Make do and MendWhile supporting local business is important, it is equally important to be responsible about consumption. 

We have to remember that every product has an unseen environmental and social impact behind it:  from the extraction and production of materials to processing, shopping, marketing and shelving, all of which require materials (raw and synthetic), fuel, electricity and time.  As well, many products around the world, particularly in developing nations, are produced at great social, environmental and health expense to the workers with little return in profit.  By over consuming we risk supporting this exploitation.   

At the same time many studies have indicated that high levels of consumption do not contribute to the happiness that marketing suggests it will, but rather the opposite:  depression and a loss of a sense of well-being. 

Thus, by cutting down on what we buy not only do we protect the environment and help to ensure equitable social conditions, but we save ourselves time and money, opening up more time to pursue meaningful activities with our friends, family and the outdoors. 

Of course, as we have to eat, clothe and house ourselves and support our families and communities, we cannot simply stop consuming all together.  The point is that when we do consume, we consume only what we truly need in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.   

For more advice check out: 

The Better World Shopping Guide (Ellis Jones)

The Rough Guide to Shopping with a Conscience (Clark and Unterberger).