With the consequences of climate crises, wars and the recent pandemic, there has been an accelerated change in consumer habits around the world. Faced with situations that are often unforeseen as a result of these variables, people have seen the need to adjust their spending to adapt to new realities and even prepare for events like these that arrive unexpectedly.

Responsible consumption has become part of people's everyday thinking. Not surprisingly, EY's global Future Consumer Index (FCI) study revealed that more than eight out of ten respondents consider their finances to be a concern, and just over half (52%) don't know if they will be able to meet their household expenses, causing them to cut back on the consumption of non-essential items.

But what is conscious consumption and how can we incorporate more sustainable and responsible habits into our routine?

What is conscious consumption?

Although it's not a new idea, responsible consumption is gaining more and more traction. It is nothing less than a practice of using natural resources and materials in a more conscious and sustainable way, taking into account the social, environmental and economic impacts that are generated throughout the life cycle of products and services.

How important is sustainable consumption?

Conscious consumption is a way of rethinking purchasing and usage habits in order to preserve the environment and help create a fairer, more balanced society around the world. For this reason, it is the responsibility not only of the individual, but also of the collective, involving companies and governments. There are many benefits to adopting more sustainable consumption practices.

Financial economics

Reducing costs in the short and long term by choosing sustainable and more durable products, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Services that rely on renewable energy are also a great way to save money on monthly bills;

Reducing environmental impacts

By reducing the amount of natural resources used in the production of goods and services, as well as the amount of waste generated, we contribute to preserving the environment and reducing the impact of climate change. A good example of this is the use of recyclable products, circularity and the production of items using raw materials with a short decomposition phase;

A more aware society

By choosing more sustainable products from companies that value human rights and decent working conditions, consumers are helping to promote a more dignified and balanced society.

Tips on how to practice conscious consumption

Although it's everyone's responsibility and not just an individual's, valuable day-to-day tips can help you practice sustainable consumption:

• Avoid wasting food: consuming food consciously not only helps to reduce the environmental impact, but also the financial one. Do this by:
  • storing food correctly, both inside and outside the fridge. This extends shelf life and prevents unnecessary loss;
  • using leftover food to make new recipes, such as soups, salads, sandwiches and other preparations;
  • choosing local and seasonal products, as they are in greater supply and fresher. This avoids wasting food produced in other regions that has had to be transported long distances.
     
• Put together a shopping plan: it's important to always keep in mind what is a priority and a real need, rather than just a momentary desire. It's important to choose items that are of good quality and durability, that you know the origin of, that have certifications and that have factors that influence their production chain. For example, if they come from companies with good practices;
   
• Reuse when possible: in addition to reducing the environmental impact of producing and disposing of materials, reuse helps to reduce the waste of natural resources. To do this, it's best to follow a few strategies:
  • use glass, plastic and cardboard packaging;
  • making repairs such as sewing clothes and repairing electronic devices;
  • donate whatever is in good condition;
  • shopping for clothes, shoes, bags and even household items in thrift stores;

Energy companies and the responsibility of responsible consumption

The impacts of climate change are already a reality for the world's population and can be seen in the intensity of weather events, rising sea levels and agricultural losses.

In order to reduce these impacts, more and more changes are being made to consumption patterns and energy companies around the world are taking an active role. Whether through educational and energy efficiency actions, or through other initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat the risks of climate change, such as: investment in a clean energy matrix with a higher percentage of renewable sources, sustainable use of natural resources, development of biodiversity programs, pollution prevention and proper management of the waste generated.

Conscious use of electricity

The use of electricity provides comfort and convenience and using it consciously is good for the environment, your pocket and everyone's safety.  But how can we do this? Here are some tips:

• Replace halogen and fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. The initial cost will be offset by the energy savings;
• Take good care of your fridge: don't open the door all the time, don't line the shelves and don't store hot food;
• When using the iron, gather as many clothes as possible to iron them all at once;
• In the electric shower, avoid long showers and turn off the tap while soaping up;
• When you turn on the air conditioning, keep the windows and doors closed;
• Don't sleep with the TV on, use the "timer" programming feature and automatically program the device to turn off;
• Unplug your computer when you are not using it;
• Choose washing machines with a Procel Seal or an Inmetro A rating.
    

For more tips, follow the Neoenergia booklet: Selo Procel: O que é, para que serve e quais as vantagens?

How to calculate the energy bill

The energy tariff that makes up the electricity bill represents the price of energy charged per consumer unit (R$/kWh). Tariffs are set by ANEEL - the National Electricity Agency - which acts in accordance with the laws and concession contracts established with distribution companies in different regions of the country, applying taxes to the bill, listed at the end of the bill in the "Tax Information" field, under ICMS, PIS and COFINS.

Every month your home's energy meter is read to find out how much you consume in kWh. Monthly consumption is calculated as the difference between the current month's reading and the previous month's reading. The consumption for the month is listed in the "Consumption Statement for this Invoice" field on your energy bill.

But how is the amount charged on the monthly energy bill calculated?

Tariff flags

Tariff flags on electricity bills can signal periods of low rainfall, or when reservoir levels are lower than expected and other sources of energy need to be activated. Each month, they indicate whether energy will cost more or less due to the use of more expensive thermoelectric plants.

Divided into three colors, they signal when more effort should be put into saving energy in order to also save on the month's electricity bill.

Vale Luz: Neoenergia customers

The Vale Luz Project, which is part of the Energy Efficiency Program of Neoenergia's distributors - Neoenergia Coelba (BA), Neoenergia Pernambuco (PE) and Neoenergia Cosern (RN) - regulated by ANEEL, provides for the exchange of recyclable waste for a discount on the energy bill, promoting energy efficiency through the reprocessing of the waste collected. Vale Luz takes place in some of the towns in the concession area of these companies. Information on the cities and service points is available on the company's website.
 

Learn more:

• Tips for buying home appliance: air-conditioner
• Tips for buying household appliances: refrigerator
• Tips for buying household appliances: electric shower