Overcoming Overconsumption

Although our individual roles feel minuscule when compared to the pollution produced by large industries, the general lack of accountability among consumers is devastating the planet. We are living in a materialistic age in which people’s wants are infinite but our planet's resources are limited. As citizens choose to spend their additional income overconsuming, corporations’ supply sizes are re-calculated and manufactured to meet the current, rising level of demand. With this in consideration, the most effective way to influence large industries is through consumer habits. I am far from the first person to make this statement, but even with an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, heightened food insecurity and widespread threat of water scarcity, people are still splurging on nonessentials. If everyone on the planet purchased as much as the average American, we would need five Earths to sustain the global population (Overshoot).  Rather than simply stating the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, it is necessary to understand why those who struggle with shopping-related self control seek serenity inside of storefronts.  Here are some common reasons people choose “retail-therapy” and other routes for resolution. 

Even the commonly used term “retail-therapy” in itself creates a false sense that making impulse purchases will lighten the mood. However, considering you are an avid reader of One Green Thing, there are many reasons that a shopping spree would only leave you feeling worse about yourself. Many environmentalists feel a sense of guilt leaving the mall with many plastic bags for a variety of reasons--from the consideration that everything will eventually end up in a landfill to the lost funds that they could have instead invested in environmental efforts or education. This is not at all to shame those who get fully entranced in the perfectly designed shelves and racks of the latest micro trends; marketers of the modern age use manipulative tactics that are terrifyingly effective. Educating oneself by further researching the psychology that goes into sales prevents it from being as effective. 

If shopping is still your go to source for instant gratification despite your future being jeopardized and intelligence questioned in the process, it is an amazing idea to get out and explore other outlets. If you enjoy walking around a mall, imagine how much joy finally reaching the amazing view at the peak of a scenic hike would bring you. If you are more of a homebody yet still love nature, you could attempt drawing some scenic landscapes or animals from the comfort of your own home. There are countless things to find peace within and enjoy in this world that will not have a lasting negative impact on the environment. There are many activities that can supply that same feeling yet will leave a lasting positive impact instead. The instant gratification found in impulse purchases can be found tenfold through anything from donating to an environmental organization, writing a piece about nature’s value, or even calling your congressperson about policy change. 

The single most effective way to overcome overconsumption is by practicing gratitude. It sounds simple but with society screaming that we need more and more, it is incredibly easy to forget that “The things you own end up owning you.” -Chuck Palahniuk. Even with endless funds, no amount of material goods will fill any emotional void. Reflecting and even journaling on the things you are thankful for in life, loved ones, special places and unforgettable moments lets you reevaluate what truly matters and makes you happy. “It’s not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” -David Steindl-Rast.  

If you feel that none of this has been applicable to your life and that you are already a conscious consumer, there is still a role for you in this cause. Regardless of your standing with it, overconsumption is still a widespread issue. This problem only grows every time an influencer posts their latest haul worth hundreds of dollars or a major brand pushes a deceptive “sale”.  Many people are still oblivious to the harm caused by them purchasing the trendy key chain or water bottle of the month. Educating those around you to practice minimalism is essential to the environment’s health. If your friend asks which new jeans they should purchase, possibly suggest that you find or organize a clothing swap. Until everyone is united and utilizes the power that lies in numbers, companies will continue to produce and profit on items that are all too often made of unsustainable materials in unethical conditions. At the same time, do not let the importance of collaboration negate the value of individual action, instead, seize this opportunity to lead the change.