a. What are the characteristics of a “responsible consumer”? Explain.
There are several characteristics of responsible consumers. One such characteristic is the purchasing of products that are produced with sustainable business models. On the consumer side, responsible consumers do not purchase more than they need so that products are not wasted. Furthermore, responsible consumers recycle and are able to repurpose their products within their households so that they may have future use.
B. What do you buy on a regular basis: daily, twice a week, once a week, once a month, less?
Something I buy on a regular basis is toilet paper. Every two months or so, I buy about an 8-pack of toilet paper from the local pharmacy.
C. How are your purchases divided between online shopping (local, abroad, shipped by air or by sea) and in-store shopping? For in-store shopping, how do you get to the store? By foot, car, public transport?
I rarely shop online – maybe once a month or once every month and a half. I usually shop in person. I usually get to the store by foot or car. For miscellaneous household items, it is by foot. For groceries and clothing, it is usually by car.
D. What is important to you when choosing a product?
I think the quality and performance of the product is important. The cost also matters to me because it needs to fit into my budget. I also think that the product lifetime matters because I prefer to use my products for as long as possible. I also try to look for brands that have sustainable business models.
E. Can you take into consideration the end of use already at the time of purchase? If so, in what form?
I do. Oftentimes, when I buy a large jar or tube, I think about how I can save it for use in the kitchen. Many of my containers for spices and storing leftovers are repurposed containers.
F. How can you become a more responsible consumer?
I think that I can become a more responsible consumer by continuing to be less wasteful. I want to work on not purchasing too many unnecessary things that I know I will hardly use. Furthermore, I want to try to repurpose more of the products that I buy and try to incorporate them into my household tools.