Strategic consumption - what does that mean?

May 14, 2020

Strategic consumption - what does that mean?

Leonie Poppe

Last Sunday was Mother's Day and somehow logically, a lot of thoughts on the subject of "mother" went through my head on this day. How privileged those people are who have a good or even very good relationship with their mothers. Or with their parents and family in general. Because there are plenty of people who can't say that about themselves. Whose mothers, fathers and family are simply not there. For whatever reason. 

The good thing is that we can also build our own family. Close friends, people who grow close to our hearts and who are there when we need them. We don't necessarily have to be alone. And it's perfectly okay to choose your own surrogate family, so to speak. 

 

Mother Earth

When I think of the term "mother", which then searches for its counterpart in my head like a magnet, I inevitably come across the terms "Mother Earth" and "Mother Nature". Two equally strong pairs of words. An unbeatable connection.
Because we wouldn't be here without our planet, our earth, without our nature. Water, light, plants, animals. What would we be without?

But we forget one thing: we have no choice here. We can't look around and simply choose another planet because it might suit us better than the old one by pure chance. 

We only have this one earth. It is there, it gives and provides us with everything we need and even more. But we often lose sight of its value. 

I know that this is an incredibly difficult and complex topic. A topic that can be discussed for hours. But one thing is certain in this context: our consumer behavior must change. Fundamentally and in every area. 

 

But what does consumption actually mean? And does sustainable consumption even exist? 


By definition, consumption is the consumption and use of goods. And for the sake of simplicity, let's limit this to the private and material level.  

Many people say that there is no such thing as sustainable consumption, and somewhere they are right. Because if you want to live sustainably down to the core, you grow your own fruit and vegetables, weave your own fabrics and make your own clothes... 

This can go on forever, in the truest sense of the word. But at the same time, consumption and a certain standard of living are part of our development. That's why I think the term "strategic consumption", as the advice platform utopia.de calls it, is much more appropriate.

It says: If we think through our purchasing behavior and approach it consciously, we will question what we buy instead of blindly reaching for the shelves and thus use our power as consumers. In this way, we can help shape the market and initiate a rethink in politics. This is exactly our goal at junglück. We want to offer you the opportunity to make it easier for you to make a different decision. #rethinkingstartswithyou 

 

Even if each and every one of us sometimes feels very small and has the feeling that we cannot really make a difference, we now know that this is not true. 

Our consumer behavior determines the market. The market determines the economy and the producers. That is a completely logical conclusion. What you buy determines what is produced. And what is produced determines which resources we tap into or not. 

Strategic consumption is therefore the key to a more sustainable lifestyle! Want to know more about conscious consumption? Then take a look here at Utopia.de here. There are some good tips for you.

 

Kipli 

We think that Kipli makes a great contribution to more conscious consumption and generally ensures that the decision for a more sustainable product is very easy. 

By developing durable, natural products, this company also wants to change people's way of thinking. Kipli's aim is to offer only natural, biodegradable and durable items. And in an area that is extremely important for our health: good sleep! 

After all, what could be better than a truly restful night? Not only does it make our skin glow, it also helps to brighten our spirits. And with a clear conscience to boot. 

 

 

Mattresses, pillows and co. 

Did you know that a mattress is thrown away every 4 seconds? 5 million old mattresses generate 100,000 tons of waste per year in Europe alone. Commercially available products are made from petroleum-derived materials, are not recyclable and are either incinerated or buried at the end of their life. 

That's why Kipli set out to find a sustainable alternative and designed the Kipli mattress. Its core is made from 100% natural latex and its cover is made from organic cotton. 

Within two years, the product range has already been expanded to include the Kipli pillow, also made from 100% natural latex, and the Kipli comforter made from Lyocell. The entire production takes place in Germany, Italy and France under fair and environmentally friendly conditions. The company's long-term goal is to become the reference for sustainable interior design in Europe and thus initiate a change in consumer behavior. 

 

A company just the way we like it! We are so glad that there are more and more like-minded people and that the decision to live more sustainably is becoming easier and easier. Because a rethink is beginning. Especially at the moment, it is becoming increasingly clear how urgently we need this in order to protect our earth, the mother of all life Protect.
We hope that everyone understands how much they can do. That small, everyday decisions can contribute to a better, healthier and more sustainable world. We are not powerless.

Take care of yourself & be good to yourself! 

Your Leonie