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Jim Kupczyk

Love serving heart-centered, conscious based businesses. Founder- mindfulmarket.com

Discover the Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos for Healthy Hair and Scalp

Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos

When it comes to hair care, we often focus on finding products that make our hair smell great. However, for those with sensitive scalps or fragrance allergies, the search for fragrance-free shampoos becomes crucial. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of scalp health and explore the benefits of using fragrance-free hair products. We will also provide a comprehensive list of the best fragrance-free shampoos available on the Mindful Market platform, ensuring you can make informed choices for your hair care routine.

Understanding the Importance of Scalp Health:

  • The role of the scalp in overall hair health.
  • Common scalp issues and their impact on hair.
  • Fragrance sensitivity and scalp reactions.
  • The benefits of using fragrance-free shampoos for scalp health.

Fragrance-Free Shampoos: What You Need to Know

  • Differentiating fragrance-free from unscented shampoos.
  • The potential risks of fragrances in hair products.
  • Fragrance ingredients to watch out for.
  • Benefits of using fragrance-free shampoos for sensitive scalps. 

Exploring the Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos

Aluram Moisturizing Shampoo

Aluram Moisturizing Shampoo

Ideal for medium to coarse hair, this silicone-free formula gently cleanses and removes impurities while infusing vital moisture. Baobab and Avocado Oils provide additional nutrients to nourish hair and enhance color vibrancy.

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Masami Mekabu Hydrating Travel Shine Serum

MASAMI MEKABU HYDRATING TRAVEL SHINE SERUM

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Masami Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner

Masami Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner

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Avocado Clove Shampoo

Avocado Clove Shampoo

Our avocado clove shampoo will make your hair feel clean, soft, and healthy. Our shampoo is recommended for all types of hair including dry, oily, normal, and curly. It is Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Artificial Dye Free, Vegan Friendly, Gluten-Free, GMO-Free.

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Masami Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner Refill Pouch

MASAMI MEKABU HYDRATING CONDITIONER REFILL POUCH 32 OZ

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Argan Oil Shampoo And Shampoo Set

Argan Oil Shampoo And Shampoo Set

Our Argan Oil combo is packed with hair-loving ingredients that will promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. You will notice a difference in your hair texture with the first wash and condition use. Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner is a natural hair care solution suitable for all hair types for both men and women. Safe for Daily Use Benefits: Hair Growth Stops Shedding Healthier Shiner Hair Natural, organic, and full of botanical extracts, the set hydrates and restores damaged, dry, and brittle hair. Sulfate-free, gentle on curly and color-treated hair, and infused with strengthening keratin.

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Infused African Black Shampoo

Infused African Black Shampoo

Our clarifying shampoo gently cleanses and removes product buildup. It’s infused with organic oils to help provide your hair and scalp with the love it needs. It also contains natural, conditioning ingredients like African Black Soap that help restore the pH of the hair, which means this formula will leave your hair looking soft, shiny, bouncy, and healthy. Directions: Apply directly to your hair and scalp. Massage gently in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat if desired, follow up with our Moisture Milk Conditioner Ingredients: Distilled Water, African Black Soap, Chebe Powder, Silk Peptide, Tea Tree Oil, Neem Oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera Juice, Olive Oil, Raw Honey, and fragrance.

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Benefits of Using Fragrance-Free Shampoos

  • Reduced risk of scalp irritation and allergic reactions
  • Improved scalp health and balanced oil production
  • Preserving natural hair scent and avoiding overwhelming fragrances
  • Suitable for individuals with fragrance sensitivities, allergies, or respiratory conditions

Tips for Choosing the Right Fragrance-Free Shampoo

  • Reading product labels and ingredient lists
  • Considering your specific hair type and concerns
  • Seeking recommendations and reviews from fragrance-free hair product users
  • Understanding the importance of patch testing for sensitivity

Buying Fragrance-Free Products Online:

  • The convenience of online shopping for fragrance-free hair products
  • Trustworthy platforms like Mindful Market for conscious consumer choices
  • Reading customer reviews and ratings for product feedback
  • Exploring additional hair care products that complement fragrance-free shampoos

Maintaining a Healthy Scalp Routine

  • Adopting a gentle cleansing routine with fragrance-free shampoos
  • Incorporating scalp massages and exfoliation for improved circulation
  • Balancing moisture levels with conditioners suitable for sensitive scalps
  • Seeking professional advice for persistent scalp issues.

