Consumerism is the concept that buying new things will make people happier, often tied to social status. However, this mindset is extremely flawed, and is often incorrect. In the first half of a two-part special on consumerism, the environmental impact of consumption will be covered, followed by its negative mental consequences in the latter half.

Consumption is the leading driver of environmental issues according to the UN panel that studies global and natural resources, and the EPA has reported that the average American produces around 4.5 pounds of trash daily. Instead of pouring money into a surplus of items that won’t last long and will be inevitably replaced, it is much wiser to invest that money in fewer, but higher quality items that will last significantly longer. This will not only save money, but also prevent additional waste. This can be done by honoring companies like Levi’s and Patagonia, who make an attempt to sell their used items along with repairing their damaged products.

Another option is buying products secondhand, which has the lowest environmental impact, as it does not warrant the production of new items, which requires the use of materials and often eventually contributes to the landfill. An economics professor at George Mason University, Alex Tabarrok, believes that an increase in purchasing used goods would encourage the production of higher-quality stock.

It is argued that a decrease in money spent on nonessential items would slow down the economy, however, investment in higher quality products and employing services to repair damaged items can serve as a replacement for new purchases.

I’m actually doing an editorial in English on commercialism and I thought it was a great opportunity to cover the immense downsides of materialism. I know it means we’re taking a break on nuclear physics, but sometimes you need a break from nuclear physics. Also, this research doubles as material for my English assignment. I wanted to cover it anyway, so it’s a win-win.

We just finished our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; last night was closing night. I’m excited to have some free time to work on personal projects and have more time for school. My grades are mostly unscathed, but it was exhausting balancing my responsibilities when I spent all my waking hours at school. I guess it’s good preparation for college. 

Anyway, next episode we’re looking at the mental downsides of consumerism. Stay tuned to learn with me!

“What’s the environmental impact each time we hit ‘buy now,’ and can we change course?” All Things Considered, 30 Nov. 2021, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A686028865/OVIC?u=ante588&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=81642385. Accessed 6 Nov. 2022.

Holtcamp, Wendee. “Rejecting Consumerism Can Help the Environment.” Consumerism, edited by Roman Espejo, Greenhaven Press, 2010. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010642221/OVIC?u=ante588&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=240eae37. Accessed 6 Nov. 2022. Originally published as “My 30 Days of Consumer Celibacy,” OnEarth, summer 2007.