It is too easy to be consumers in our society. We are constantly bombarded with ads and opportunities to consume. It is very tempting. I am trying to live a minimalist lifestyle, but it is still tempting sometimes and I have to remind myself everyday of what is a need versus a want.
Commercials are constantly being viewed by consumers, via the radio, Internet, TV, billboard ads, magazine, newspapers, etc. I feel that no place is safe from advertisement. Even children’s items are not safe. It is increasingly difficult to find a children’s product that does not have a character from a show, which is consumerism at a child’s level. Children see that product and must have it because it is their favorite character, which is why Elmo products always do so well.
Why has it become cheaper to throw away things than to keep them or reuse them? For example, I prefer having glass containers for leftovers, but those containers are much pricier than plastic Tupperware or Ziploc bags. It baffles me that commercials brag about how easy their product is to use and then you can just throw it away when dirty. To me, that turns me off, but for many Americans it appeals to them. This is why Swiffer can keep creating new products and people will keep buying them. Why are we all about throwing everything away? Why can’t we just have more reusable products or products that actually are long lasting?
My main concern about consumerism is: what does this say about our society, and what does it teach our children?
For the U.S. to become a sustainable society our consumerism must stop. Many people are against since it is what keeps our economy afloat. Convenience over sustainability has to stop. Yes it is easier to use a paper cup at Starbucks, but when you do that everyday of the year it adds up. Companies need to work with sustainable ideas and be better at encouraging customers to be sustainable. We need to teach our children how to be sustainable so that they do not having to deal with these issues down the line. Eventually someone will have to deal with it, so why not start sooner?
Image Source