Conclusion:

Investing in the health of our hair and scalp goes beyond aesthetics. For those with sensitive scalps or fragrance sensitivities, fragrance-free shampoos provide a gentle and effective solution. Mindful Market offers a range of high-quality fragrance-free shampoos that prioritize scalp health and cater to various hair types. By choosing fragrance-free hair products, you can ensure a comfortable and nourishing hair care experience. Embrace the benefits of fragrance-free shampoos and make a conscious choice to prioritize the well-being of your scalp and hair.

Green Up Your Life: 8 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Products for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Eco Friendly Products

As we become more aware of our impact on the environment, more and more people are making an effort to be conscious consumers. One way to do that is by choosing eco-friendly products, which are designed to minimize the harm we do to the planet. 

Here are eight eco-friendly essentials you can shop for that will help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Recycled Plastic Swimwear

Did you know that many swimsuits are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which can take hundreds of years to biodegrade? That’s where recycled plastic swimwear comes in. Brands like Patagonia and Mara Hoffman make swimsuits from recycled materials, such as fishing nets and plastic bottles, that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans. Not only are these swimsuits more sustainable, but they’re also stylish and comfortable.

Sustainable Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a summer essential, but they’re often made from materials that aren’t eco-friendly. That’s where sustainable sunglasses come in. Brands like Pela make sunglasses from sustainable materials like biodegradable acetate and bamboo. They’re not only eco-friendly, but they’re also stylish and affordable.

Harvested Bamboo Products

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. It grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to thrive. That’s why products made from harvested bamboo, such as toothbrushes and kitchen utensils, are a great choice for eco-conscious consumers. Brands like Brush with Bamboo and Bambu offer a wide range of bamboo products that are both stylish and eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are a household essential, but many of them are filled with harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. That’s why eco-friendly cleaning products are a great choice for conscious consumers. Brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer’s offer a wide range of cleaning products that are made from natural, plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals.

Upcycled Clothing

Upcycling is the process of taking old or discarded materials and turning them into something new and useful. When it comes to clothing, upcycling can mean anything from turning an old t-shirt into a tote bag to creating a new garment from vintage fabrics. Brands like Reformation and Eileen Fisher offer upcycled clothing that’s not only eco-friendly but also stylish and unique.

Easy DIY Recycled Products

If you’re feeling crafty, there are plenty of easy DIY projects you can do with recycled materials. For example, you can turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags, or make a plant pot out of a discarded plastic bottle. Not only are these projects fun and creative, but they also help reduce waste and save money.

Buy Recycled Products Online

Another way to shop eco-friendly is to buy recycled products online. Websites like The Renewal Workshop and TerraCycle offer a wide range of products made from recycled materials, such as clothing, furniture, and home decor. By choosing recycled products, you’re helping to reduce waste and support a more sustainable economy.

Reusable Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles are a major source of waste, with millions of them ending up in landfills and oceans every year. That’s why reusable water bottles are a great choice for eco-conscious consumers. Brands like Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen offer a wide range of reusable water bottles that are not only eco-friendly but also convenient and stylish.

In conclusion, being a conscious consumer doesn’t have to be difficult. By choosing eco-friendly products, you’re not only helping to protect the environment, but you’re also supporting a more sustainable and ethical economy. As more and more people become aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions, the conscious consumer market is growing rapidly. By choosing to support eco-friendly brands and products, we can collectively make a positive impact on the planet and our communities.

It’s important to remember that being a conscious consumer isn’t just about what we buy, but also how we dispose of our waste. Recycling and composting are simple steps we can all take to reduce our environmental footprint. Additionally, easy DIY projects can be a fun and creative way to repurpose old materials and reduce waste.

