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Conscious living has been a bit of a buzzword lately and for good reason. People are getting more involved and more conscious of what they’re investing in, what they’re buying and what they’re consuming. That being said, the struggle between wanting a lifestyle that fulfils all your aspirations and aiming for one that thrives on ethicality is a tough one, one that many of us are going through. Fast fashion is taking over the planet, brands are pushing consumers to consume more and more and the food supply chain is questionable at best. 

By living a more conscious life, we’re not preaching an all or nothing stance, we’re not saying that you need to purge your life completely. And no one is expected to do such a drastic thing. All that is expected of you is being a bit more aware and lucky for you, awareness can come one day, one step at a time. Rather than giving up because you think it’s too difficult or overwhelming, start small and work your way towards consumption that you can take accountability for. 

Below, we list down 5 such ways you can practice conscious living and answer the ethical questions that are brimming inside your mind. 

1. Understand what you’re buying 

We’re so busy buying so many things, we don’t pay attention to where it’s coming from or what exactly it consists of. When was the last time you picked up or bought something after reading all the ingredients? While you may be aware of a few, are you aware of the rest listed in the back of the package? Do you know what they do or what they can affect? 

Our rush-rush lifestyles have forced us to always be on-the-go but the long term effects of our actions can be major and we need to do something about it. The next time you purchase a product, learn where the sources are coming from, be aware of the ingredients or the materials used, read about the brands that you are associating with on a day-to-day basis to understand how they’re producing the products that you’re living on. 

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Picture courtesy: Sam Lion / Pexels

2. Practise Minimalism 

Do you really need so much stuff? Do you really need those trendy Amazon jars which won’t last long? Those on-trend shoes which lose their appeal once a new pair comes in the market? Or that viral dress that everyone’s wearing but you won’t wear more than 5 times? Before you buy anything, categorise it as necessary or unnecessary. If it’s a want and not a need, consider what the impacts of this purchase will be. 

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Picture courtesy: Kamaji Ogino / Pexels

3. Go organic 

More than just a fad you’ll roll your eyes at, actively seeking organic produce can determine how healthy your food is. Better yet, plant the produce that you can easily grow at home. For example, a few herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, basil, and fenugreek (methi) don’t need a garden to grow. Start with herbs and pot plants that don’t need a lot of money and space. Another way is to seek local markets that provide seasonal produce. It’s cheaper when it’s in season and the health benefits are ten-fold. 

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Picture courtesy: Polina Kovaleva / Pexels

4. Produce less waste 

There’s really no surprise the amount of waste we produce as human beings, not just the amount of plastic we consume but the resources we face, the food we throw away. Being mindful of your consumption is not enough, you also need to be mindful of the personal waste you’re producing and how you’re going to reduce it. Smaller steps can make a huge impact, so don’t shy away from taking them. Pledge to live a week without packaging, without using single-use plastic, without throwing away leftovers. Instead, try composting your food waste, opt for packaging that can be recycled, use reusable utensils. 

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Picture Courtesy: Cottonbro / Pexels

5. Shop vintage or thrift

We know that purging everything that isn’t sustainable can be difficult. Instead of throwing away the things that don’t fit the bill, try to extend its life. Fix clothes that can be used for longer, shop at thrift markets or vintage stores to reuse pre-loved items. Borrow from friends and family the things they’re not using anymore and vice versa. 

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Picture Courtesy: Sam Lion / Pexels

If you’d like to learn more about living a more conscious lifestyle, check out Grow Ensemble or Curbed has designed a stunning page on 101 ways to be more sustainable, check it out here.