Want to use your money as a force for good? You’re not alone: 1 in 2 Australians actively seek greener, more sustainable products and services.

Discover why sustainable spending is easier than you think. Switching to conscious consumerism is a smart choice, along with some handy tips on the simple changes you can make to live a more eco-friendly, ethical lifestyle.

How to practise conscious consumerism 

Here are a few practical tips to help you spend your money in a way that aligns with your sustainable spending values so you can feel good about your purchasing choices.  

1. Shop locally

Why not do your groceries at your local farmers market, purchase bread from a neighbourhood bakery or stock up on homewares from a small independent boutique in your suburb?

Purchasing products that are made locally can reduce carbon emissions (goods travel fewer kilometres to reach you). Plus, shopping from local suppliers, producers and makers means you’re giving small business owners in your local area a boost too!

2. Reduce plastic packaging 

Creating packaging requires energy, water, and other natural resources. On top of that, when not disposed of correctly, packaging often ends up in our waterways or in landfill.

Opt for minimal to no packaging and look for eco-friendly packaging made of recyclable or compostable materials.

3. Join the circular economy

When shopping for new items, consider the environmental impact of both the production process and disposal of the item.

From fashion to homewares, extend the lifespan of already made products by shopping second-hand from charity stores or online marketplaces (such as Gumtree, Depop and Facebook Marketplace).

Brands across the globe are also giving materials a second life, such as Twoobs, who design sandals from recycled materials (and offer a recycling program that turns their products into playground mats).

4. Look for certifications 

Finding ethically produced and sustainable items can be challenging, but knowing what certifications to look for can simplify the process. 

To align your spending with sustainable practices, here are some ticks of approval you can look out for: 

• B Corp certification 
• Fairtrade certification
• Fair Wear certification
• GOTS certification
• SA8000 certification

5. Get behind ethical brands and platforms

From getting dressed in the morning to buying toilet paper, everything you do and each product you use impacts the world around you.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most helpful platforms to find out more about which companies to support, as well as some of the top brands who have put sustainability at the heart of everything they do and why shopping sustainably with these brands are easy.

Who Gives a Crap

Who Gives a Crap offers funky and eco-friendly 100% recycled toilet paper. 50% of their profits go towards building toilets in the developing world, so each purchase gives back to communities in need.

The Dirt Company 

The Dirt Company is an Australian-based laundry liquid company committed to giving back to the environment. They offer a refill service for their laundry liquid pouches which helps to reduce plastic packaging, the formula uses all-natural ingredients and 50% of their profits go to The Ocean Cleanup.

Thrift stores

The Closet is an online thrift store, where you can find second-hand gems from the comfort of your home. 

Good On You

The Good on You app offers a rating system for thousands of clothing brands,  so you can easily see how a brand stacks up in terms of its environmental impact, its treatment of workers, as well as considering price points. Who said sustainable shopping had to be expensive?

Verve Money

The Verve Money app makes sure your investing aligns with social, environmental and economically ethical choices that champion diversity, inclusivity and climate solutions. 

Ready to join us in creating a better world for tomorrow? Sign up to Verve Money and start growing your wealth with ethical investing.

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