The Purposeful Purchase
The Purposeful Purchase
“2020 was the year the World would rather forget.”
Amid so much loss and uncertainty it is sometimes difficult to find a positive; but if you look within your ‘community’ there is a change evolving – and it’s a good one…
To make the above declaration at full voice at your local café/bar/restaurant, with their current restricted patronage and suitably socially distanced table placements, would no doubt result in knowing nods and murmurs of agreement dispersing the echoes of the largely empty space.
The collective feeling of ‘how will my actions make any difference’ is a common one. One that has traversed the same journey as the pandemic that has gripped our world.
First and foremost was health – we were all furiously washing our hands to the tune of any nursery rhyme, poem or song that afforded us the required 20 seconds of one-on-one time with soap and water. A small act we all were happy to adopt to safeguard those we love against this deadly virus.
Then news of devastating economic repercussions began to trickle in as some overseas countries were virtually shut down in a desperate bid to halt the spread of the virus. Panic buying of essentials emerged in some countries; Australians remained cautiously aware but comfortable, and dare we say quietly confident, on this splendid island we call home.
Then our borders began to close, and panic buying hit our shores. We were grounded and sensible folk, how is it that we too were feeling compelled to panic purchase.
Our livelihoods became uncertain, those lucky enough to retain employment faced many changes. Working from home became the norm, and our shopping moved online, all efforts in our quest to keep business rolling along as best we could.
For some the changes were few, like our farmers for whom working alone and isolated is normal. Still, the benchmark of modern life in Australia had shifted.
A growing awareness of others forced us to seek new ways to feel connected to our families, friends, and communities. We became more conscious of where our food comes from, the clothes we wear and the products we buy. Neighbours reached out to help each other and entire communities worked together to protect those at risk.
Our philanthropic consciousness has been awoken and sits poised to become the foundation of our future as our focus shifts to the common good of our communities and protecting our quality of life. Australians now more than ever are generous and benevolent, showing compassion towards those in need. Our mindset has been forever shifted; our decisions more conscious than ever before.
We find ourselves consciously seeking out businesses who recognise the importance of giving back, those who partner with charitable causes as a demonstration of their understanding of social responsibility. Just as their actions as a business matters, so too do ours as customers.
Our quest for the purposeful purchase has begun. We’re supporting local producers and checking product labels, fuelled by a desire to support our own. We are shunning our old throw-away lifestyles and looking to make quality, meaningful purchases. Less wasted time and money – more quality time and purposeful spending.
Where once our apparel was emblazoned with our favourite sporting team or band, it is now just as likely to bear the logo or catchphrase of a charity or project we hold close to our hearts. Meaningful merchandise – helping those in need; allowing us to proudly flex our philanthropic muscles and support our communities from the safety of our lounge room. From keyrings to bottle openers, caps to clothing, the choices are as varied as the charities they support.
As businesses slowly go back to normal and our lives once again allow for social interaction (albeit with a newfound respect for personal boundaries), we’re likely to be more thoughtful in how we spend our time and money, preferring to savour that which is most meaningful to us.
It is in giving to others that we receive something far greater…our purpose (and some great looking merchandise…)