We’ve been sold the idea that we need to buy more to achieve success, happiness, and wellness. Trying to become the best version of ourselves has become a commodified experience in our current system. Yet, our high rates of consumption have negative environmental and ethical implications. If we want to create an equitable and livable future we need actionable ways to reduce overconsumption.
The overconsumption problem.
Simply put, overconsumption happens when we use things in excess. Typically, that means overusing our planet’s resources. We do so either by overextending limited resources or not giving renewable resources the time to replenish themselves.
Using resources beyond our means puts a large strain on the environment and is widely unsustainable. That can be seen in the form of pollution, resource scarcity problems, and climate change issues. Overall, the environmental costs of our lifestyles can be grave and we’re seeing the consequences of our actions in real time.
How would reducing overconsumption help the environment?
Despite overconsumption being built into our lives, finding ways to reduce overconsumption can have large positive effects. If we stop consuming to such a high degree, the demand for materials to create those goods will go down too. If we don’t need as many raw materials, we won’t need to use or extract as many resources. This will then decrease emissions, water use, land use, waste generation, and so on.
Unsurprisingly, we’ll reduce the negative by-products of our overconsumption as we reduce overconsumption. Addressing exorbitant consumerism will lower our environmental footprint and, in time, have sweeping positive effects as opposed to if we continue to ramp up consumption.
Lowering overconsumption isn’t the end-all-be-all solution to our climate problems and overuse of resources, but it’s an important part of the equation. That may seem daunting though, especially given the idea that addressing overconsumption means doing without. This doesn’t have to be the reality though! We don’t need to maintain scarcity mindsets, but individual action does matter! So, let’s talk about 10 simple ways you can reduce overconsumption.
Simple ways to reduce overconsumption:
Becoming a mindful consumer is key to start reducing overconsumption. Though a simple answer to overconsumption is to just consume less, that isn’t always practical so here are simple and realistic ways you can reduce your overconsumption on an individual level.
Shop locally
Shopping locally is a great way to not only support your community but also cut down on resources. Shopping locally reduces the environmental costs of transportation and packaging. So, shop locally to help the environment and your community thrive!
Support sustainable brands
When you can’t shop locally, choose to support sustainable brands. More often than not these brands use resources more efficiently and also support sustainability initiatives. Plus, these items are better quality than non-ethical products because they’re made slowly and designed to last longer.
Avoid single-use products
Environmentally speaking, it’s better to invest in reusable products because the resources used to make that product are used for longer than single-use products. I recommend taking inventory of the products you use and then finding reusable replacements as needed. Use too many disposable water bottles? Invest in a water filter and upcycle jars or get a reusable water bottle. Use disposable coffee filters? Invest in a French press. You get the picture!
Buy better
Buying less by buying better reduces consumption of resources and generates less waste. Research the things you’re buying, buy things with the intention of keeping them forever, and don’t fall for cheap prices and impulse buying. If you have the intention of buying better quality items they’ll be in your life for longer and therefore be a more efficient use of resources.
Eat more meatless meals
Animal agriculture and the fishing industry both have large impacts on the planet. Eating plant-based meals is, therefore, the most sustainable way to eat. Plants require less land and water than animal products and produce less pollution to cultivate! So, eating more meatless meals will reduce your overconsumption of the resources involved in agricultural practices. Start slow when incorporating more plant foods to help this habit become manageable long term.
Meal plan and compost food scraps
Making a meal plan is the best way to make sure you’re not overbuying food. Plus, it also helps safeguard against food waste which is a huge resource strain. In tandem, being mindful of consuming all of the food we bring into our homes fights overconsumption and lessens the burden of food waste and food scarcity.
Wash your dishes more efficiently
We have limited fresh water, so it’s critical we find ways to use this resource more mindfully. One way is when washing dishes. If you hand wash your dishes, I suggest filling your sink with a little bit of water that you’ll use to wash all of your dishes. Once washed, quickly rinse everything off to keep things more efficient and avoid overconsumption of water. If you have a dishwasher you can save even more water, but there are still ways to be more water efficient which I’ve outlined at the end of this post.
Upcycle your old clothes
The fashion industry has a huge environmental impact and fashion is something hard for many to not overconsume. Along with investing in quality pieces designed to last, you can also upcycle your old clothes to reduce this type of overconsumption. You can do this in a variety of ways and I have some ideas outlined here, but taking time to upcycle clothes creates a greater appreciation for these items and lets the resources get used for longer.
Ditch a lawn in favor of a native garden
If you have a yard, creating a native garden helps use less resources. Native plants use less water, attract more pollinators, and bring more biodiversity into the area. These are all net positives for the environment and reduce overconsumption of resources, so this is an easy choice to make if you are able and want a creative way to reduce overconsumption!
Stay mindful
Mindfulness may be one of the most important ways we can reduce overconsumption! If you stay mindful and designate a purpose for everything in your life, you’ll want for less and remove yourself from the endless cycle of desire we’ve put ourselves in. Creating a healthy relationship with the stuff you have removes the unhealthy obsession with “keeping up” and gives you the freedom to foster self-development productively.
Trying to reduce overconsumption can seem intimidating, but we can all be part of the solution!
Overconsumption isn’t a straight-forward problem, but it’s an easy one to address and find solutions for. Think about ways you can be a more sustainable consumer and try and implement them! We don’t need to be perfect, but trying to do our part and striving to be the good you want to see in the world is all we need to see positive change.