223: How to buy better, consume less – with Sian Conway-Wood (PART ONE)

Saving the world feels a bit daunting, but what if we could simply buy better and consume less as our way of doing our part? Would it make a difference? Could we move the needle on global warming, thwarting fast fashion, and making better choices on the stuff we buy, eat, and consume as a whole. Short answer: yes.

My special guest today is author Sian Conway-Wood and she’s simplifying how to buy better and consume less. These last couple of years had all of us reflecting on various aspects of our lives and for the first time, many of us started to realize how fragile global supply chains can be to keep the world running smoothly. But what if there was a better way to make a positive impact on the environment instead of going for the lowest price item or buying the things that can get delivered to us the quickest? Sian shows us the way and it’s simpler than you think.

Here’s how. 

My special guest today is Sian Conway-Wood and she’s simplifying how to buy better + consume less.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• In a world so eager to sell us magic pills and quick solutions to all of our “problems”, Sian shares why we should even consider buying better and consuming less right now – What impact one person can actually make on this global dilemma
• What she means mean by “greenwashing” and how to spot it when you shop next
• How to assess your shopping habits and start making simple, positive changes to buy better and consume less
• Where to find resources to borrow and share items in your local community
• …and ultimately, why she believes it’s toxic to shop in order to feel confident, sexy, or soothed. (don’t worry, we all do it) – What’s a better solution? 

All this month, we’ve been focused on the topic of re-emergence. And I dare say this conversation applies as well. Who we are is determined by how we live our life. What we buy, consume, and the 1000 daily choices we must make, big or small. 

I’m starting to make better choices. 

Do I really need those individually plastic-wrapped potatoes or could I buy them in a 5lb bundle with less packaging? Do I really need a $5 shirt or could I pause and re-consider how much the factory workers were paid on a t-shirt so severely discounted like that? Do I really need to own every power tool under the sun? 

I hope today’s conversation with Sian has you asking these questions as well.

Q: Are you ready to learn how to buy better + consume less? If yes, this one is for you.

It’s time to #DoTheThing!

<What’s catching my eye this week>

• What is Greenwashing and how do you spot it? – Carlyann Edwards – Business News Daily
• Video: Conscious Consumerism – does it make a difference? – Roundtable
• 50 powerful questions to help you reflect – The Institute of You
• Gain clarity in 90 minutes: Mary is offering 1-1 brainstorming sessions for those looking to get unstuck as the world reopens, post pandemic

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Book: Buy Better Consume Less: Create Real Environmental Change – Sian Conway-Wood

Book: The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level – Gay Hendricks

Resource: Give & get free stuff, borrow & lend household items, and shop homemade – all directly from your community – OLIO app

Resource: Buy less and share more. It makes us all richer and the planet cleaner. The world’s gift economy platform – The Buy Nothing Project

Resource: Got a broken appliance? Join these free meeting places, they’re all about repairing things (together) – Repair Café

Resource: Reduce food waste, save the planet – purchase surplus food from bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores – Too Good to Go app

Resource: One of the best public libraries in the world – you can check-out a ukelele, a cake pan, thousands of DVDs, audiobooks, paper books and they even have a maker space and printing press too! – Frisco Public Library

Podcast: How to understand what your customer wants, featuring Melina Palmer – The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs – The Simplifiers Podcast

About Sian Conway-Wood

Sian Conway-Wood – She is an ethical marketing and communications strategist, founder of #EthicalHour and author of the book “Buy Better Consume Less”. She works with ambitious cause-driven startups, charities, NGOs, CEOs, political parties and lobby groups to create change through the power of communications.

Sian first started sharing her journey into more sustainable living online in 2016, and in 2018 she was named the UK’s Green & Eco Influencer of the Year, and UK Influencer of the Year again in 2020.