by Edmond Wu

Consumption is a rather satisfying activity for many people, in an era where globalization and advanced manufacturing can provide an abundance that no generation has ever experienced. We can order almost anything, and it can arrive in a day or even sometimes just a few hours. The barriers to consumption of price and physical inconvenience have magically disappeared within two short decades. Amazon Prime. Uber Eats. Temu. The world is at our fingertips, literally.

Yet we are already seeing the impacts of global overconsumption in microplastics, increasing trash, global warming, decreasing green space, and other multitudes of consequences. One thing we can do is simply consume less. Deciding to buy things that are sustainable and useful for a long time means there is less waste and less harm. But that solution is merely a first step. We can take our consumption to an even more conscious level. We can use our consumption to better society and the earth because there are secondary impacts of our consumption.

Every dollar that you spend is a vote for something. It is not just a choice about what you want for yourself. Every company that sells something belongs to someone who decides how to use their vote for something else. A transfer of your dollar or vote is giving it to someone else. The companies and their owners have voting power to change society either positively or negatively.

While this is not a promotion of Patagonia, which happens to be a favorite among Sierra Club members, spending your money at Patagonia aligns with many values of Sierra Club members who strive to protect the Earth. Patagonia has always been about creating sustainable products and keeping things from being another piece of trash. They have always been proactive about providing grants to environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club. But they stand heads and shoulders above many. On September 24, 2022, Yvon Chouinard transferred the full ownership of the company to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, which essentially puts every dollar made by the company to the purpose of protecting the Earth.

While there aren’t many companies that can be as focused on purpose over profit, there are many companies that balance purpose and profit, many that are more sustainable than others, many that treat their employees better than others, and many that align with your values better than others. While spending at some of these companies may sometimes be more expensive, the bonus to your purchase is the support that you give companies and people who are pursuing a world that aligns with your values and purpose. It can be as simple as supporting a sustainable restaurant owned by a father who supports the local youth sports teams and community. It can be buying groceries from a vendor at your local farmer’s market who shares your values and perhaps is even a member of the Sierra Club. One of the greatest ways that you can serve a purpose is simply by being conscious of your consumption. Spend your votes to support products and people that result in a better world.

Edmond Wu has been volunteering for the past four years. He is an avid hiker, runner, and surfer who nerds out over renewable energy, conservation, and sustainability. He is a certified Outings Leader, a Co-Chair of our Outings Committee, and a member of our Executive Committee.