We hope this list of eco-friendly essentials has inspired you to make more mindful purchasing decisions. By choosing to invest in products that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethically made, we can create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Let’s work together to build a more sustainable and equitable world.

Adapting to the Conscious Consumer: Why Brands Need to Listen to the Future of Consumerism

Conscious Consumer

Conscious consumerism is no longer just a trend but a necessity. As the world faces increasing environmental and social challenges, consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. Conscious consumerism is a way to make more ethical and sustainable choices when shopping. But what does the future hold for conscious consumerism? And how can we make sustainability a reality?

The Sustainability State of Play

The current state of the world’s environmental and social sustainability is alarming. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and inequality are just some of the issues that we face. The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent with more frequent natural disasters, and they are expected to get worse unless we take action. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to pollution, with fast fashion being a significant source of waste. In addition, the food industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production being a major contributor. The packaging industry is also a significant source of waste.

Predicting the Future

The future of conscious consumerism looks promising. As awareness of the issues increases, more and more consumers are making conscious choices. The conscious consumer market is expected to grow as more consumers become aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. A study by Accenture found that 62% of consumers globally want companies to take a stand on environmental issues and take action to address them. Consumers are interested not only in eco-friendly products but also in ethical products. Consumers want to know where products come from, how they are produced, and the impact they have on the environment and society.

The luxury industry is also becoming more conscious. Conscious luxury consumers are demanding more sustainable and ethical products, and luxury brands are taking note. Many luxury brands are introducing sustainable collections, using eco-friendly materials, and implementing ethical practices in their supply chains.

Putting It into Practice

Making sustainable choices can seem overwhelming, but there are small steps that you can take. Being a conscious consumer means taking responsibility for your purchasing decisions. Here are some ways to put conscious consumerism into practice:

  • Buy from eco-conscious brands: Support brands that are committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade and Organic.
  • Buy locally: Support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint by buying products that are produced locally.
  • Reduce waste: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce waste. Avoid single-use plastics and recycle as much as possible.
  • Choose plant-based: Consider choosing plant-based options for your diet. Meat production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing your meat consumption can have a significant impact.
  • Donate and recycle: Donate items that you no longer need, and recycle as much as possible.

Making This a Reality

Conscious consumerism is not just about individual choices but also about systemic change. It is up to companies and governments to take action to address the sustainability issues that we face. Companies must implement sustainable practices in their operations and supply chains. Governments must introduce policies that promote sustainability and address the root causes of environmental and social issues.

Platforms for conscious consumers are emerging, such as online marketplaces for eco-friendly and ethical products. These platforms provide consumers with a curated selection of products that meet sustainability and ethical standards. These platforms are making it easier for consumers to make conscious choices.

In conclusion, conscious consumerism is the future. The current state of sustainability may be alarming, but the future looks promising as more consumers become aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. The growth of conscious consumerism is expected to continue, with luxury brands also becoming more conscious. Putting conscious consumerism into practice requires taking small steps to make more ethical and sustainable choices. However, making sustainability a reality requires systemic change, and it is up to both consumers and businesses to work together to make this happen.

As conscious consumerism continues to gain momentum, it is clear that it is more than just a trend. It is a movement towards a more sustainable future. By being conscious consumers, we can all play a role in reducing our environmental footprint and creating a better world for future generations. We can support brands that are committed to sustainability and hold them accountable for their actions. We can spread the message of sustainability to our communities and encourage others to make conscious choices.

As for businesses, it is important for them to recognize the power of conscious consumers and adapt to meet their expectations. By implementing sustainable practices and offering eco-friendly products and services, businesses can attract conscious consumers and contribute to a more sustainable future. Conscious consumer platforms are also emerging, providing consumers with more information and options to make informed purchasing decisions.

