This slideshow about responsible consumerism explains the importance of thinking about the effect we have on our world before we make purchases. It depicts the system of consumerism that rules our society at the present time, and suggests a new model for the future. It also explores what being a responsible consumer means, and gives tips in three practical categories how to buy responsibly.

1. consumerism

2. responsible consumerism means taking time to consider the effect
you have on the world around you through the things that you buy.
Waste Produced By North Americans
5.00 *
pounds of waste produced
3.75
1978
2.50
2008
1.25
0
average North American
our western society is obsessed with possessions. we are constantly
buying and using and throwing away things. because we live on a finite
planet, this system of consumerism cannot be sustained. it is selfish
and unwise to continue living like this because it means we are
making people on the other side of the world pay for our luxurious
way of living. as a generation that has been raised to be the most avid
consumers this world has seen yet, we must break the habit and start
a new movement: responsible consumerism *www.storyofstuff.com

3. this is the story of our stuff:
resources factories store. homes, garbage
where lots of people come and and they use even though we
are collected,
waste is buy buy buy and these products are producing
often by harming
produced until a take more stuff for a short time much too much
the environment,
product is ready than they need and then throw waste, and have no
and sent to the
to go to the back to their them in the where to put it all!

4. *
in the past three decades, one
33% third of the planet’s natural
resources have been consumed.
67% if we continue to consume at
this rate, we are in BIG trouble.
*www.storyofstuff.com

5. there are three practical ways we can begin to be more responsible consumers:

6. 1
3
2
4
1. http://keetsa.com/blog/eco-friendly/working-in-an-eco-friendly-office-setting/
2. gliving.tv/news/the411onfairtrade
3. www.churchtimes.co/uk/50109
4. recycle symbol

7. -replace your light bulbs with CFL’s
(which use less energy and last longer)
-don’t buy bottled water
-instead of driving, buy a bike
-shop with reusable shopping bags
-buy items that are easily recyclable

8. -shop local
-buy used when possible
-read clothing company policies on child labour
before purchasing their merchandise
-buy coffee and chocolate (and any other
groceries that you can) at a fair trade shop
-look for the fair trade mark on labels *
*http://www.beverley.gov.uk/Uploads/Site476/Images/fairtrade.jpg

9. -don’t upgrade your old technology until
it is absolutely necessary
-choose to own less clothing
-don’t eat out as often
-instead of birthday or Christmas gifts,
give a charitable donation in someone’s
name
and by paying attention in these three areas, we may be able to create
a more sustainable consumer model for our world . . .