Emma McInnes (far right) with fellow members of, youth activist group, Generation Zero. From left: Lauren Blackwell, Ryan Mearns, Niko Elsen, and Cameron Stirling. Photo / Ted Baghurst
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• The rise of the conscious consumer
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KIM RENSHAW
GENERATION X
Kim Renshaw is the brains behind the Gourmet Night Markets at Coronation Park in Mt Maunganui. These zero-waste markets run every Friday evening throughout summer.
Element: What differences do you think your purchasing choices make to the world?
KR: Your voice of consumption is powerful! Driving spend into sustainable industries (like the Gourmet Night Market's commitment to compostable packaging) means economies of scale can make pricing affordable for consumers.
E: How do you track down the most eco and socially friendly businesses and products?
KR: Research, research and more research via the Internet and in person. For the Gourmet Night Market we have a whole set of criteria which drives our decision making process when buying products or services.
E: What are your favourite products representing those attributes?
KR: Closed loop circular products like sugarcane compostable packaging, compostable coffee cups with PLA lining instead of PET plastic, fair trade coffee, locally grown organic seasonal produce.
E: Which companies do you admire for being responsible?
KR: ecostore for their holistic approach to sustainability. I buy their products because of that. I admire both Splore and Sundaise festivals for pushing the boundaries of what sustainability can be at multi-day festivals.
E: Do you think consumers have more power than they realise?
KR: Consumers are just starting to realise their power. By steering our spending toward responsible companies we are taking a stand, saying "I support you, I give you my dollar because I know you will use it wisely."
AMELIA REYNOLDS
GENERATION Y
Photo / Ted Baghurst
Amelia Reynolds is the new online editor at Element magazine.
Element: What differences do you think your purchasing choices make to the world?
AR: Sometimes I really don't know. But, I think, it's more about encouraging other people to also adopt sustainable behaviour and the best way to do that is to do it yourself.
E: How do you track down the most eco and socially friendly businesses and products?
AR: Through reading articles and walking. My favourite places to shop are local businesses where you can see the sewing machines or chat to the crafter behind the counter. I look for accreditation and transparency.
E: What are your favourite products representing those attributes?
AR: New Zealand designer Kowtow - she makes beautiful 100 per cent fair trade cotton clothing. And the Amsterdam-based Fairphone - I want one!
E: Which companies do you admire for being responsible?
AR: Les Mills, Walmart and other big brands who recognise their power over consumer habits.
E: Do you think consumers have more power than they realise?
AR: Yes. I think people's actions can have a huge influence over the way other people think about ethical consumerism. One step at a time.
EMMA MCINNES
GENERATION Z
Photo / Ted Baghurst
Emma McInnes is part of the youth activist group Generation Zero calling for swift action on climate change.
Element: What differences do you think your purchasing choices make to the world?
EM: The products I buy do directly influence the people around me. It does help to purchase responsibly, as this will have good flow-on effects to those around you.
E: How do you track down the most eco and socially friendly businesses and products?
EM: For me, social media has been key for finding eco and socially friendly businesses - my friends are always sharing content through Facebook. Also I use the Conscious Consumers app.
E: What are your favourite products representing those attributes?
EM: Karma Cola, Gingerella, Mushama & Me - not only are Sharn's raincoats recycled, they're also made for people who like riding bikes.
E: Which companies do you admire for being responsible?
A: My local favourites are All Good Organics, The Pallet Kingdom, Rekindle, ecostore, Ooooby, Sew Love Tea Do, Blend Café, Yealands, Kowtow and Little Lot to name a few...
E: Do you think consumers have more power than they realise?
EM: The fact that so many brands are making an effort to be or appear ethical is due to consumer demand. Consumers trusting in your brand is key.
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