Mindful Consumption: Build a New, Sustainable, Happier Way of Life

Rhucha Kulkarni
Jan 9
4 min read

Updated: Jan 13

Yeh Dil Maange More ! - This seems to be the motto and mantra for living life nowadays !

We are living in an increasingly consumeristic world, with better and bigger consumption options every step of the way! We are presented with options galore every step of the buying decision –more variety, more comparisons, more discounts, more deals, and more consumers vying for the same coveted things! Consumption statistics call out a trend of increasing, and often limitless consumption, not only an individual level, but at a national, and even a global level.

The average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in Indian households rose by 33.5% since 2011-12 in urban households to ₹3,510, with rural India’s MPCE seeing a 40.42% increase over the same period to hit ₹2,008 *1

Global consumer spending is expected to increase by 26.61% from 2024 to 2029, reaching $77.1 trillion. This is the biggest component of a country's gross domestic product *1

Clearly, consumerism and consumption are here to stay, and with it, the urge to spend more, more and even more! We do acknowledge that it may not be desirable to stop consumerism mindset (how else will economies thrive!), but it is time to take a pause and reflect on the Why, What, and How of our consumeristic behaviours.

What Is Mindful Consumption?

Mindful consumption is the practice of being fully aware of the impact of the products and services we consume. It's about making intentional, thoughtful choices rather than following the habits of mindless buying. This could mean considering the ethical, environmental, and socioeconomic consequences of what we purchase, as well as how much we really need the items in the first place.

At its core, mindful consumption is a way to slow down and consciously engage with the act of consuming. It encourages reflection on whether something adds value to your life, rather than buying out of habit, convenience, or societal pressure.

Why practice Mindful Consumption?

1. Environmental Impact: Overconsumption and waste are major contributors to environmental degradation. By being mindful of what we purchase and how we use products and services, we can reduce waste, support sustainable practices, and ultimately help protect the planet.

2. Financial Health: Mindful consumption often leads to fewer impulse purchases, meaning you may end up saving money. It encourages you to prioritize your spending, investing in items that truly align with your values or needs.

3. Ethical Responsibility: Many products and services are built through exploitation of resources, be it natural resources, animals, or even people. Mindful consumption allows you to choose items that are ethically produced and contribute to more fair and equitable systems.

4. Mental Well-being: Much of consumeristic marketing revolves around “not having enough”, “not feeling good enough”, and even “not being enough”. Being bombarded with such negative messaging and consumption clutter can create feelings of stress or dissatisfaction. Mindful consumption helps you break free from the cycle of wanting more and teaches you to appreciate what you already have, fostering a sense of contentment.

How to consume Mindfully?

Incorporating mindful consumption into your daily life is a matter of building a habit, unheeding the urge to “keep buying and keep consuming”, and unlearning certain

Pause Before You Buy: Ask yourself: Do I really need this? How will it impact my life in the long run? Taking a moment to reflect can help you avoid impulse purchases and make more thoughtful buying decisions.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself if a purchase will bring your sustained joy, or a fleeting moment of happiness which fades away quickly?
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying many cheap items that may not last, focus on purchasing fewer, higher-quality goods that will stand the test of time as well as align better with your values and purpose.

Pro Tip: Ask the seller if the item or service comes with a guarantee, and ask around for reviews and recommendations before making the actual purchase.
Support Sustainable Brands: Look for brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical labour practices, and eco-friendly approaches. Your purchasing power can help drive positive change in the market.

Pro Tip: Ask around about what makes your chosen brand/s exactly sustainable? Given that nowadays we have many brands being tagged as sustainable, taking a pause to understand the “how” can help make conscious choices.
Mind Your Food Choices: Mindful consumption extends to food, too. Being aware of where your food comes from, how it's produced, and how much you're wasting can help promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce food waste. For example, “Source and Eat Local” is known to create a lesser carbon footprint than food that “travels” longer distances.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself if you would get the fresh produce only at a particular seasonal time of the year, or is it available throughout?
Declutter and Reuse: Decluttering your living space and reusing or repurposing items instead of always buying new things can help reduce waste and allow you to appreciate what you already have.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself if you have an existing alternative which can be repaired or fixed, instead of buying a new replacement outright?
Be Present in the Moment: Mindfulness isn’t just about what you consume; it’s about how you consume it. Whether you're eating, shopping, or using an item or service, practice being fully present in the moment. This helps you foster a deeper connection to what you're doing.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself if you are present fully while making a buy? Are all your senses tuned in to the purchase, or are you doing it absentmindedly just for the “pressure of consuming”

While today we have outlined the tangible aspects of consumption, mindful consumption also extends to the intangibles – a prime, time-relevant example is how we consume Content on a day to day basis? Given the digital era we are living in, with always-on consumption of hordes of information, are we taking a pause to consciously control what we let into our body, minds, and soul?

In a nutshell…

Mindful consumption is a powerful approach to living in harmony with our values, our environment, and our communities. By making thoughtful choices, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and ultimately lead more fulfilling, intentional lives. Start small, and remember that every mindful decision counts.