A Consumer Evolution — that consumers learn to expect info on which to base an informed, conscious choice  –  is at the very core of Elegant Roots. That’s why we designed “our 4Ws” to show on every product page Who made a product they are considering, Where, of What, and Why, beyond function and beauty, it is a worthy purchase. Because it is at our core we also extensively profile every artisan/designer/manufacturer. That makes it personal, which accords confidence, and, in turn, peace of mind.

All this is background for why we found so relevant the Alternative Consumer’s post about Ten Questions To Ask Before You Buy. http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2009/02/24/10-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy/#more-8478.

the Alternative Consumer has long been one of our daily reads — it is simply incomparable. And “it’s a lifestyle thing” that matches perfectly our lifestyle, or at least our ideal lifestyle. No one’s perfect, but we strive to improve. If we all tried to improve, the aggregate improvement might be astounding.

If we all simply asked ourselves the 10 questions recommended by the Alternative Consumer before buying, we would go a long way toward improving. And that dovetails with another core Elegant Roots value: Buy Less, But Buy Better. Your well placed purchasing dollars can bring joy to you and everyone along the line back to the artisan/designer who created it with care and pride. There’s a valuable connection between the maker and the user that the Internet can serve to make more direct with its unprecedented “long tail” of commerce. These are interesting times.