative drivers in this phenomenon? What is greenwashing? Would you be willing to pay a premium for foods labeled “organic”, “local”, or “fair-trade”? Do you prefer to frequent mom and pop stores in downtown Ft. Myers or patronize chain stores at the Gulf Coast Town Center? What are the ramifications of your behaviors either way? Think holistically. Give an example of a social trap that you succumb to on a regular basis.

Sustainable consumerism is what it means, being a sustainable consumer. By being a sustainable consumer, it means that he/she is fully aware of what they are purchasing, and only purchase things that have a minimal carbon footprint and are more ecologically and socially sound. Globalization and capitalism can be both a positive and negative driver in this phenomenon. Negative because it encourages people to buy more and waste more, but positive because it allows for consumers to purchase products that are more sustainable, that may not be offered in their country. Globalization can help to raise awareness around the world by educating those in third world countries as well as developed countries the value of living a sustainable lifestyle. "Green-washing" is when companies use false advertising on their products to say that they are healthier, when in reality they aren't. An example would be 100% real juice, and yet if you check in the ingredients it contains high fructose corn syrup, extremely deceiving if the consumer isn't paying full attention to the product. I would pay more for local foods just because it tastes better, and most of the times it contains less chemicals in it.

I would prefer to go shop at mom and pop shops but I shop at Gulf Coast Town Center instead because it is more convenient for me. This is the social trap. Do I drive out, spend more money on gas, to go to a local farmers market, where their produce is even more expensive, or do I walk over to a Target, save gas, and buy produce that aren't as good, but get the job done? Convenience wins for me. If there was a mom and pop shop that was closer to me I would go, but for now I am going to have to stick to Target.