It has never been easier to access any product or food you could think of. And yet, it has never been more difficult to truly know how these goods were sourced or created. Although supermarket shelves are lined with products that tout sustainability and fair trade practices, the process behind these products may still remain uncredible or unclear. Consumption, although impossible to avoid completely, is an act that can be done with intention and care, rather than for the sake of convenience. Below you will find a few practical ideas on how to bring together consciousness and consumption.

SOURCE LOCAL

Look out for regular farmer’s markets or other local markets/craft fairs held near you. This is a great way to develop a direct connection to the food and goods you are buying. Local markets also help you learn about how you can align your diet with what is seasonally available. And finally, they offer a chance to meet more of your community, where you can establish direct relationships with farmers and artisans.

Local pick: Every Sunday from 10-2, fresh produce and artisanal goods are on offer at the Texas farmer’s market at Mueller. There are also great brick-and-mortar farm stands around the city like Local Pastures and Boggy Creek, featuring local products like Round Rock Honey and Yellowbird hot sauce.

BUY USED

Buying new-old things, whether they be clothes, furniture, or books, is a fantastic way of sustaining an item’s life cycle. Too often we throw away things that can still be repurposed, even outside of their original usage. If you live in an area without access to many second-hand shops, there are lots of sites (depop, vinted, thredup, thriftbooks) dedicated to reusing goods and reducing waste.

Local picks: Check out Revival Vintage, a funky second-hand clothing and furniture store with a range of different styles.

Heartening is another great place to find pre-loved clothing. Check out the stand and its $3 clothing warehouse here: https://www.heartening.org/

FIX, DON’T DITCH

Oftentimes, it seems easier to buy a “new one” rather than fixing the one that’s broken. If learning to sew isn’t your thing, consider trying a tailor or shoe hospital. There are just as many repair centers as there are broken instruments, shoes, and desks.

Local pick: Abraham’s shoe repair has specialized in high-quality shoe and leather repairs for over 50 years. This local Austin staple operates by appointment only - so make sure to call ahead.

PRIORITIZE QUALITY

Buying something online or for convenience often means sacrificing quality. Of course, purchasing high-quality goods can become expensive quickly. But if there are two or three things you use daily or wear often, it’s worth splurging to make sure you get long life value out of your items.

Local picks: Take Heart is an East Austin boutique offering thoughtful, handmade gifts, decorations, and art made for both homes and people.

Joaihu’ Chocolate is an Austin-based cocoa brand founded by musician Kate Robberson. This ethical, bean-to-bar chocolate is made from cacao grown in the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest of Brazil. Robberson, who plays with the world folk group Ley Line, launched Joaihú in late 2022 to build bridges between communities through culture and chocolate, with business partner Charles Stewart.

Although many brands today are committed to ethical, eco-friendly business practices, it’s difficult to tell how unwaveringly they hold to those standards. Although it’s impossible to avoid convenient consumption all the time, at the end of the day, we are at choice. Conscious consumption resists the ease and 24/7 accessibility that capitalism offers. Every action is an exchange, and when we know about the impact of what and how we buy, we are better able to support and promote a happy, healthy global community.

Conscious Consumption & Sustainable Practices - Austin Favorites

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