The future of conscious consumerism is bright, but there is still much work to be done. The world is facing complex environmental challenges, and it is up to all of us to drive sustainable behaviors and create lasting change. By working together, we can make conscious consumerism a reality and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

What is Conscious Business?

Does the term Conscious Business make you feel a little uneasy?  Admittedly, even though I have been immersed in the world of “purpose-driven” companies for many years, I still use alternative words when speaking of, or writing about, Conscious Capitalism Businesses. In truth, up to this point in time, consciousness + business didn’t quite gel in my mind. However, as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic, I feel the entrepreneurial masses are warming up to both the word and the concept of
Conscious Business Model and conscious business enterprise.

Environmentally Conscious Businesses


Environmentally Conscious Businesses are the future of commerce.  Conscious business leadership is the future of management. The future is now.

Conscious Business Defined

Conscious business enterprises choose to follow strategies aimed to enrich: human beings within and outside the organization, surrounding communities, and the planet as a whole.

Conscious business principles:

  • Operate with a higher purpose
    • Conscious business exist to elevate humanity
  • Are cognizant of ALL the stakeholders within the organization
    • Conscious business enterprises care about everyone in their ecosystem
  • Are comprised of highly conscious leadership
    • Conscious leaders throughout the organization, at every level, focus on “we” not “me” and put people first.
  • Offer a conscious culture to all associates
    • Conscious businesses intentionally foster cultures with high levels of accountability, authenticity, integrity, fairness, loyalty, personal growth, and genuine caring.

Encouraging Conscious Business

Associates are always changing and growing, and for this reason, want to work for a company that is agile and exists to make a difference.  This illustrates the shift towards a more values-based way of doing business that enriches and benefits both the employees and the environment. Importantly, what are some simple steps conscious leaders can do to help foster a business that feels good?

  1. Give back.  Donate to charities and do good in the community.
  2. Construct a culture of health and wellness.
  3. Connect in a collaboration room
  4. Introduce mindfulness to all associates
  5. Create a culture of curiosity and learning
  6. Collaborate and do business with other conscious businesses
  7. Streamline meetings and make them productive
encouraging conscious business

Quality Consciousness in Business

What is quality consciousness and why is the notion important when building a conscious business?

Quality consciousness refers to the awareness of oneself and your environment and the potential impact it can have on customers and clients.  Consequently, the more in alignment we are within ourselves, the better we will attune to the needs of all stakeholders within the ecosystem of the organization.  In other words, you must achieve alignment of your consciousness with that of the organization which will in turn help in full activity and engagement of the senses. The foundation of any conscious businesses is built upon conscious associates that are in alignment with themselves and the needs of the customers.

Conscious Business Community

Why is community so important when building a conscious business?

Conscious businesses seek to serve others before themselves.  Moreover, they have an innate longing to support and collaborate with other conscious businesses.  Illustrated by leadership’s “we” not “me” mentality within an organization, businesses all have a mantra that revolves around “together we thrive!”.  Most important conscious businesses have a higher purpose and understand that surrounding themselves and partnering with other conscious business enterprises with similar visions will only strengthen their foothold within their particular industry.

Conscious Business Community

Post-Covid 19, Conscious Business is Critical

The pandemic taught me the earth needed a pause and so did I. Nevertheless, I became much more self-aware during the coronavirus.  As a result, I began to pause before I procured and pondered, more than ever, the global impact my purchases are making.  All things considered, I had the time to become an avid conscious consumer who researched the company I was supporting and made sure I was in alignment with their values/mission/vision.  In short, my gut tells me I am not alone and there is an exponential positive shift in the conscious consumer movement. Businesses are going to have to change their ways in order to survive.  Ultimately, conscious business, both the word and the concept, is here to stay.

The History of Conscious Consumerism

Believe it or not, Conscious Consumerism is not a new “fad”. We can trace its roots back to 1954 according to Grow Ensemble. “Economist James Buchanan stated that individual participation in the economy is a form of pure democracy” and thus the Conscious Consumer movement was born. As a result, this movement began as a means to protect workers. It also took into account the environments they worked within. In the late 19th and early 20th Century, the movement grew stronger as “unfair labor practices, ensure product safety, encourage healthy competition in the market and implement financial regulation” (Jennifer Nguyen).

