a. What are the characteristics of a “responsible consumer”? Explain.
A responsible consumer is one who is aware of the impact of their daily purchasing decisions on the environment and in turn, take informed decisions to minimize their overall carbon footprint. They buy environmentally-friendly products and make conscious efforts to reduce the waste generated from their purchases by reusing, repurposing or recycling products when they are no longer needed.
b. What do you buy on a regular basis: daily, twice a week, once a week, once a month, less?
I pay for Uber rides and food approximately twice a week. I buy groceries once a week. I pay for subscription models such as Netflix and pay rent once a month. I buy clothes and gifts for friends once every couple of months.
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 mostly prefer in-store shopping by walking to the grocery store or taking a bus to the nearby mall. Some purchases are online if they are unavailable in nearby stores.
d. What is important to you when choosing a product?
I look into the functionality and price of the product to decide if the need that the product satisfies is worth the price of the product. I then consider the durability of the product and if it can be used multiple times before disposal. The quality of the product is also important.
e. Can you take into consideration the end of use already at the time of purchase? If so, in what form?
Yes. At the time of purchase, the method and ease of disposal can be considered. The reusability and recyclability of materials that the product is made of can also be taken into consideration before purchase.
f. How can you become a more responsible consumer?
I can compost the kitchen waste produced at home and reuse Amazon packaging boxes for other storage purposes. I will also make the conscious effort of reducing food waste produced and purchasing items online only when necessary.