Values
Sweat shop free, green, eco-friendly, fair trade, natural, zero waste, slow living, … There are dozens of routes you can take when trying to adopt a more mindful way of living. When I was thinking about a tag line that best described my lifestyle, I realised there’s no one box I fit into perfectly. I chose to go with “conscious” for now, because if there’s one thing I consistently do, it’s compare and consider the best way to purchase any given thing in order to limit the negative impact this purchase has on people, the planet and/or animals. I’m not trying or claiming to fit any of the labels mentioned before, I just try to make better decisions bit by bit.
If you wonder whether any of the brands I mention on my blog fit your values, it might be helpful to know which values I personally live by. This is a very dry list and I can promise you the rest of this blog is a more pleasant read (or at least I’d like to think so so), but if you wonder whether any given product I write about might suit your lifestyle, this is what you should know.
Fashion
I prioritise style over fashion. Overly trendy items that will only look current for one season have no value to me.
I only purchase new from brands that produce their clothing under safe circumstances and pay their employees fair wages. No forced or child labour (goes without saying).
Eco-friendly production is appreciated, but not an absolute must.
I prefer natural fabrics and fibers, but am not completely averse to synthetics (e.g. polyester, econyl).
I do wear real leather and wool (from brands I respect), but I do not wear fur under any circumstances.
I make exceptions for hand-me-downs and second hand purchases: I’ll buy conventional brands second hand from time to time, as long as the quality isn’t trash.
Beauty
I only purchase new from brands that don’t test on animals and don’t sell in areas where animal testing is required. If these brands belong to larger corporations who own other brands that test on animals, I’m okay with that for now. I believe purchasing only from the more “ethical” daughter brands sends a clear message about demand to the higher-ups.
When it comes to skincare, I prioritise active ingredients over “clean” or natural beauty. Skin health is important to me, and natural is not always best. The fewer fragrant components and essential oils my skincare has, the better.
I do use up old products that don’t fit these standards if I still like them, and I do make exceptions for hand-me-downs (e.g. a concealer that turned out to be too light for my mum) or second hand (e.g. repurchasing a perfume that’s been a favourite for years, but is tested on animals).
Tech & electronics
I don’t make any special considerations when buying appliances, other than buying the exact thing that fits my needs best.
I use up what I have (and get it repaired if feasible). I’m typing this on an ancient Macbook Pro which I’ve owned for ten years. It’s become quite a Frankenstein project as I’ve had virtually every part replaced, but as long as my IT boyfriend has the spare parts to make do & mend, that’s what we’re doing.
Food
I don’t eat meat.
I am not a vegetarian since I eat seafood from time to time and am not strict with my choice of cheeses. Many of my meals are vegan, but my lifestyle on the whole is not. I’d label myself a “flexible pescatarian”, if I really had to.
Travel
My bike (and sometimes public transport) are my main means of daily transportation.
I limit the distance of my travels: holidays in Europe (by car), weekend getaways in my own country.
I haven’t had the need to fly for years, but I’m not saying I’ll never travel by plane again. Will read up on how to compensate this when the time comes.
General lifestyle
As much as I hate to admit it, I love buying stuff. I try not to make any impulse buys, but I don’t always succeed. I’m working on it.
When it comes to cleaning products and homeware, I sometimes go with the green option and sometimes I don’t. It depends on convenience, price and availability.