a. What are the characteristics of a “responsible consumer”? Explain.
I think a responsible consumer is someone who thinks about their consumption and waste, in addition to the energy and resources required to provide the product. In addition, if there were to be an effort to move towards sustainability, responsible consumers will assess the impacts of the effort and make an individual investment into a larger collective effort to improve the problem.
b. What do you buy on a regular basis: daily, twice a week, once a week, once a month, less?
Daily: Some sort of food product (Snacks, meals, etc.)
Twice a week: Groceries, water
Once a Month: household products like toilet paper, paper towels, detergent
Less: Clothes, electronics, (larger purchases)
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?
My purchases are now approximately 75% in person and 25% online (both local and abroad and both by air and sea). The reason is that for groceries and food product, which I buy most often, I usually go to choose my own produce and eat in restaurants. Depending on where I am (school or home) I will use car or public transportation. Online purchases are mostly for things like Amazon items, clothing, etc.
d. What is important to you when choosing a product?
When choosing a food product, I try to choose items made/produced in the United States. In addition, it’s important that I am getting the best deal for the product I am purchasing in terms of price, durability, and value.
e. Can you take into consideration the end of use already at the time of purchase? If so, in what form?
Yes, for example, when I would need to buy more food, buy more toilet paper, buy more water etc. In addition, for electronics and other tools, I consider how long I can utilize the product before I have to repair, replace, or dispose.
f. How can you become a more responsible consumer?
I can become a more responsible consumer by being more knowledgeable about the company and the process that is put into making the products I purchase and try to make better decisions as I learn more. In addition, I should be more conscious and have better habits when it comes to disposing/recycling my finished products.