Consumerism – The Cost of More
Consumerism is a modern society feature, described by goods and services focused on matching desires and wants, overstepping the needs and producing more than required. While this does drive economic growth and leads to masses of new innovations, the production and culture of over consumption leads to severe consequences for society.
How it works
Consumerism is present in every aspect of our customer life, from technology to even food.
Imagine this – you are scrolling on your phone and see the advert for a brand-new phone that has just come out. Your phone works perfectly fine and is not even that outdated, but the social desire to buy the new phone is present. The advertisement frames the new phone to be stylish, new, and emotionally content. It exploits the need to fit in with social trends, as you further see celebrities and influencers purchasing and displaying their new phones. You want to be like them…This is consumer culture, creating desires and wants to purchase things you do not really need
Its effects on you
With the rise of social media and influencers, consumerism has been breaking records. Brand reviews, hauls, get ready with me… you name it, all these posts have advertising of products that make them seem desirable, something that you need to be happy and fulfilled, to be like those influencers. Of course, happiness is important but what about the money you spend on those products, where is the guarantee you will end up using that cute clay cup? Or that fancy coffee machine that is probably collecting dust on the shelves.
Some psychologists and other social scientists have also argued that psychological-behavioural consumerism is a product of the psychological manipulation of consumers through sophisticated corporate advertising and marketing campaigns1
Its effects on environment
As the wants grow, production must increase and meet the demands of the customers. Manufacturing produces vast greenhouse gases that generate climate change, endangering the atmosphere and wildlife.
A 2015 study found that the production and use of household goods and services was responsible for 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.2
+ years and that is just one piece of material. 3
This is a growing concern for the environment as it contributes to textile waste, with many materials being non-biodegradable and resulting to microplastic pollution.
What can YOU DO?
Minimalism! The phrase “less is more’ should become a life motto. Minimalism is practice of eliminating the consumer urge to buy everything, it is about focusing on what really matters and is needed. This will not just declutter your homes but also will save money and mental health, as you would start finding happiness outside of material possession.
Start small, whenever purchasing something question its use, do you really need this glass plate when you have so many at home? How long would you wear this fur coat, is it only durable for one season?
Conscious consumerism. Purchase ethically sourced materials and products. Now, I am not advertising those very expensive products but more of those that are readily available but environmentally friendly. For example, cotton clothes are better replacement for polyester as it decomposes within few weeks. Or like purchasing glass Tupperware, that lasts longer than plastic and would save your body from microplastic.
3 R’s – reuse, reduce, recycle. Support companies that take up used items and create new ones. Many clothing companies like Levi Strauss that creates jeans from 100% recycled material or Vetta that fully function their production on solar powered batteries.4
In a world that tells us to buy more, remember the real wealth lies in knowing when enough is enough.
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