In recognition of World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday, March 15, and its theme, The Sustainable Consumer, the Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) has offered some tips to consumers.
The department, which falls under the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, is first reminding Barbadians that being a sustainable consumer involves examining all buying habits and purchases to determine if their own behaviours and practices are right for them, their family, community and country.
“Sustainable consumerism not only looks at the big picture, but also the smaller pixels that each make up that big picture,” an OPC official said.
According to the official, a sustainable customer is also someone who supports businesses that focus on protecting the environment; reducing carbon emissions and on recycling activities.
In so doing, the consumer is said to be contributing significantly to the sustainability of the business, the environment and the impact which their individual consumer spending power can have on the economy and the environment.
The OPC official further notes that a sustainable consumer always seeks to purchase well designed, durable, and environmentally friendly items, which have an extended use lifetime.
“Not only will buying these types of products save you money in the long run, but will also reduce the individual and collective impact your consumption activities have on waste creation and disposal,” he stressed.
The Office of the Public Counsel may be reached at 535-2756 or 535-2758 for further information on consumer behaviours and practices.