* By Viridiana Lázaro, specialist in agriculture and climate change at Greenpeace Mexico.
March 15th is celebrated World Day for Responsible Consumption. become a consumer or responsible consumer it goes beyond changing habits and choosing sustainable foods and products from fair trade. Of course, these actions are of the utmost importance, but the responsibility does not end there. Being a responsible consumer also implies recognizing the power we have to edemand systemic changes in the way of production and consumption dominant; The power to organize ourselves and offer and/or demand more consumption alternatives from local governments is also a way of actively participating in the construction of the necessary conditions to make responsible consumption a reality.
Choosing to buy from local initiatives or businesses will always make a difference. Finding out where the products we consume come from and where the waste goes once we finish using or consuming them is also essential.
The promote responsible consumption not only will it bring us health benefits, but we will also be able to enjoy the benefits it brings to the local economyfor the environment and for our community, consuming responsibly food and products that come from fair trade means ensuring well-being, justice and healthy ecosystems for future generations.
Another very important point is to try to consume less, that is, to avoid buying what we do not need and avoid overconsumption or consumerism. We must try to consume products that have greater durability, that have not used virgin raw materials in their manufacture; and instead choose products that come from fair trade and that are not affecting people, communities and/or ecosystems during their manufacture and sale.
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Remember that it will always be better repair, reuse and exchange to be more responsible with what is purchased, reinvent and reduce the consumption of clothing and footwear, electronic devices and single-use plastics since they are activities that deeply damage the environment. In addition to trying to consume food free of agrochemicals and transgenics, as well as ultra-processed and agro-industrial origin.
It is time to eradicate consumerism and instead choose responsible consumption, World Responsible Consumption Day exists to remember it. However, you have to be aware that it is a long road that can sometimes be plagued by doubts, stereotypes and social pressures. Even more, in this world bombarded by advertising everywhere. It is not an easy path, but it is necessary to be able to move forward, to be able to face climate change and to be able to enjoy more resilient and healthy cities and rural areas.