Why mindful buying matters: Choosing products with wisdom, not bias

On my evening walk in the vicinity of my residential area, I noticed a resident having his car battery changed by a mechanic in front of his house.

On approaching his house, he told me that the battery being replaced was an Indian-manufactured one, which was priced at a little over RM200. He told me this battery could last at least three years. 

My neighbour had a justified point when informing me about his choice of a particular brand. 

But I was taken aback when he told me I too should change to this battery brand when the one in my car was due for replacement, simply because it was an Indian product. 

I told him I have always bought products based on quality, price, functionality, customer reviews, brand reputation, safety and reviews before I made an informed decision. 

Unintentionally and without malice, my neighbour was playing the race card. He was surprised at my response.

I added that anyone who buys a product based on race and religion is myopic and continually moves backwards, and that this hinders real progress in life. I shared with him that the purchase of any product should be guided by diligence, wisdom and prudence. 

Nowadays, more consumers are considering a company’s environmental impact and ethical practices when deciding what to buy. This includes factors like the company’s carbon footprint, use of sustainable materials, fair labour practices and social responsibility initiatives. 

Some companies adhere to sustainability, such as using recycled materials or donating a portion of profits to environmental causes. Companies that observe these issues can attract customers who subscribe to these causes.

I too agree with these pertinent considerations when purchasing any product, as I believe in these ethical values.

A person’s race and religion should never be a factor when making purchasing decisions, save for food products.

Virtuous promotion highlights fair-mindedness and respect for all consumers. 

Anyone who believes in buying a product based on race or religion perpetuates and promotes harmful discrimination. 

Purchasing any product should begin with identifying needs based on pragmatism without any racial and religious considerations. 

The only time when race and religion come into play is when religious practices are mandatory, especially for food products. If observance of religious tenets is not an issue, pragmatism should be the order of the day. 

Only then will people become rational and enlightened consumers.

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