Slow Living: Tips on Considered Consumerism

As our world advances technologically, it seems to also speed up inextricably; everything is faster and more streamlined to accommodate our shifting relationship to our environment. Our collective thinking has adjusted to view extracting value, as fast as possible, as the most rational means for building our world. In the case of slow living, this term and its implications seek to pare back our relationship towards something more tangible and considered in the way we relate to our purchases. Slow living is a lifestyle in which consideration for the earth, animals and human beings are centered as the most important value. Excessive, cycles of never-ending trends around production are challenged through learning to think about the things in our life as “timeless”, which means products that transcend trends, and are rather made to be functional and beautifully made with integrity through a transparent supply chain.  Here are a few ways we can learn to shift to a gentler, slower approach in curating our life.

Build a capsule wardrobe

Learning to know yourself through building a foundation of aesthetics in your wardrobe is a great way to liberate yourself from the grip of the over-consumption habits we all battle with. Instead of needing a multiple set of everything, rather select a core, capsule wardrobe that you can build on with a few seasonal pieces; allowing space for diversity in your wardrobe, while also incorporating a sense of minimalism.

Learn about slow living brands

Social Media is a fantastic tool to research brands that are transparent, small scale and offer a unique range of lovingly made products. Invest and support in these small businesses – that hold a clear set of values – and while it might seem more expensive to purchase, the long-term value is incomparable; with these products most often being durable, well-constructed with minimal effect on the environment.

Shop with care

Learning to support ethical platforms and businesses is part of a shift in lifestyle; in which we can endeavour to spend our money wisely with care and consideration, choosing only what we need rather than giving into all the things we think we need. This does not mean compromising on luxury, but rather looking at what luxury really means; does it mean exclusivity, or does it mean things which have been produced with love, fairness and integrity? We have the power to decide where we would like to direct our resources towards, and with growing awareness of the harm over-production causes; we can decide to choose differently, for the longevity and sustainability of the planet.