While it is clear overconsuming earth’s resources is causing detrimental effects, such as climate change, many do not understand why this consumption has increased in recent decades. While many components take place in the bigger picture of climate change as a whole, overconsumption is directly caused by the growing increase in consumerism. Defined economically by Investopedia, consumerism is the idea that “a person’s well-being and happiness depend fundamentally on obtaining consumer goods and material possessions.” Those companies providing these goods and possessions gain a profit, creating a seemingly beneficial back and forth relationship between the two factors. However, one fact still stands. We, the consumers, do not need this surplus of materials. This raises the questions: How did consumerism reach such a height in western society, and, how can we step back from this endless cycle of unnecessary buying?
The 1940’s-1970’s have been labeled as The Consumer Era. This is where the boom in American consumerism first started, and since these decades major companies and corporations have been able to continue the idea that buying more and more goods will give you a better appearance, keep you happy, and is good for the economy. Let’s not beat around the bush, Americans love consumerism because it makes you look rich and popular. The status and praise that individuals receive for, quite simply, owning more than what is needed is what fuels the love of consumerism.
After addressing the issue’s place in our society, it becomes easier to create solutions to this growing problem. While there are countless steps that can be taken, such as relying less on social media and the internet to purchase goods or being conscious or how long each purchase will last, the first step is America admitting there is a problem. However, given the capitalistic nature of the country, this is a hard step to take. As a result, environmentalists and conservationists have taken it upon themselves to try and bring light to this issue.
Overall, consumerism is the most direct and identifiable cause for society’s obsession of overconsuming resources. Whether it be exploiting the necessities like food and clothing or the overreliance on single use goods, this problem will continue to grow and cause inevitable environmental issues. As America is the biggest contributor to this problem, the country must find better ways to fulfill self-desires that do not include unnecessary spending, caused by consumerism.
I think that this blog post was really well laid out, and I think your choice of topic could appeal to all audiences because I feel like 99% of the population takes part in consumerism. I feel like I’ve definitely seen this the most whenever I’m on TikTok. Specifically, the way that various trends will come out with a whole new set of products to purchase. Like, the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” was probably the worst one I’ve seen because what does clean girl even mean? It’s also concerning just how much people glorify celebrities and will shop exactly what a celebrity is wearing just because that celebrity is wearing it. Platform Uggs got pretty famous simply because I saw so many posts and videos of Bella Hadid wearing them. And as soon as these trends end of die down, people have 20 clothing items or makeup products that are just sitting around going unused because it’s not “in” anymore. Thank you so much for bringing this issue to light because it’s a huge societal problem, especially in the United States.