• On 31 October we celebrated the World Savings Day which is an excellent opportunity to emphasise responsible consumer choices, which can play a key role in shaping economic governance.
• Sustainable consumption will also be the leading theme of the Polish Presidency of the International Consumer Protection Network (ICPEN) in 2023 – 2024.

In a few months’ time, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection will act as the host of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network. Poland will take over the ICPEN Presidency for a year from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Among the themes of leading conferences and accompanying events, we will focus on the essence and shaping of balanced, responsible consumer choices.

- We want to draw attention to the importance and role of consumers. Our sustainable and responsible choices can play a key role in shaping new consumption patterns and, consequently, entrepreneurial attitudes and economic governance. The ICPEN Presidency, under the slogan of responsible consumer choices, assumes the involvement of a wide range of experts in developing the concept of responsible consumption and looking for tools to implement it – says Tomasz Chróstny, President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.

Everything we consume affects us – our health, the surrounding environment or the household budget. Sustainable purchases don’t start when you put your items into the cart. Products from store or virtual shelves already have a past, which includes design, production, packaging and transport. It is therefore important what materials were used, how much energy and water were consumed to produce it, what were the conditions at the factory. The products also have a future – the use and disposal phase. As consumers, we decide what our purchases will be, how much we’ll buy and what will happen to the things we bought.

- Consumers are currently faced with countless purchase offers and it is very important to support them in making responsible decisions. These decisions should take account not only of environmental but also financial issues, especially in the case of durable goods that can serve us for years. It is therefore important that we consume wisely, avoiding the ever faster changes in trends or excessive or impulse purchases. It is also important that in our shopping choices, we appreciate local entrepreneurs who operate in a sustainable and responsible manner. Increasing consumer awareness, their knowledge of sustainable development issues will imply increasing expectations towards entrepreneurs regarding responsibility for the products and services offered,” says Tomasz Chróstny, President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.

UOKiK has prepared tips and guidelines on what to pay attention to when making daily consumer choices.

WAYS OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY IN SHOPPING

1. Check products to select healthier and cheaper options

• What is your food composed of? Check the composition of the food, the type of processing and the use-by-date
• Can you choose a cheaper option? Compare prices and convert them into price per litre or kilogram
• Which producer offers better guarantee terms and conditions household appliances? Check the warranty card or ask the vendor; the longer the guarantee the greater the chance for longer use and availability of parts for repairing the device
• Where was an item produced? A farm or factory in your region, or perhaps one at the other end of Europe or even beyond
• What is the product made of and what is it packed in? Check the materials
• What is the power or water usage of individual appliances? Check the energy labels
• Does the product meet environmental and social standards? Check the certificates
• Can you get a product second hand? Check portals and sales groups, consignment stores, second hand shops, charity stores
• Can products be given a second life? Check if you can reuse the product or its packaging or if someone else could use them

2. Make informed decisions – you have a choice

• An unending wave of returns of products because the store has a free-of-charge return policy? Remember that transportation is expensive and burdensome for the environment
• Buying without a real need, on impulse, because of a discount or sale? Ask yourself whether you actually need the product or if don’t have a similar already
• Replacing damaged devices with new ones? It’s good to first check whether they can be repaired
• Lower quality product at a lower price or higher price for higher quality or better warranty conditions? Lower prices don’t always translate into savings, you should take note of durability and functionality of the product and if it’s possible to repair it, including under warranty
• Unneeded or purchases or buying on credit? Take some time to think whether this is really a good moment to spend money, you don’t have more important needs, or if it would be better to save that money or use it to repay outstanding debts Remember, consumer credit is an expensive service, especially if there are problems in its repayment. A loan for the purchase of goods that may be unnecessary is not a good idea.

3. Instead of buying – rent

The sharing economy contributes to more control over sustainable purchases. It leads to less goods being produced – natural resources are used more effectively, the amount of waste is reduced, the environment and the local community are benefiting.

What to do instead of shopping? For example, renting, sharing resources or space.

4. Instead of throwing away - give away

Food that you do not need can be donated at the local food bank or given to the neighbours. You will reduce the problem of food waste and waste generation and help others save money.

Do the same with other products. It will always be a better choice to hand them over for further use, rather than throwing them out. 

5. Plan your purchases

Buying without a plan - you’re prone to overpaying because you buy too much and for too much. There are many mobile applications to help you order your shopping. Shopping lists allow you not only to limit the amount of products in your basket, but also to plan your meals. In the case of more expensive products, in particular household appliances, it is worth comparing offers between shops, including online, for example by using price comparison apps.

When we don’t plan expenditures, we are much more susceptible to vendor suggestions and manipulation, which may prove very detrimental. It is worth figure out in advance what and how much we really need, and in the case of durable goods, to further define the necessary functionalities. Remember that the more technologically complex a given device, the more we have to pay for it, and the more difficult it will be to repair in the event of a failure.

In summary

Did you know that every person living in Poland generates an average of 360 kg of waste every year? Segregation of waste is mandatory in Poland. Today, most garbage goes into the mixed waste basket, and only 38% is segregated and not always correctly. Ultimately, only 27% of waste is recycled. This is a result we all have influence over. It’s worth to realize that garbage is a resource which can be reused. If you have doubts about how to segregate waste, visit: naszesmieci.mos.gov.pl

One special category of garbage is electro-waste. Broken electrical equipment shouldn’t be thrown in with regular trash. The best solution is to return the broken device at the store, when buying a new one. The entrepreneur is required to accept broken down devices of the same type as purchased ones free of charge.

Sustainable practices across Europe

To become the first climate neutral continent – is what Europe has set itself towards and wants to achieve by 2050 with the help of the European Green Deal. The European Consumer Centre has prepared a summary of sustainable practices across Europe, which showcase innovative approaches to the subject of environmental protection and sustainable development.

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Consumer Ombudsmen – in your town or powiat
Voivodship Inspectorates of the Trade Inspection Authority

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