Creative Change Makers Event - CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION
Conscious consumption is a critical factor in transformation, and we hope that every event participant and reader can take away some insightful advice to empower change.
We’ve all pretty much come to the conclusion that the words Conscious, and Consumption are somewhat opposite poles in today's society. We may be insistent that consumption inhabits the lives of individuals but elides from their control. Although that is not necessarily true. Conscious consumption is in fact a democratic breeder of change.
While the COP26 atmosphere still levitates above our heads and Black Friday just gone, conscious and positive action needs a little push. Bearing this in mind, we brought people together for another Creative Change Makers Event as the need to empower change through CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION is a pre-requisite to inhabit a more connected world.
At times when individual action bears a profound meaning and potential, we call for action, with shares from Barlow on B Corp, Chris Lovett, Creative Conscience founder, Chrissy Levett on minimalism, plus creatives Darla Kumenius and Luke Mills. The event was quite fruitful with participants sharing artists' projects, documentaries and feelings of hope, empowerment, and energy at the thought of being able to empower change in the world.
You may ask why there is a need to reflect on our shopping habits and what can we do to enable development. As humans and citizens, it is our right to demand change, we need governmental action but also people who want to make the world a better place. At this consumption rate, we will need four planets to flourish. Even though we may think it is up to brands to evolve, we as consumers have the upper hand when it comes to creating impact.
What can you do to empower change?
We can make choice-based behaviours changes – so our planet can survive. Take the example of how we consume food. Industrial agriculture is killing our planet and at this rate, in six years the future of farming will be on its knees. Although global markets have come up with a solution, the fastest-growing stocks are in clean meat – 1.7 billion – this meat is farmed in a lab – meat that has no impact on our planet.
Evermore we can choose brands that consider the planet - “B Corp is to business what fair trade is to coffee. They are business that give as much consideration to their social and environment impact as they do to their financial returns” Barlow, founder of L Co studio explains. We can browse B Corp websites and find which brands are bearing the brown in the walk for a more sustainable world.
A tendency particularly important as knowledge leads to inspiration; inspiration leads to actions and action propels a person from social apathy to possibilities and transforms the way we artists and individuals reformulate our ideas and projects.
How can we become more conscious?
We created a holiday challenge that will help you be creative and empower change. Changes at an individual level can propel a positive impact on people around us and the planet. By no means do we wish to inhabit the judgmental realm this is just a fun and creative way to be more sustainable and mindful. A conscious walk forward to a more inclusive world.
1. Food waste - the biggest environmental challenge for humanity is what to do with all the food that is wasted every day. These holidays take into consideration what you are going to need and try to find creative ways to use leftovers.
2. Christmas Waste - trees and decorations are always thrown into the trash after Christmas, but there are simpler ways to combat this problem. There are ecological alternatives like wood or paper trees, or just recycle old decorations.
3. Gifts – Christmas gifts are always a somewhat bitter-sweet event, we always end up giving or receiving things we don't need or will go to waste. Our advice is to be more thoughtful of your gifts. Give experiences, courses, or something you know is needed.
4. Furoshiki – Our last thought is wrapping presents in material and not wrapping paper this way you will have a conversation topic at the dinner table, and you will produce less waste- Look at this Danish art project, Politiken -wrapped in knowledge for some inspiration.
Conscious consumption is a critical factor in transformation, and we hope that every event participant and reader can take away some insightful advice to empower change.