Collaboration is essential in promoting responsible consumption: Green Is The New Black Founder

How does one approach consumerism through an environmentally friendly lens? Is responsible consumption even possible? According to Stephanie Dickson, founder of Green Is The New Black and The Conscious Festival, the answer is positive.

“Most of us are not walking around naked or barefoot everywhere. Adopting an environmentally friendly approach to consumerism is not only possible but essential in today’s world. While we all need various goods and products in our lives, the choices we make on a daily basis and with our wallets have a ripple effect, and there are options that are better for us, the planet and quite often our wallets,” she explains in an email interview with e27.

She elaborates further by stressing that reducing consumption begins by using the most sustainable option at hand, which includes using goods that are already in our possession or embracing the second-hand movement. Even if consumers need to make new purchases, they have to opt for ethically made products.

We reach out to Dickson fresh out of the seventh edition of The Conscious Festival, an event held on October 13-15 in Singapore to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

According to her, the event aims to do things differently by “constantly pushing the edge of what’s possible, both from a sustainability forefront (the event is almost zero waste, plant-based, carbon negative), and an experience forefront (diving into of-the-moment conversations such as AI and its role in solving for sustainability, regeneration and its importance for our future, and from grassroots change to global impact).”

She answers our biggest questions on consumerism and sustainability.

What factors make a “responsible consumption”?

Responsible consumption encompasses several key factors that prioritise the well-being of both people and the planet. Firstly, it involves products that are produced with ethical considerations along the entire supply chain, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all involved.

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Secondly, responsible consumption focuses on minimising the environmental impact of the products we use, which includes factors such as reducing energy and resource consumption, limiting waste, and utilising sustainable materials. Lastly, as individuals, responsible consumption means only acquiring what we genuinely need, avoiding excessive purchases of items that won’t last and do not bring lasting joy. It involves a conscious effort to make choices that benefit both ourselves and the world we live in.

How do we promote this new approach to consumers and businesses?

One of the biggest issues is that the environmental and social costs are not factored into products and services. Governments, industries and citizens need to work together for this. There is more and more pressure from consumers, the government is slowly rolling out regulations, and businesses need to play their role.

We’re at a point where being sustainable isn’t just a nice to have, it makes business sense. The economics are there, and it is also future-proofing. Education still plays a very big role for consumers.

What limitations do we have when it comes to running a business in a more eco-conscious way? How do we deal with it?

Transitioning to eco-conscious practices can initially involve higher costs for sustainable materials, technologies, and certifications. It’s important to consider the long-term benefits, such as reduced energy and resource consumption, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers who may be willing to pay a premium for sustainable products.

Depending on the industry, there are grants and incentives for businesses that are doing green initiatives. There is a lack of awareness, and education is required – many employees and consumers may not fully understand the importance but educating consumers through marketing campaigns and product labels and explaining the environmental and economic benefits of the choices to employees will help.

Running an eco-conscious business requires commitment, adaptability, and a long-term perspective. By addressing these limitations strategically, you can overcome obstacles and make meaningful progress toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible business model.

Today’s consumers are known to be more environmentally aware and selective in purchasing products and services. How can businesses reach out to these customers without greenwashing their products? What are the ways they can do differently when it comes to user acquisition?

One of the most important things is transparency about your sustainability efforts and practices. Provide detailed information about your products, sourcing, supply chain, etc. Authenticity builds trust with consumers and helps differentiate your brand from competitors.

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It is encouraged to share what efforts have been made, what has worked, what hasn’t, and where you are heading. Third-party certifications can provide independent assessments and support with credibility. Explaining the efforts in a clear, conscious and engaging manner can support without over-emphasising the efforts. Sharing honestly and openly about successes and shortcomings helps to foster trust and a clear path forward.

What other areas do you aim to explore in building an eco-conscious business?

We have our Conscious Leaders Bootcamp on Friday, October 13, which takes leadership to a whole new level by infusing it with the power of regeneration and conscious awareness.

This event will bring together the builders of the future to deep dive into symbiotic leadership, regenerative cities, exponential change and solving for sustainability with AI. This aims to help leaders to understand the role they are playing and give them the tools they need to navigate in a different way – by understanding the ecosystem of their company and getting inspired by what other leaders are doing with circular and sustainable solutions while uplifting everyone around them.

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Image Credit: Green Is The New Black

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