Everyone on this planet is a consumer. We use our environment’s resources to live but now it’s commonplace, and often encouraged, to live in excess. Thanks to industrialization, we’re way passed the point of using resources just to survive. Instead, we’ve been led down an extremely wasteful path. With the climate crisis only becoming more dire, it’s time we dive in and discuss the root of the issue – overconsumption.
What is overconsumption?
The idea of overconsuming is simple and essentially is when too much of something is used. When talking about the environment, overconsumption can be defined as using resources that cannot be replenished or are unable to withstand the rate they’re being used. In other words, overconsumption is the unsustainable use of resources, goods, and services that our planet provides.
There are two basic categories a resource can fall into, non-renewable and renewable. As the names suggest these are resources that either have a finite amount, think coal or natural gas, or are resources that can be replenished after use, like food and solar energy. When a nonrenewable resource is used up in an area it’s likely gone forever. However, renewable resources can also be used up if we don’t sustain them properly.
The environment pays the price for our overconsumption.
Our linear system of consumerism exploits natural resources. In fact, one-third of the natural resources available to us have been already used up. Yet, 99% of the materials inputted into our system are still trashed within 6 months! These habits put enormous strain on the environment and are responsible for many of our planet’s problems.
Our environment’s natural systems are unable to cope with the excessive use of its resources. The things we buy and the activities we partake in contribute to emissions, waste, and exploitation. This then leads to environmental degradation or, in serious cases, environmental collapse. The higher the consumption, the higher the environmental costs associated with our lifestyles.
It’s hard to realize the amount of stress our consumption habits put on the environment. There are externalized costs from industry that we don’t even see! Prices are kept low because the true cost can’t be captured in the price tag. The prices of goods would be a lot different if we didn’t outsource the exploitation of resources and labor.
Due to the inevitable harmful effects of overconsumption on us and our planet, we must examine our consumerist habits! The bottom line is you can’t have a linear system using finite resources indefinitely. Our habits of overconsumption are driving climate change.
But we’re told to consume, how can it be bad?
A huge part of modern society involves the consumption of goods. Consumer culture is thriving. We’re told that consuming is critical for the economy, and buying more is our civic duty. We’re taught that our worth is measured through consumption.
It’s hard not to get caught up in it when we’re taught that not only will things bring us contentment but also likeability, connectedness, and engagement. We’re constantly bombarded with advertisements and trends to get us to want to buy and have more.
But what if these are all marketing tactics? What if we don’t need what we’re told to need? After all, planned obsolescence is now the status quo. Things are designed to be cheap and disposable to get you to buy more. We are consequently decimating the finite resources we have and creating a huge waste problem that we can’t keep up with.
Our actions have clear consequences for our planet, ultimately, the environment is sensitive to the changes we make to it. We alter landscapes and harm biodiversity when we consume resources at an unsustainable rate. Plus, some of our resources inherently harm the environment once harvested, like natural gas emissions, and accelerate climate change even further.
It’s easy to forget that consuming at such a high level is made possible by exploitation and destruction. Since, again, we outsource things like labor, production, and resource collection to stay ignorant of the true costs of overconsumption.
So, is the answer not to consume anything?
Despite the obvious problems with overconsumption does that mean we need to go full send and not consume anything? Well, yes and no. While it would be amazing if we all adopted a “waste not want not” mentality it’s not practical. For example, not everyone has the land to grow their own food so buying grocery items will always be necessary. Furthermore, things like tech are so ingrained in our society that it’s seemingly impossible to get away from. We’re always going to need things to some capacity.
Is there any solution to overconsumption?
Overconsumption is built into our institutions, and until larger systemic changes are made to focus on large-scale sustainability, the answer must be to just consume less. What if our economy doesn’t need us to buy more but instead buy better? In our capitalistic society, we must become better consumers to avoid the pitfalls of overconsumption.
Don’t buy into fast fashion trends, don’t buy that new lipstick that is only slightly different than the others you still haven’t used up, and don’t get something as a placeholder intended to be thrown out once you find the next best thing.
Focus on buying less by making more intentional and thoughtful purchases. Focus on buying better quality goods that are meant to last or that can be mended if they should break. Finally, if something is no longer serving you, get creative and find ways to extend its shelf life by repurposing, recycling, or donating instead of throwing away.
To avoid overconsumption, be a better consumer.
By finding ways to preserve our resources and practice resource management we can mitigate the negative effects of overconsumption. Continue to seek out information and remain aware of how your actions influence the world. Learn to love and appreciate what you already have! Let’s shift the focus away from finding purpose in consumption and instead seek out self-fulfillment.