Dayana Brooke, is the Founder and Director of The Sustainable Traveller and Positive Environment. Here she shares her tips on how you can get started and buy sustainable.
What year and how old where you when you began your journey as a conscious consumer?
I have always had a level of awareness of the things I was buying from an early age.
When I was a teen, I would buy clothes from my local thrift stores, ride my bike, bring a bag to the shops, borrow books from the library and also upcycle used clothes into new items to wear.
There are a few moments in my life when my level of awareness dramatically shifted and the first was around, 2001, age 22, when I realised that I didn’t have to consume meat anymore and I became vegetarian, literally overnight. This has since lead to me being vegan and living a plant-based lifestyle that I share with my children.
The second moment was when I had my first child at 32 and I realised how much “stuff” you’re expected to buy when you have a baby and how little gets used before they grow out of it. Consequently, I became much more conscious of reducing my waste, plastic use and finding more natural organic products as well.
What prompted/awakened you to do so?
From an early age, I was aware of the growing impact humans were having on the environment, oceans and deforestation, but also on animal welfare, extinction and farming practices.
As a child, I couldn't understand why we weren’t protecting the environment and animals and I wanted to help and be just like Dian Fossey, in the movie Gorillas in the Mist.
Do you remember the first product your bought consciously and the process leading up to you deciding to buy it?
It’s been a gradual process over the years, and I don’t recall any first product. However, I can share some products that were purchased consciously over the years, such as a Keep Cup, a stainless-steel water bottle and food containers, cloth nappies, Boody undergarments, post-consumer paper products, plant-based protein and fitness clothes for yoga and running.
What is your research process before making a purchase?
The process usually starts with a search on what is “eco” or “sustainable” and locally made where possible. Other keywords I use are “organic” and “vegan” depending on the product or service I’m looking for.
I then review the website, check out social media links and I like to read the “About Us” page to better understand the purpose and to feel if I can help them achieve their mission with my purchase.
I can now instantly gauge if a product is genuine, not mass produced and it can benefit myself and others.
Is it empowering for you to know that you buy from a business that supports a social cause?
Yes, it is, because consciously buying a product or service, that can have a positive impact on someone’s life is 100 per cent aligned with my own values and beliefs.
Has your behaviour trickled down to anyone in your family or circle of friends? If so, how did this happen?
Yes, most definitely! I’m often told by friends and colleagues that I’ve inspired them to reduce paper and plastic, try a plant-based meal, or even buy an eco-friendly product I’ve recommended.
I believe this happened by me living a life that represents my true self, by being open with what I do, eat and consume, and of course sharing with others.
Share with us three social businesses that you love and why.
Flora and Fauna - www.floraandfauna.com.au
I’ve watched this company grow and I love supporting a local business. All their products are vegan and cruelty free which makes it super easy to buy, plus they use no plastic in their packaging, and you can recycle products with them as well.
Eco Intimates - https://ecointimates.com.au/pages/ethics
I don’t purchase many clothes, but I have purchased from Eco Intimates in the past and I do like the story behind this brand and how they empower women of all ages, shapes and sizes inclusively.
They have a clear message that your purchase supports their mission to create ethical production, manufacturing and practices.
Where Pigs Fly Sanctuary - https://www.wherepigsfly.org/
This is an animal sanctuary that is located an hour north of Sydney, and is home for once farmed animals that were abused, neglected or experienced cruelty.
I’ve loved supporting this sanctuary with donations, purchased merchandise (t-shirts and coffee cups) and attended various open days with paid admission that helps with their fundraising.
Dayana Brooke, is the Founder and Director of The Sustainable Traveller and Positive Environment. You can contact her below: