Your Guide to Shopping Consciously
After a decade in fashion retail, running an online thrift store, and owning + operating a brick & mortar I’ve learned a few things about how to enjoy shopping while caring for our planet + the people on it. Support your local thrift markets, thrifters, and second hand stores. It is less about where you shop and it is more about how you shop. Shop with intention to love, care for, + wear the item for years to come. You will spend less, be happier with what you have, stress less about what to wear, and your skin will thank you.
I believe you can create a beautiful home + wardrobe, while on a budget, and with the earth in mind. Become conscious of how much you consume, make a list of things you need for the home + rest on it. Maybe another item in your home can be useful in a different way, maybe you’ll see the thing at your local thrift market, or maybe you’ll find really cute version of that simple item at a local market. Focus on buying less, quality over quantity, be mindful of your purchases, if it is an every day item like scissors, a kettle, or a spatula spend an extra 20 minutes searching online for a design you love.
Buy items that are
beautiful and purposeful
of natural fibers
things you need, or truly want + will use regularly
within your home’s color vibe
to make your life a little brighter
Steps to Shop Consciously:
Borrow
Can I borrow this item from family or friends?
Thrift / Second Hand
Can I find this item used? Can I buy from a friend, local thrift, or on Poshmark?
Buy New
Can you be intentional when buying a new item? Can you find something you will use/ wear often and love for a long time? Are you able to shop ethically + eco-consciously?
Give yourself permission to be an imperfect environmentalist.
You can shop from Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Buy what you need with intention + longevity in mind, be mindful of where + how this item is made + what is in it.
Tips for Shopping More Naturally
Be aware of toxins in clothing, home goods, non-stick pans, and beauty products. Shopping consciously gives you an awareness to read labels + warnings and learn to stay away from certain companies + brands that do not consider the health of the consumer. You won’t be perfect and there will be toxins you can’t totally avoid, celebrate the wins, ditch & switch when you can.
Clothing
Stick with natural fibers such as cotton, eucalyptus, linen, bamboo, silk, leather, and wool. Stay away from plastics, recycled plastics, rayon, polyester, and blends. Your clothing rubs on your skin all day, when you wash it micro plastics are washed into our water systems, and so on. Best for everyone to stay away.
Home
Take it slow and figure out your home’s vibe, are you cream + brown neutrals, edgy earth tones, or bright + eclectic? Focus on collecting ceramic, glass, + wooden pieces for your home, make sure your diffusers are hospital grade plastic, and throw out any lingering candles. Nurture some house plants, open your windows often, and use a natural cleaner. For next level upgrades your can toss your non-stick pans, install that water filter, and get an air filter or two. Thrifting is a great way to find cute + affordable home items while staying on budget and saving the planet. Check out my Shop page for online finds.
Wellness
Read as much as you can, ask questions, talk to people who have similar stories, consult a medical professional you trust, borrow books from your local library, and work with your body to find balance, peace, + stability in flow. Nourishing your body + giving it all the nutrients + minerals you need can be a daunting task. Supplements are great, natural ways to support your body, I shop with Young Living for my wellness because of their quality commitment.