Our planet provides us with life, so why not give a little back to Mother Nature by becoming a more mindful consumer? We know, it can seem daunting to think about how to even begin to become a more eco-friendly and sustainable consumer, but we promise it isn’t as difficult as you might think. 

In all of our products, we take into account not just the plant-powered benefits they will have on your everyday life, but also the impact they have on our local community, environment and the wildlife. Sustainability is paramount in our processes and products. 

We believe most people want to be more sustainable in their approach to buying and everyday life in general, but the hard part is figuring out where to begin on that journey. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you along this path. 

These steps are broken down to make it easy to fit these steps into your life wherever you can because a lot of small changes can add up to a huge positive impact. Let’s start today!

Here’s our guide to 7 ways you can be a more mindful consumer:

1. Know where and how products are made

What is the story of that purchase? Understanding where and how products are made should be a large part of buying decisions. Certain methods of manufacturing might have a deeply negative impact on the environment or workforce and can have lasting effects like deforestation or unsafe working conditions. Make sure to look into brand environmental and work practices and support companies that hold a higher standard. 

Our East Cape mānuka oil natural skincare products are plant-powered without the nasty chemicals, and made in New Zealand with sustainable harvesting and production methods helping to support local economies -- better, naturally. 

Learn more about our skincare products and production methods, featured on Hyundai Country Calendar.

2. Try to shop local as much as possible

Supporting local communities is a great way to not only be a more sustainable consumer by cutting out carbon footprints from shipping, but it’s an amazing way to support locals and small businesses. These businesses depend on people like you deciding to change shopping habits from massive brands to local businesses (like ours) and thrive when you do. 

For example, instead of buying from large outlets or supermarkets, get your fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market. That way you’ll be getting the freshest produce, much of it organic, and supporting farmers from the area. Farmer’s markets or co-op and weekend markets are also great places to pick up handmade quality clothing and unique natural household items. 

ManukaRx employs local workers and partners with farmers to help support the regions, like the East Cape of New Zealand, where our mānuka oil comes from.

3. Ditch the single-use and go reusable

One of the biggest negative impacts on our environment is single-use items, which tend to have large carbon footprints and lasting impacts on our planet. A simple switch with items we use every day can add up to a positive impact in the long run, and it is one of the more simple changes we can make to our everyday lives. 

Whenever you go shopping, remember to take along a reusable tote bag instead of buying new bags from the store on each visit. Switch over from plastic water bottles and opt for filters and a personal reusable water bottle. Bring your own reusable coffee cup to cafes instead of the disposable cups that are often not recyclable. 

4. Choose cruelty-free products

Being a mindful consumer also means considering not just how and where products are made, but who and what it might affect. Many skincare and cosmetic products, along with many other household items, have a history of animal testing or are mass-produced in harsh workplace conditions. Keep an eye out for the “cruelty-free” and “no animal testing” labels when buying. 

ManukaRx keeps our customers, staff and partners, environment, and wildlife in mind and products are produced cruelty-free, always.

5. Go plastic-free when shopping!

Plastic is one of the most prevalent and detrimental waste products to our planet, so reducing single-use plastics from your life is a great way to shop sustainably. There are many companies now offering eco-friendly packaging options available so keep an eye out for these at check-out when buying online. And we are too!

Watch this space because in the coming weeks, our products will be delivered in 100% eco-friendly packaging including compostable bags and cardboard boxes that can be recycled. It’s a win-win for you and Mother Nature!

6. Eliminate impulsive buying habits

A great way to lower your impact on the planet is also lowering the number of things you buy. Impulse buying is something we can all relate to and something we want in the moment can be hard to resist. But before you click buy next time, take a moment to think if you really need it. Buy less and buy smarter. 

If you take a day or two to think about why you need that item, you might come to the conclusion that you can live without it which will make your wallet and the planet happier. 

7. Sharing is caring

There are so many things in our lives that we, or our loved ones, grow out of. And there are so many things that might be thrown out that are in perfect condition just because we have no more use for it. Supporting local initiatives like book sharing or exchanges, or toy sharing, can go a long way in extending the life of our possessions while creating less waste. Instead of tossing it, share or gift it. 

With these 7 simple steps, you can begin your journey to becoming a more mindful consumer and lessen your impact on the planet in no time!

Have other ideas on how to become a more mindful consumer? Tell us in the comments below!