Written By: Grace Wang
Here’s one concept you’ve probably heard of before: consumerism. Of course, the general notion associated with it tends to stray towards the positive end – benefits to the economy, society, and more... but what role does it play in environmentalism? How does it impact the earth in consideration of future generations?
If you don’t know what consumerism is, let me walk you through it quickly. Ultimately, it is the idea that encourages the process of buying and spending, thus initiating more demand for goods, production of goods, and so on… In the end, it speeds up economic growth and industrialization.
The thing about consumerism is that it tends to be extremely beneficial for the people in modern society. Take the benefit of increased production: it leads to rapid development, which calls for more jobs in the manufacturing industry, therefore providing job opportunities for many of the less fortunate. Furthermore, the entire idea of consumerism also enhances the quality of life for the general consumer population—which usually makes up most of the country. Now, not only are the people satisfied, but the economy is enhanced, global and cultural trade is amplified, and common resources are made accessible to us. Right?
Not completely. Amidst all the rich benefits, we tend to forget the impacts consumerism may have on the environment – and even on some social level. For one, high levels of consumption can lead to over-extraction of natural resources. This has already happened throughout the world, and we just might fall deeper into the issue if we don’t act quickly. Moreover, rapid manufacturing causes severe damage to the environment. Because consumerism relies so heavily on mechanics and oil to accelerate production, the fossil fuels and other pollutants released have caused damage to the environment, such as a broken ozone layer, global warming, and polluted lands.
One significant aspect of consumerism that often gets overlooked is overconsumption, particularly in the context of food waste. Overconsumption refers to consuming more than is necessary, which leads to the depletion of natural resources at an unsustainable rate. In terms of food, this means buying more than what can be consumed before it spoils, leading to significant amounts of waste. Food waste is not just a waste of food itself but also a waste of the resources used to produce, transport, and store that food, including water, energy, and labor.
Food waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation. When food is wasted, it often ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, the resources expended in producing food that is ultimately wasted add to the environmental footprint, exacerbating issues like water scarcity and deforestation.
So, you may question how to fix this augmenting issue. You, after all, are just one of so many. The answer is pretty simple. Many of the environmental impacts that consumerism imposes rely on any consumer. Here are a couple of solutions to prevent further environmental damage due to overconsumption and food waste:
Stock Up Your Fridge Less. One effective way to combat food waste is to avoid overstocking your fridge. By buying only what you need and planning meals carefully, you can reduce the likelihood of food spoiling before it’s consumed. This not only cuts down on waste but also saves money and reduces the demand for excessive production.
Adopt a Minimalist Lifestyle. Reducing overall consumption can have a profound impact on the environment. By embracing minimalism and focusing on purchasing only essential items, consumers can decrease the demand for production, thereby reducing the strain on natural resources and minimizing waste. This can be applied not just to food but to all areas of consumption.
Support Sustainable Practices. Choose to support companies and products that prioritize sustainability. This includes buying locally-produced goods, opting for items with minimal packaging, and selecting products made from sustainable materials. Supporting businesses that are committed to reducing their environmental impact encourages more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
By making conscious choices and being mindful of our consumption habits, we can collectively reduce the negative impacts of consumerism on the environment. Remember, every small action contributes to a larger change, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Image Credit:
Comments