Over these last two months our lives have totally been flipped upside down and turned inside out. It definitely hasn’t been easy to say the least. Yet, as difficult as these self isolation measures are, there is also a lot of good that is coming out of what people are calling “The Great Pause.” We get to spend more time with family, take a break from the hustle and bustle and give our planet a necessary breather so it can begin to heal.
We have been forced to slow down, and consume only what we truly need, and quite frankly it’s been eye opening. I recently read a great article, “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting” by Julio Vincent Gambuto. I highly suggest you take five and give this a read if you haven’t seen it already. This article really hit home for me, b/c while I’m losing it with these stay at home measures, and I long to feel that sense of normalcy again, I know that ultimately that feeling of normalcy doesn’t come from frivolous spending. It comes from being able to have a social life and spend meaningful time with friends and family, as well as have a regular (work, fitness, & parenting) routine. It made me really want to make an even greater effort to be a conscious consumer and limit what I decide to put back in my life when this is all over. I don’t want to consume for the sake of consumption. Instead, I want to consume what brings me happiness, improves my health, makes my life easier and more simple, and doesn’t destroy the environment.
Conscious Consumption
It takes a lot of work to become a more conscious consumer, and I know I’ve got a long way to go. But, I think that if everyone tries a little bit harder we can can make a big difference. So from here out I plan to start asking myself these questions before I purchase anything:
Do I really need this product or do I simply want it for the sake of instant gratification?
If I do need this product or service, is that the most eco friendly option? Or is there a better option from a brand that aligns more with my values?
By making an effort to choose the more eco-friendly options we are not only doing our part to help the planet by reducing our footprint, but we are also voting with our purchasing power, about what kind of products and services we want to see in this world.
Props to You, Me, & Studio LB
I want to give both you and me a pat on the back for being part of Studio LB. Working out at home is a game changer, and I am so proud of the footprint Studio LB leaves on this planet. I often think about when I owned physical studios and how large of a footprint they left. The amount of cleaning products and beauty products and laundry we went through was INSANE! Equipment- mats, bands, weights, microphones, rebounders, batteries, etc. constantly needed to be replaced from general wear and tear. Also, I love that our members and staff no longer have to commute to the studios. I am so happy that Studio LB has allowed me to bring my method to the world in the most eco-friendly way possible. Thank you for being part of it!