a. What are the characteristics of a “responsible consumer”? Explain.
A responsible consumer is one who makes conscious decisions in their everyday life to be more sustainable. Whether at the store, commuting to destinations, or consuming products and services, a responsible consumer does his/her best to make the more sustainable choice.
b. What do you buy on a regular basis: daily, twice a week, once a week, once a month, less?
Daily: Coffee, food
Twice a week:
Once a week: Groceries
Once a month: Household products, hygiene and self-care products
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 purchase all of my food and drink in-person. As a university student, I will typically walk to buy food, though I may occasionally take the bus to go a restaurant further away from campus. I get groceries from the local grocery store and farmers' market. I also purchase meals on campus. My other purchases are divided between online shopping and in-person shopping depending on the availability of products in the local area of my university. Most clothing I will purchase online.
d. What is important to you when choosing a product?
I look at the quality of the product and the materials. If I can, I will try to choose products with less packaging, products that are organic, or local products. However, these products tend to be more expensive than their mass-produced alternatives.
e. Can you take into consideration the end of use already at the time of purchase? If so, in what form?
You can look at the materials used in the product and its packaging to see if it is recyclable, compostable, or reusable.
f. How can you become a more responsible consumer?
I can reduce my consumption overall, buy more locally-made products, and shop second-hand more often.