3 Myths About Conscious Consumerism That Need To Be Busted

The good news? After working in this industry for two decades, I'm happy to share that 80 percent of consumers in the United States are now buying organic products at least occasionally.

Eco-friendly used to be seen as a sacrifice, whether that meant boring, flavorless food or frumpy clothing. But these days, it's not about either/or—it's about both/and. Looking and feeling fabulous should never come at the expense of personal or planetary health. This mentality is being embraced more and more—as green food, fashion, and beauty are now seen as the height of comfort, quality, and elegance. The rise of eco-luxury travel and sustainable high fashion (looking at you, Stella McCartney) are two wonderful examples.

A common misconception about organic fashion, food, or beauty is the assumption that it comes with a much higher price tag. But this can come from the inefficiencies of current business models and not inherently higher costs of sustainable production. In food, farm-to-table concepts can be a win-win-win for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike. In apparel, supply chains can have between seven and 10 different factories in the mix, which can mean a markup in price each step of the way from the raw material level. When companies work directly with the source—from farm to finished product—they can actually eliminate many added costs, offering added value at competitive prices.

Take food, for example: Online retailers like Thrive Market offer competitive prices by eliminating storefronts. And plant-based meal delivery service Purple Carrot ensures vegetarian and other plant-based eaters the same convenience of conventional meal delivery. Even national fast-food chains like Chipotle, Veggie Grill, Le Pain Quotidien, Panera, and Au Bon Pain are rethinking their menus as more and more individuals consider eating organic, sustainably farmed, plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.

Perhaps 10 years ago, some of these beliefs had some credence, but today, we can have the quality, style, flavor, and price we want, plus so much more. We have entered an age I call the "ECOrenaissance," marked by a shift in popular culture toward awakened living.

There are so many simple things you can do to reduce waste, both in food and packaging. Buying groceries in bulk cuts down on packaging waste—and will likely save you money. And carry a Mason jar or reusable cup for your takeout coffee. Some coffee shops and restaurants even offer a discount if you do. When it comes to reducing food waste, consider buying "defective" or "ugly" products—produce that isn't perfectly shaped and shiny is often discarded.

It's now so easy to find holistic beauty and personal care products. Accessible natural beauty brands can be found online, but don't dismiss the drugstore either: CVS, Duane Reade, and Walgreens have all expanded their organic offerings in recent years. Even Target has pressured suppliers to clean up products and packaging.

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