Part 1

As we approached the 1970s, even more proof that regulation and safety measures needed to be prioritized. With that in mind, research done by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 12.6 Million People die from environmental health risks every year. Evolving the movement further into a dire situation that impacted the safety of workers and their lives. Not surprisingly, the research on Climate Change and Global Warming became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. This perpetuated the Conscious Consumer movement tenfold. Now, it wasn’t just about people, but the world…

One World

Part 2

It has been interesting to see the world’s perspective on this movement evolve. The intersectionality between climate change, women’s rights, race relations, and democracy have all played a role in shaping Conscious Consumerism. This Pandemic has also shaped this movement more recently, evolving the way that businesses and consumers sell and buy products & services. We are shopping online more, and also shifting our values to the safety measure being taken to keep products, people, and the workplace environment safe from COVID-19 – something most of us never thought we would see in our lifetime…The more we learn about consumerism, the more we evolve our consumer habits. When you shop your values, you are contributing to a historical movement to better our world.

5 Simple Steps to Make a Conscious Purchase

If you are new to the Conscious Consumer movement, it can feel daunting to step into this space and understand where to begin. Right now, this movement is not only affecting consumer habits, but global production, product development, and marketing tactics for large corporations. Thus, small businesses are making a comeback. The ideology that “what we buy has a direct impact on our world” is crucial.

With that being said, before you pull your favorite deodorant off the shelf at the grocery store, or order more hand sanitizer in bulk online; Here are a few questions to ask your internal conscious consumer… 

Locally Sourced Product

Where was this item made?

Consider where this company creates its product. Is it locally sourced or purchased? Well, this simple ask allows us to evaluate the carbon footprint this product may have on the world. According to Carbon Brief, “Around 22% of global CO2 emissions stem from the production of goods that are, ultimately, consumed in a different country.” 

How was this item made?

What ingredients are found within the product you are looking to purchase. Are they harmful to the environment? This includes the packaging that your product may come in. Also, a simple philosophy to live by is “the less plastic, the better”. That includes avoiding polyester at ALL costs because this is a synthetic plastic material derived from crude oil.

Synthetic Plastic Material Derived

Does this item harm or hurt the world in any way?

Well, some labels that you should be looking for are the Leaping Bunny Certification, Fair Trade, and the recycling symbol. These logos are located near the ingredients or on the main label of a product. As a result, they identify the ethics that went into creating said product and can help you evaluate companies that you can trust.

Does this item align with my values?

Ask yourself, what values do I want to uphold within my Conscious Purchase habits. Do you want everything you touch to be vegan? Do you want to be as eco-friendly as possible? Are you looking to reduce the amount of plastic you consume? Are you hoping to support less exploitation of workers? Lastly, make a list on your phone and use these values to make your purchasing decisions next time you go to the store or find yourself online.

Does this item fill a void or fill a need?

This question is more of an emotionally driven question that can intimate a lot of us. After all, consumerism is built on our emotional response to products. In the age of social media, there is even more of a pull toward wanting more, having more, and “needing more”. Therefore, slowing down to reflect on the “why” of your purchase can help you discern from truly needing something versus purchasing something to fill a desire or avoid. Lastly, it is no secret that purchasing things can give us a temporary mood boost. The keyword here is… Temporary. So, unless you are ready for another retail therapy hangover, we suggest you ask yourself this question next time you are looking for a “quick fix” with the help of your shopping cart. Be open. Be mindful. Be willing to ask the questions.

5 Health Conscious Food Products for the Holidays

Health Conscious Food Products for the Holidays

December is here and that means the holidays are right around the corner. Although this year has felt daunting for many reasons, the one thing that we should continue to add to our list of gratitude is health. That in itself is a privilege for some of us, especially in the middle of a Pandemic. To keep our minds at peace and our bodies strong, Health Conscious food products are a must this holiday season.

