How is overconsumption even caused?

Is it gluttony, capitalism, or something deeper? 

Let's discover together. In this essay, we will be exploring the key aspects of overconsumption, why it's caused, it's harmful effects and what we can do to stop it.

Introduction 

Before we can talk about the causes for overconsumption, we need to understand what overconsumption really means. Overconsumption refers to "A consumption level that exceeds what is necessary or beneficial". 

Let's break this down, 

Historical Perspective 

We understand that it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that the problem of overconsumption came to the forefront. Population in cities grew and so did their demands, this caused a need for mass production of goods. Thanks to the emerging problem of capitalism, greedy business men set out to make more and more profit. The use of machinery provided cheaper and faster production. This problem has evolved due to the rise of capitalist companies and growing enterprises, competition has risen in the market and so has the consumption levels of the public. 

Present Period 

In an age where more is "better", Overconsumption is prevalent in the way people spend billions on a product they won't use, just because it's on sale. From large crowds at convenience stores to big coorporations, people go crazy over low quality designer handbags and overpriced water bottles. It's become so severe as to people buying different variations of a product satisfying the same function. It serves more as a gimmick than utility.

Why is it that, Gen Z struggles to pay rent, yet buys a $19 strawberry? 

The Internet 

All though overconsumption is not a new issue, it experienced a rise in the recent years through the expansion of social media and the internet connecting everyone to everyone else, where various creators and 'influencers' convince their audience to spend. It can be the spending of their time, thoughts or money. We'll be exploring the last one today. 

The Trend Cycle 

People on Tik Tok and Instagram convince viewers like you and me to spend our money on whatever is going 'viral'. They love buying piles of plastic junk to gain following on social media. From Stanley's to useless labubues, something is always 'trendy'. When one trend retires another is ready to jump up to take its place. 

Home Restock 

Another attempt at clout and following on social media is through the home restock videos we see on our foryou page on Instagram, where usually a woman, 'restocks' their bathroom, kitchen or bedroom with 'essential' products involving beauty, cleaning supplies or even food restocks. These items including disposable paper towels to single use plastic promote waste and overconsumption. These videos earn millions of views all over social media and the internet. 

Social Media and Capitalism 

Often times, Social media influencers are paid to speak about these products. Brands use the popularity from these trends and launch desperate collaborations that would go 'viral' on social media. They double down on our insecurities to sell us things we don't need. From fast fashion to disposable electronics, capitalism thrives on disposability, driving further consumption. 

Psychological aspects 

Peer Pressure 

Closely related to the fear of missing out or more commonly known as FOMO, peer pressure is a term refering to the influence people feel from friends or peers to behave, think, or act in certain ways. Peer pressure exists all over the world with people of all ages, it existed long before social media took charge. There seems to be a pressure on people to own or buy a certain trendy item every time a new one comes along. Society has normalised having more and buying more to the expense of space and wealth. 

Retail Therapy 

You may be familiar with the term 'Retail Therapy', though not an official form of treatment, shopping has proven to serve as a temporary 'escape' or relief from stress and stress inducing situations. People often compensate for emotional distress by impulsive buying and material gain. This method is affective at first but later leads to guilt and regret which continues the same cycle. 

Hoarding 

This discussion is not complete without talking about hoarding. Hoarding as understood by many isn't just about the inability to throw things away. It is also the inability of letting go of objects that hold emotional bond and attachment even if the objects no longer serve a practical purpose. While hoarding is about holding on to old possessions, it also results in the need to keep acquiring more new possessions, continuing the cycle of consumption.

Who pays the price? 

As time moves forward and more resources are exploited, we are starting to feel the consequences of our own actions. We are no strangers to the effects of over consumption in the modern world. 

Accumulation of resources 

The problem is not the lack of resources (at least, not entirely), we have enough resources to feed the entire earth, the problem arises due to poor distribution of resources. This problem is contributed by the concentration of resources in the hands of a few. As mahatma Ghandhi once said "There is a sufficienct in the world for man's need but not for man's greed." This aspect of overconsumption is evident in the lives of the rich and powerful. While billions suffer in need of food and shelter, the rich wastes a fortune on fish eggs and foot wear that costs the same as college fund. 

Over extraction of resources 

Over extraction of natural resources is a major consequence of overconsumption. As more goods are manufactured, more raw material and resource is required for further manufacture. This leads to depletion of resources and causes great harm to the environment. Thousands of trees are being cut down all over the world and coal mines are emptied out daily. The ecosystem is collapsing and climate change is on the rise. Not to mention the waste and pollutants produced by industries which further bring about climate change. 

Labour exploitation 

Over consumption prompts for higher and cheaper production, some high brand companies outsource their production to poor and developing countries where the local population often times women and children are exploited and forced to work extensive hours for Meagre wages. In most cases, the venue of work and condition is dangerous and unsafe. That's not it, the workers earn barely any money for making a product that is to be sold for hundreds of dollars. 

Waste amassment 

Today, the world is drowning in waste. The modern throwaway culture leads to overflowing landfills. Many of these products, especially plastics, are non-biodegradable and sit on ocean beds for hundreds of years. Even when it breaks down, plastic never really ceases to exist. It forms microplastics which contaminate our food and endanger marine life. Fast fashion brands like shein and Zara are among the largest dumpers of waste at landfills. According to the company's sustainability report, Shein emitted 16.7 million total metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 alone. The company has also come under fire for textile waste, high levels of microplastic pollution, and exploitative labor practices. 

Stress 

Today's media consumption leads to dissatisfaction and disappointment as people constantly compare themselves to others and strive to keep up with trends. Modern buyers often end up in debt due to expensive and irresponsible purchases. This has great impact on the consumer's stress and anxiety levels. 

Our Role 

At the consumer level 

There are a number of practices one can adopt to reduce overconsumption at an individual level, by using reusable bags, cups, washcloths, and cutting back on inessential purchases like seasonal Decore and buying new items if we already have something that works at home. It is also possible to patch up existing clothes and wear them again instead of throwing them away after one wear. Another special way of avoiding overconsumption as a consumer is boycotting or resisting buying products from fast fashion brands or brands which outsource their labour to the poor at minimum wages.

Spreading awareness about these matters is also a great way for combatting over consumption. As more and more people start being educated on this issue of consumption, we can all work together to amend it and bring about a positive change. 

On a global scale 

Companies must shift to sustainable practices, where materials are reused and recycled. Corporations should disclose their environmental impact. They need to have full transparency on global influence and supply chain practices. Best way to keep the consumers satisfied and landfills empty, Tech and fashion industries can design products that last longer and are repairable. So as to avoid buying the same product over and over again. 

Conclusion 

Overconsumption has grown to become a major problem to the environment and has impacted many lives in the worst possible ways. It's time now for our generation and the one beyond to indulge in sustainable and economically feasible consumer practices to reduce overconsumption in all sectors. 

References 

https://shorturl.at/gfAVx

https://overconsumption.org/blogs/news/the-psychology-behind-overconsumption-why-we-buy-more

https://reclaimdesign.org/hoarding

https://health-root.com/what-effects-does-excessive-consumption-have-on.html

https://sentientmedia.org/overconsumption/

https://medium.com/@aliborji/the-overconsumption-crisis-causes-consequences-and-solutions-55766c0eb0ac