RESPONSIBLE PURCHASES + AlterSHOPPING local experience

Where and how to start with responsible shopping?

One of the first steps towards a more sustainable way of life was when I decided to make a more conscious, thoughtful and responsible purchases. Previously, when I was buying in conventional shops I have never wondered where the products come from, in what conditions they were produced and whether they are good for my health at all. And after completing purchases, more and more waste was collected in the waste bin at my home. Every purchase has its consequences! And when I started to realize this, I became increasingly aware of the choice about consumption of goods.

You can start here and now! Every day you can choose positive changes that will benefit you and your local environment. So, I want to share with you some simple tips on how to start buying more responsibly:

Do I really need this product/clothing? Before you make a purchase, you need to ask yourself the key question and answer it as honestly as you can. Do you really need these things you want to buy? Take a look inside what do you already own, and you will definitely find many other interesting products/clothing that can be reused, recycled or exchanged.
Make a plan! Before you decide to purchase new things, prepare a list of the products you really need. If you go into a shop without a purpose, it will surely happen that you will buy things that you do not need. Do not be fooled by marketing traps, be responsible consumer. Be aware that power is in your hands. What you buy, you give power to it.
Rent or exchange! You can borrow books in the library, a sewing machine from a freind and a bicycle repair tool from your neighbor. There are also more and more different exchanges, which are present in major cities across Slovenia. For example in Maribor every month, we prepare a youth clothing exchange - Cunjami, and you can read more about this on this link - https://zpm-mb.si/novice-dogodki/cunjami-misli-eko-izmenjaj-si-obleko/.
Recycle or reuse! Sometimes, a lot of things can still be found between a bunch of discarded objects, which can still be reused. Browse through the cabinets in the apartment or hidden corners in the surrounding area. The old service cups can become a new mini garden, a glass of jar a new candlestick and an old magazine can turn into wonderful new ornaments.
Buy items/clothes from second hand! Some people may find this advice a bit "dirty" because they should then use items/clothing, which have already been used many times by other people, and they find this disturbing. Let me tell you that even when you eat in restaurants from plates, that have been countless times used, you still eat from them and even in bars when you drink coffee, even these cups have been used countless times. And what about towels in hotels? You probably never thought of that, did you? Try to overcome the old thinking about items/clothes from the second hand shops, as they are not only cheaper, but also there is no forced labour included.
Buy less and more sustainable! Choose things whose quality and shape are lasting. Just like our grandma’s when they were buying things with the intention of staying at home for a long time. When choosing, they were also careful that products could be recycled, reused or processed after use. The products should therefore be made of natural materials (wood, iron, glass, paper, natural textile materials).
Choose local/homemade/ecological! There are many alternatives to conventional commerce on the market that offer products that are suitable for everyday use. Support local or social enterprises that produce items with a sustainable touch and support production that is more environmentally and people friendly. By purchasing from local manufacturers, we ensure that the profit remains at the local level and we also contribute to the quality of our lives and the lives of everyone else.
Choose products from Fair trade chains! When shopping new products, choose goods that are made according to the principles of Fair Trade. Such purchases ensure that all producers in the chain receive fair compensation for their work, that they have not been involved in forced or child labor, and that women are paid for their work in the same way as men. Coffee, cocoa and sugar are one of the most used raw materials exploited by conventional trade, so prefer to choose the fair ones when buying these raw materials.

»U.R.S.A. AlterSHOPPING LOCAL EXPERIENCE«

I made an AlterSHOPPING local walk with the thought about responsible shopping. With such purchases, we can support local businesses that are truly advocating sustainable development and doing things from their heart. In the local experience I will present you a more responsible and ethical side of the city of Maribor. I connected small local shops, social enterprises and art studios that try to offer something as much Slovenian as possible, local and authentic for both external visitors and local people. In the experience, visitors also have tastings. I kindly invite you to a three-day local experience, which will take place within the Rajzefiber FESTIVAL OF WALKS (26.3.2019 - 31.3.2019).

On Thursday, 28.3.2019, I will reveal to you LOCAL Designers who make sustainable and fashionable clothes in Maribor! You will get to know fashion designers who are producing ethical clothes, use natural materials and clothes made locally. Every garment is unique and has a wonderful story behind it. We start the walk at 3:00 pm with the starting point at the Rajzefiber Biro.

On Friday 29.3.2019 I will take you to LOCAL Shops. You will meet small hidden stores in the center of Maribor, which offer us many alternatives where you can buy organic, local and fair products. With such purchases, we support the local economy and help social enterprises, non-profit organizations and organic producers, who strive for the principles and vision of a more fair and environmentally friendly society. We start the walk at 3:00 pm with the starting point at the Rajzefiber Biro.

On Saturday, 30.3.2019, I will present you LOCAL Artists/Craftsmen/ Artisans, because creating with your own hands is a gift from God, and even better is when we share this gift with other people. You will meet local artists, craftsmen and artisans who are trying to preserve Slovenian culture and art by creating traditional and authentic products made in Maribor and its surroundings. We start the walk at 10:00 am with the starting point at the Rajzefiber Biro.

All the walks will last about an hour and a half. Of course, I have also adapted them to you - visitors, so that you can take a closer look at the products, ask for advice or ask any additional questions of interest. Maybe the artists, designers or shop owners will inspire you with some new ideas, just as they inspired me, while exploring alternatives, where I could buy responsibly in Maribor.