Consuming Less, Influencing with Intention: My Journey to Sustainable Shopping
This is not your typical post.
This week was tough. I found myself wrestling with a familiar tension—figuring out what to share during sales season and what to hold back. As an influencer, I sit at the intersection of two roles: being a consumer and wanting to consume less because I understand the impact of mass consumption on our planet.
I touched on this in my stories, but I want to dive deeper.
Why I Don’t Do Hauls
As someone who influences purchasing decisions, I feel a responsibility to influence with intention. That’s why I’ve made a conscious decision not to do hauls of any kind. Instead, I share items I already own and love—things I genuinely use—while also acknowledging that they are not always essential.
My job is literally to share my life, and part of that involves testing new products. But with every sale season, I make it a point to remind my audience: Don’t buy what you don’t need.
A Wake-Up Call
This past week, Krish and I watched the Netflix documentary Buy Now, and let me tell you—it hit me hard. It confirmed something I already knew but hadn’t fully embraced: I don’t want to be part of the problem.
Consuming less isn’t just a personal goal anymore—it’s become a guiding principle in how I approach influencing. I want to encourage investing in quality over quantity, and I hope to inspire intentionality in the way we all consume.
How to Be Part of the Solution
If you’re wondering how you, too, can contribute to reducing overconsumption, here are six actionable takeaways I learned from the film:
1. Buy Less, But Better
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Focus on quality over quantity. Choose items that will last.
2. Fix What You Can
Instead of replacing broken items, repair them. Reuse, repurpose, and extend the life of what you already have.
3. Support Sustainable Brands
Seek out companies that prioritize ethical practices, eco-friendly materials, and minimal packaging. Your dollars can make a statement.
Some of the sustainable brands I love:
• Cuyana
• Rothy’s
• Pact
• Athleta
Pro Tip: Download the app Good On You to search your favorite brands and see how they are rated for sustainability.
4. Consume Mindfully
Avoid impulse buying. Think long-term, not just about trends. Here’s a tip: Create a note on your phone of things you want to purchase. Revisit it after a month to see if you still feel the need to buy.
5. Speak Up and Educate Others
Share what you learn with your community. Advocate for policies that hold companies accountable for their environmental impact.
6. Shop Your Values
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Let’s make it a better one.
Progress Over Perfection
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. I’m learning alongside you, and I’m committed to doing better. Together, we can be more than just consumers. We can be stewards of the planet we all share.
Thank you for letting me share this with you. It’s been on my heart, and I know many of you feel the same way. Let’s keep this conversation going—share your thoughts or your own sustainability tips in the comments below.
Let’s do better, together.
