In this article, we would like to highlight seven steps for smart consumption, extracted from the work developed within the framework of the Agreement established between the Ministry of Education, the Bank of Spain and the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores for Financial Education at School.
The objective of this initiative is to improve the financial culture of the population and specifically to help people to be more aware when making consumption decisions that can affect personal finances and the well-being of all.
SMART CONSUMPTION IN 7 STEPS
1. Conscious consumption
Everyone on the planet is a consumer and, by consuming, an individual decides what is good for him or herself. The sum of the decisions a person makes when consuming drives the market and the economy as a whole.
The person who consumes being aware of his/her power as a consumer, his/her rights and obligations, who knows what he needs, demands it and assumes the consequences of his/her way of consuming, is consuming intelligently.
2. Informed consumption
Everyone is free to choose what they want to consume, but to be able to make this decision and decide between the different options offered by the market, first of all, it is essential to be informed. The person who consumes by comparing quality and price beforehand, who selects products that satisfy in a real and effective way the needs he/she has, is consuming intelligently.
3. Critical consumption
When a product is promoted, there is a series of advertisers and suppliers who want to sell their article or service, convincing the consumer of the need to purchase it. Sometimes, advertising associates to this product or service some characteristics and values that are not real, such as improving status, having more power, becoming more attractive, having more fame, etc.
The person who consumes taking into account this aspect and from a critical point of view with advertising and trends, values others for what they are and not for what they have, is a person who is consuming intelligently.
4. Healthy consumption
Thanks to medical, scientific and technological advances, we can say that today people have increased their life expectancy, thanks to the products and services that these advances provide to society. But sometimes, part of this evolution has led to unhealthy habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
The person who consumes thinking about his or her health, eating a complete and balanced diet, staying active, sleeping well, moderating alcohol consumption, not self-medicating and avoiding smoking, is a person who consumes intelligently.
5. Sustainable consumption
Today the planet and societies suffer decades of exploitation, waste and pollution of the Earth and its natural resources, without restrictions and without reflecting on the repercussions, compromising the development and life of future generations.
The person who consumes thinking about the effects that his/her consumption has on his/her environment and chooses whenever possible ecological and local products, who uses the water and energy he/she needs without misusing it, recycling, avoiding waste and wasting, is consuming intelligently.
6. Solidarity consumption
Economic inequality in the world means that some people can buy everything they want and others can barely consume what is essential to ensure their survival and be able to live in dignity.
The person who buys objects and contracts services considering the effects of this consumption on other people and who, when possible, chooses artisanal products and/or products from companies with fair labor policies and clean production processes, consumes intelligently.
7. Active consumption
Active consumption refers to knowing the rights that each individual has as a consumer, making responsible decisions and having a support network of consumer and user organizations to ensure fairness and good practices in consumption. This makes consumers stronger.
The person who consumes responsibly and joins forces with others to know and defend their rights as consumers is consuming intelligently.