We live in a fast-paced world, and the allure of consumerism is everywhere. Wherever we go, we see the latest shiny gadgets and trendy fashion, the never-ending cycle of buying and discarding items has become normalised.
But, under the surface of this cycle lies a terrible environmental issue that so many people don’t want to face: overconsumption.
Understanding Overconsumption
Overconsumption refers to the excessive use of resources we have beyond what is sustainable. It not only about the habits of an individual but it encompasses societal patterns that seems to prioritise satisfaction over a short-term period over long-term sustainability. This issue is linked to many environmental issues, including resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The Environmental Impact
1. Depletion of Natural Resources
Whether many want to admit it or not, the resources we have on this planet are finite. They WILL eventually run out. We act like they won’t but they will. The persistent demand for raw materials, which is primarily driven by consumer culture, has and is continuing to lead to the over-extraction of essential resources like fertile land, fresh water, and fossil fuels. This is not sustainable. This constant extraction disrupts our ecosystems and threatens the availability of these resources for future generations.
2. Climate Change and Carbon Emissions
The global Carbon Dioxide parts per million (CO2 ppm) is going up, there is no denying that. The production and transportation of goods are significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon footprints have increased dramatically due to high consumption levels mainly in richer, high-income countries. This is one of the factors contributing to the surge is CO2 and other greenhouse gasses and is accelerating global warming. This is the reason why we are seeing rising sea levels and severe weather patterns. We seem to live like we have another planet to go to…we don’t.
3. Biodiversity Loss
Consumption we see on the current level are is leading to habitat destruction. and will continue to do so. There are so many countries, usually African, East Asian and Far Eastern countries have rubbish sitting on their shores, a lot of which has been shipped from the West. It enters the waterways because when we throw something ‘out’ there is no ‘out’. It HAS to go somewhere. Imagine going to the beach for the day and seeing a sea of clothes, trainers, bags, old toys etc. This is a reality for so many people around the world. Forests are being cleared for agriculture, oceans are overfished. These activities directly affect biodiversity loss and endangers so many species, many of which haven’t even been discovered yet and probably never will.
Societal Drivers of Overconsumption
1. Consumer Culture and Social Media
Social media can be a force for good; highlighting issues that may not get the attention of the national press, trying to find the fiancee of a man who had been overheard bragging about cheating the night before, providing support and guidance during a crisis. But there are other sides to it too. It has allowed the amplification of consumer culture. So many ‘influencers’ showcase their lavish and unsustainable lifestyle, promoting the ideas that happiness and material possessions go hand in hand. So much of what is on social media is a misrepresentation of the real world. This kind of portrayal fosters peer pressure by pushing people to make new purchases to be part of perceived societal standards – I’ve got to have this so I can fit in. Nobody needs five different shades of nude lipstick, or reusable cups in every pastel colour available because they all have different motivation quotes on them or a latte frother when they don’t even drink lattes just because ‘it looked cute’.
2. Economic Models Prioritising Growth
Businesses are interested in making money, many won’t care about what happens to the product after it has been purchased. Many businesses tend to equate success with continuous growth and have streamlined their processes to ensure the consumer has a hassle-free experience on their website with deliveries promised the next day. Products are often cheaply made and most aren’t designed to last long to ensure repeat business. This business model encourages increased production which leads to increased consumption then back to more production, it’s a vicious cycle designed especially for the consumer. What doesn’t seem to be a consideration for quite a few businesses is the environmental impact this model has. It’s unsustainable. In 2023, break free from plastic unveiled the world’s top polluting companies in their Global Brand Audit.
3. Psychological Factors
For many, the thrill of shopping is a great rush, it’s usually referred to as a dopamine rush which is associated with buying new items to temporarily satisfy you, it’s temporary. And wanted that ‘rush’ again means buying more leading to a cycle of continuous consumption.
Global Disparities in Consumption
The contrast between consumption patterns in the global north and the global south is like night and day. Countries that have a high-income, with their affluent lifestyles, will have a much larger carbon footprint. When you look at developing countries, they often face the brunt of environmental degradation even though they have contributed far less to the problem.
Consequences of Overconsumption
1. Environmental Degradation
This kind of consumption, is, and will continue deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion if left unchecked. We use far too much of our resources especially water which not only affects ecosystems, it affects us humans too. We need water to survive, as does every other species on this planet.
2. Health Risks
For instance, let’s look at the fast fashion industry. It not only pollutes water bodies with chemicals and dyes but some companies expose their staff to hazardous conditions. Moreover, the collection of plastic pollution in landfill and oceans not only poses a significant health risk to marine life but to humans too. Chemicals can leech into the ground and water ways causing all sorts of health related issues not just to the immediate residents but to the wider community.
3. Economic Implications
Short-term growth is driven by overconsumption, it leads to long-term challenges. Resource depletion leads to scarcity for that particular resource, and if something becomes scarce, the production cost will increase.
Pathways to a Sustainable Future
I created a YouTube video on this subject, feel free to check it out below (click on the image)
1. Embracing the Circular Economy
Moving away from a linear economy to a circular one is key. This model focuses on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, ensuring many products we purchase have a much longer lifespan and our resources and being used efficiently. During the second-world war, because resources were scarce, the UK had many make-to-and-mend classes teaching people how to repair and repurpose what people had. The led to a generation who knew the value of not wasting. Sadly, this isn’t really taught in UK schools anymore, if at all.
2. Promoting Sustainable Consumption
This is not about not buying anything at all. If something brings you joy and will continue to do so, buy it. This is about consuming sensibly, reducing waste, and genuinely caring about the environment when making purchasing decisions. Conscious consumerism encourages individuals to make informed choices, considering the environmental and social implications of their purchases. Not chasing the rush. Of course, many companies won’t want people consuming sensibly as this will affect their profits.
3. Leveraging Technology
The latest technology offers innovative solutions to monitor and reduce energy consumption. Smart appliances, renewable energy sources, and efficient transportation systems can collectively decrease our carbon footprint.
4. Policy and Economic Incentives
Governments play a crucial role in steering societies towards sustainability by implementing incentives like tax breaks for businesses that are sustainable and penalties for those who are not. These kind of changes can make a difference. A great example is the charge on plastic carrier bags introduced by the UK Government in 2015.
5. Collaborative Efforts
Addressing overconsumption requires collaborative efforts from all sectors of society. Educational campaigns, community initiatives, and international agreements can foster a collective responsibility towards sustainable consumption.
Conclusion
Overconsumption is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By understanding its root causes and implications, we can take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. Through conscious choices, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future, ensuring that our planet’s resources are preserved for generations to come.