What Are Health Conscious Food Products?

Health Conscious food products have been on the rise in recent years. These products are founded upon the idea that food is a form of medicine and nourishment. Health Consciousness is at the center of such products and is a movement that epitomizes health when it comes to decision-making, including consumerism. Health and wellness have become defining elements in food culture, thus shaping the creation of food products that align with values that consumers just like you have begun to uphold. 

Today, food is not only a source of nourishment for people but a way of being. 

5 Health Conscious Food Products for the Holidays

This holiday season we want to ensure you have the right health-conscious food products for you and your loved ones. These products have been hand-selected with some holiday spirit and health consciousness in mind:

1. Ellie Mae’s Gluten-Free Whole Buttermilk Pie

Believe it or not, this pie is a non-dairy, vegan, AND Gluten-Free Product. This is a health-conscious dessert you can’t pass up for your holiday meal. Who doesn’t love a warm pie to celebrate a new season and a new year?

2. Columbia County 100% Sprouted Organic Pizza Crust

We can’t get enough of this crust! It is filling, low reactive, high in fiber, and highly digestible… Not to mention, delicious.

3. One Love Chocolate Nut Bars

These bars contain all organic ingredients including cashews, almonds, cocoa, egg whites, dates, cashew butter, coconut nectar, and sea salt.

4. Veggie Korma Curry Sauce & Spice by Flavor Temptations

Need a new dinner idea? This vegetable curry sauce is the way to go. This sauce goes beautifully with a bed of white rice, quinoa, or naan. 

5. Chaya Power by Xaman Be Well

Move over matcha powder, chaya powder is here. Found on the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This powder is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin c. You can put it in smoothies, juices, or sprinkled over yogurt.

This year, give the gift of health and well-being this season with Mindful Market; your one-stop shop for Health Conscious food products.

An Open Letter to Gen Z About Conscious Consumerism

To preface, we are bringing back the “open letter” trend from a few years ago because who doesn’t love a little nostalgia… So, here it goes.

Generation Z,

If there is anything we have learned from this year, it is that you are resilient. You have used your voice for good. You have endured darkness & challenges that most of us have not in our lifetime. That is why here at Mindful Market, we value your efforts to join the Conscious Consumerism movement. Because your generation has a lot to offer the world, including how we treat it.

But, Why Consumerism?

We know it may feel strange that we are calling on an entire generation to address consumerism, but the reality is, it affects everything in our world right now and your generation has a reputation of demanding change. From the environment to equal pay, consumerism and what products/services we buy into shapes the way businesses operate. For example, if you are always shopping for fast fashion, companies are going to continue to produce fast fashion. Your basic supply and demand lesson that you didn’t ask for… As you probably know, fast fashion is one of the greatest culprits of waste each year. Not to mention, a constant source of unpaid workers and hazardous working conditions to ensure fast production – thus “Fast Fashion”. So that’s why we are calling on you. To identify your role within this piece of the puzzle. Do you know how your clothes are made? By who? What businesses do you support? Have you ever researched their production ethics? Try it. Right now. And ask yourself, is this the type of consumer I want to be?

Conscious Consumerism is Cool

We promise this is not an attempt to give a stamp of approval like your dad does when you ask his opinion about a new trend. Instead, it’s a reminder that conscious consumerism can be what you make of it. We have been so inspired by some of you taking the opportunity to upcycle, thrift fashion, and hand makes jewelry. All for the sake of creativity and saving the planet. But you don’t have to be a cottage care vegan to practice conscious consumerism either. Taking a reusable straw with you when you go out to eat is one way to navigate consumerism consciously. Or researching brands that are practicing environmental consciousness and supporting those businesses wholeheartedly. We believe that you are the generation that will redefine conscious consumerism in your own way through curiosity and exploration.

As we close on this open letter, we want to thank you for all that you have done to pave the way for future generations as well as set an example for others. We believe in you and we can’t wait to see what you do next.

