Transform the world from what we buy – Ateneo

Every choice we make as consumers has an impact. Choosing where what we buy, how it has taken place, who has done it and under what conditions, is a more powerful tool of social transformation than it seems. In this sense, the Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) offers real alternatives to exercise critical, conscious and committed consumption.

Many consumer cooperatives, cooperative supermarkets, agroecological consumption groups and fair sale platforms have arisen in Catalonia in response to an economic model based on the logic of the maximum benefit and exploitation of resources and people. These initiatives allow to establish a direct relationship between producers and consumers, foster transparency and support the local economy.

But conscious consumption is not just organic food or sustainable clothing. It is also choosing ethical banks, betting on green energy, hiring cooperative telecommunications services or participating in mutual support networks. All sums. And from the ESS, more and more options are generated to make this possible.

From the Circle of sustainability The Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat works to disseminate these alternatives, connect projects and offer tools for active and transformative citizenship. Because changing our habits can be the first step in changing everything.