Navigating the Complex Landscape of Sustainability: A Consumer’s Reflection

Arjun Freeman
Age of Awareness
Published in
4 min readAug 23, 2023
credits : unsplash

As someone who cares about the planet, I’m aware of the big questions that come with the things I buy, eat and wear. In today’s world, where everything is connected, we’re starting to realize how our choices affect the whole world. We’re curious about how products get to us, all the steps they go through. Even though it might feel overwhelming, these questions are really important for how our society works and for keeping the Earth healthy. Here, I want to talk about an idea shared by an expert on sustainability and also talk about how it relates to me as a conscious consumer.

This expert deals with the complicated issue of making sure things are sustainable in big organizations. Just like you and me, they’re consumers too, buying and using things. But their job is to make sure that the things we use don’t hurt the environment or people. This is a big job because it’s becoming more important to make companies responsible for the things they do.

The expert’s discussion brings up a bit of a puzzle that many of us face every day. We want things that are good for the Earth, like food and clothes that don’t harm anyone. It turns out a lot of us, even me, are ready to spend more money on stuff that’s made the right way. This is a positive sign because it shows we really care about the Earth.

Think about this: when you buy a loaf of bread or a piece of cake, do you ever stop to see if it’s sustainable or not? This idea shows that even simple things can have hidden stories. When I go to the store to buy things, it makes me think about my own experiences. How many times have I bought stuff without knowing where it came from? How often have I eaten things without realizing how they might affect the Earth and the people on it? It’s like a little reminder that what we do can make a difference for the Earth and the people who live here.

The idea shows us some tough truths that we usually don’t think about when we buy things. For instance, there are a shocking number of 40.3 million people who are stuck in unfair working conditions because of the things we buy. This tells us that our shopping can unknowingly support bad things. Also, we’re facing something called the sixth big extinction event because of how we’re affecting the planet. This should make all of us realize that we’re part of a time of big changes.

While the professional deals with numbers and data, what hits me is the stories behind them. Every number is connected to real people and real places. This is a lot like how I think when I’m at the store trying to choose what to buy. I wonder about the people who made the stuff and if they were treated well. I also worry if making things hurt the environment. So, just like the expert and their data, I also want to look beyond what’s on the surface and understand the stories underneath.

The concept’s message leads us to imagine a better future. It talks about how technology and smart ideas can help us do things the right way. This idea of making sure things are done fairly and without hurting the planet is really inspiring to me. It is important for us to know where things come from and that they’re made in the right way.

This idea’s call to action speaks to both shoppers like me and everyone around the world. As a consumer, I feel like I should learn more about what I’m buying and ask questions. Our choices, when we all make good ones, can make big companies change how they do things. And it’s not just about where I live — it’s a responsibility for all of us on Earth. It’s a reason for all of us to come together and work against bad things like unfair practices that hurting the planet.

To sum up, lets us see into a world that usually happens without us noticing. It reminds us that what we choose has an impact on many lives and nature. As someone who buys food, I feel motivated to be more aware and curious. I want to make good changes. The idea of a future where things are made right and don’t harm the Earth sounds great, and technology and everyone working together can make it happen.

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Arjun Freeman
Age of Awareness

The misfit stardust | Entrepreneur | Author | Philanthropist