Sincerely,

The Mindful Market Community

The Psychology Behind Conscious Consumerism

Have you ever wondered what happens within the mind when we pick up an item at a store, grovel over our options to “buy it”, “leave it” or “carry it around” and decide later? What about the shopping carts we fill at 1 AM when we are perusing the internet only to fall asleep and wake up the next day to see we did end up clicking the “Checkout Now” button after all. Believe it or not, these decisions tend to be “unconscious decisions” that Americans make within our consumer culture and the research is only growing to back this up. “Individuals engage in consumption-related cognition, motivation, decision making, emotion, and behavior without recognizing the role that nonconscious processes played in shaping them”, according to the ScienceDirect Journal of Consumer Psychology.  

Homemade Personal Care Products

So what about the conscious consumer mind? How does that look different? And why are consumer habits starting to evolve and change across the globe?

Well, I have two words for you: Conscious Awareness

This is a space within our minds that includes “the things we are aware of being aware of” says Study.com. Our mind operates on a spectrum of consciousness. Some of the things we are completely aware of, some we are not aware of at all, and some fall somewhere in the middle. When it comes to Conscious Consumerism and Conscious Awareness, we are utilizing a greater percentage of our Conscious Awareness to make a decision surrounding what we buy and why.

Natural Personal Care Products

Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself next time you make a purchasing decision to see how much of your Conscious Awareness and Conscious Consumerism you are relying on to make that decision:

  1. Why do I want to make this specific purchase?
  2. Is this purchase a basic necessity?
  3. What emotion am I feeling as I hold or look at this product? (anxiousness, excitement, neutrality, impatience, sadness, anger…)
  4. How will this purchase affect my day-to-day life?

Being a Conscious Consumer goes beyond knowing Shope Your Values. It is a commitment we make in life to take a moment, connect with our mind, ask ourselves meaningful questions, and create more decisiveness around Conscious awareness.

Why Generation Z is The Most Conscious Consumer Generation Yet

Conscious Consumer

Chances are, the idea of brand loyalty will become more complex under this generations’ consumer habits.

As they rise to enter the workforce, Generation Z is also rising to become one of the most forward-thinking and Conscious Consumer generations yet.  Their unapologetic taste in unique and dynamic products will forever change the way we market, sell, and interact as businesses. Gen Zers are not brand loyal compared to Millennials and instead are finding innovative and adaptable ways to get the products they want and need at the best price.

Social Consciousness in Business

“As evidenced by recent environmental and ethical rallies, today’s young generation is thinking about the future.”, says NPD.com. Generation Z is making decisions with their values in mind. Chances are, the idea of brand loyalty will become more complex under this generations’ consumer habits. Companies and small businesses will need to focus on building trust, evoking transparency, and aligning with the values that their target Generation Z customers hold. Since this generation grew up in a world that evolved around technology and social media, having a savvy marketing & social media presence won’t hurt to invest in either.

So, how Are Generation Zers leading the Conscious Consumer movement amidst all of this? It comes down to their incentive to make purchases. Despite wanting to keep up with an image, a unique trend, or a fast-paced world of social media influencing, Generation Zers still believe in making decisions that have a greater impact. That’s why fast fashion is dying, unethical brands are being “canceled”, and the movement toward thrifting, resale, and renting clothes, items, and shoes is becoming the norm. This is a Conscious Consumer dream generation because despite the fast pace nature of their purchasing habits, thanks to the influence and availability of online shopping, Generation Zers want more for their future and the world.

Conscious Consumer Growth

It is important to understand that Generation Z is no exception to the rule that over-generalizing a generation can be dangerous. Thus, according to Alexandra Pastore, “Retailers who go beyond understanding how they are different than Millennials — in order to understand the unique needs within the generations and how to appeal to them — will have the advantage.”

Taking the time, space, and proactive approach to understanding Generation Z is just the beginning. However, knowing that we are about to see the impact of a new wave of conscious consumerism thanks to Generation Z may be the growth opportunity conscious brands, ethical companies, and small businesses have been looking for.