Conscious Consuming seeks to increase awareness of the impact of buying decisions on our health, happiness, and environment. Through education and discussion we encourage people to live in line with their values by better prioritizing time, money, and material things.

Most of the products and services we use in industrialized societies today are disposable, hazardous, and often, unnecessary. Yet our capitalist economy depends on our consumption of such products and services, and we are told that it's un-American to question our role in this arrangement.

Conscious Consumers dare to question; a whole host of variables might go into our decision-making, but the important thing is that we do that thinking.

Before We buy, we wonder:
Is this item in line with my values?
Does this product or service support my vision for a sustainable, equitable society?
Is there another product of service that is better aligned with my values?

Conscious Consuming holds events in the Boston Metropolitan Area that are open to and attended by members of the general public interested in learning more about and discussing issues surrounding time, money, consumption and the environment. 

Our signature event is Gift It Up! - Boston's Alternative Gift Fair.

We also serve as a web resource for others looking to spread the message of Conscious Consuming and have advised people from other states and countries.

In 2002 a small group of committed individuals came together to host Gift It Up! - Boston's First Alternative Gift Fair.  This was an effort to reduce needless holiday consumption and replace it with giving to small nonprofits.  It was an instant success and planning for the following year began shortly after the first event.

As Gift It Up! began to grow, a desire to hold other events and be involved year around gave birth to Conscious Consuming.  Although planning for Gift It Up! involves many months, other events began to be held in 2004. 

Conscious Consuming now holds potlucks with speakers and authors, TV Turnoff Week Shows, Take Back Your Time Day events and of course; Gift It Up! which is approaching it's fifth year.