Hello, we are so happy you want to learn about sustainable consumption!
We are here to show you how you can easily transform into a truly eco-friendly consumer - step by step.
For a successful transformation, we have developed a 6-step guide for you, which serves as a basis for each of your consumption decisions.
Let’s get started!

The TCC 6-STEP GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION

Here is our 6-step-by-step guide to becoming a considerate consumer.
The approach is based on consumer research and considers insights and components of consumer behaviour.

1. Find a topic that you enjoy

Choose an area of your life of your choice. This could be the one that interests you the most or will be easiest for you to switch to because you may already have prior knowledge.
EXAMPLE: Food.

2. SET INDIVIDUAL expectations & goals

Very importantly, ditch the perfection! Nobody is perfect!
The transformation to sustainable consumption is rewarding and satisfying if we give ourselves time and adjust our consumption behaviour and routines step by step. Set yourself small and generous goals. Adjust those if you need more time.
EXAMPLE: 1 week for your first 6 steps.

3. GET INFORMED

Read and research our digital manual, The Considerate Consumer, to find out what to look for in this area. Choose a component that appeals to you the most.
EXAMPLE: Seasonal fruits and vegetables.

4. Prepare your purchase decision

Now it’s getting hands-on activity. Check and get the tools you need to make your first targeted consumption/ sustainable purchasing decision.
EXAMPLE:
3.1. Download a free seasonal calendar for your country/region from the Internet. Environmental organizations or cultivation associations offer these.
3.2. Look at which varieties are in season and which ones you feel like eating.

5. Make a purchase decision

Go and make your decision. Have fun, and remember, from now on, you are one more urgently needed sustainability hero.
EXAMPLE: If you are standing in front of the fruit and vegetables, use the seasonal calendar to check which varieties are in season and only (mostly) buy these.

6. Repeat your purchase decision

Now it's getting exciting. The more often and consistently you repeat steps 1-5, the faster you will make this new practice a habit and act automatically in a few weeks.
EXAMPLE: Repeat steps 1-5 every time you buy fruit and vegetables. And if it's just a fruit as a snack on the go.

WHAT IS A CONSIDERATE CONSUMER?

A considerate consumer carefully considers a consumption or a purchasing decision before actually making the decision. In other words, Considerate Consumers reflect on the consequences their purchases have for society, our planet, and the world’s animals.

HOW TO CONSUME MORE SUSTAINABLY? 

Unfortunately, there is not this one simple and sweeping answer to this, but lucky us, many different and efficient solutions exist.
It's about changing and tweaking our daily routines (for example, commuting to work) and consumption habits (for example, meals) one by one so that the adapted habits fit into our everyday lives and lifestyles.
For example, one person carpools instead of driving alone to work, and another orders vegetarian meals at a restaurant instead of meat dishes.

To dive deeper, please check our manual entry on Sustainable Consumption →.

HOW TO SHIFT TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE?

Most importantly, take your time!

Rethink & STEP-BY-STEP change old habits

Humans are creatures of habit. We follow learned routines, structures and practices. For example, we always buy the same brands, take the same flour, eat lunch at a particular time, etc.
Thus, transforming towards a more sustainable lifestyle is not about making an immediate shift but about starting an insightful journey and ongoing transformation process.

The novelty becomes the norm!

The good news is that once we get used to the new products, processes, and practices, i.e., they have become a new habit, we can shop and consume "automatically" again and need little to no extra time compared to the time invested before the transformation.
Isn't that great?

Become a role model

Help others to grow and learn by sharing your successes and issues with us on SoMe.
It helps others to kick-start their individual sustainability journey and motivates them to take a first/ next step(s).

We really want to celebrate your learnings with you and look forward to hearing about your story!

LEARN MORE