Political challenges
Politics, lobbying and our economic system represent a challenge for conscious consumption.
The influence of political decisions and lobby groups can hinder sustainable and ethical purchasing decisions.
Addressing the role of politics and lobbying is crucial for promoting conscious consumer behavior.
Planned obsolescence
Functional obsolescence
This is the case when the useful life of a product intentionally ends after some time and it needs to be replaced later.
For this reason, various products are manufactured with lower quality and durability with the aim of being replaced much sooner rather than being products with a long lifespan.
In this way, consumers are forced to buy new products sooner.
Psychological obsolescence
Psychological obsolescence occurs when a product becomes undesirable or obsolete due to changing consumer preferences and trends, rather than due to its functional state.
Or to put it more simply: It still works, but you don't want it anymore.
Marketing strategies influence you toward this phenomenon by appealing to your desire for novelty and social influence.
Economy beats sustainability
Often the cost of purchasing a new device is lower than the cost of repairing an existing device.
As a result, valuable resources are being used unnecessarily and environmental damage is increasing.
This phenomenon contributes to a throwaway culture where products are quickly discarded rather than repaired or reused, increasing the negative impact on the environment.
Promote plant-based alternatives through tax incentives
To promote sustainability, it is important to offer tax incentives and financial support for plant-based and alternative products.
Currently, animal products in particular are being promoted, which can harm the environment.
By extending these benefits to plant-based alternatives, we encourage eco-friendly choices and reduce our environmental footprint.
Collective action for systemic change
We cannot address these systematic challenges at the individual level, but must address them at the policy level.
However, as individuals, we must remember that our actions determine who and what we support.
In this way we can actively contribute to bringing about change.
