Stop Burning Yourself: The Environmental Impact of Extreme Consumerism
The ongoing fatality of overconsumption has been skyrocketing in the past years, following each new trend. Either it is on makeup, water bottles, the new trinket, or containers to organize your kitchen, overconsumption covers it all. Though it all seems harmless, there is a science behind it, and also consequences.
Photo by Claudia V., Rouge Magazine
“Neuromarketing”
The fifty billion views under the TikTok hashtag “#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt” are no coincidence. Everyday people are more influenced by social media and the trends it imposes, and TikTok knows it. That is why it uses the strategy of “neuromarketing”, which has been proven to make users 45% more prone to obtaining a product.
A great example of this is the well-known Stanley Cups. These infamous water bottles went viral about two years ago, prompting many people to purchase the “ cup of the year”. Some TikTokers made it their personal duty to get every cup in every color, leading to mass overconsumption – not only of the cups themselves, but also the accessories, allowing people to squeeze all the juice from the trend. People were quick to buy, but too slow to realize the future impact of this overconsumption, now contributing to the many “Stanley cups” lying on Goodwill shelves and in landfills.
Environmental Impact
The depletion of nonrenewable resources, resource extraction, and the destruction of habitats are only some of the results of overconsumption. These effects impact not only humans, but also other living things and the land we inhabit. Generally, this problem majorly affects the climate change crisis due to the extreme greenhouse gas emissions.
Landfills are getting more crowded every day, and we don’t even notice. Beaches, forests, habitats, our entire environment— it is all becoming a new home for the untrendy items we decide to toss. 71% of greenhouse emissions are caused by companies alone. SHEIN on its own emitted 16.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in a single year. Either you are not aware or turning a blind eye to the fact that we are destroying our planet— we are burning ourselves.
#Deinfluencing
Currently, it has been quite noticeable that hashtags like “#Deinfluencing” have been reaching peak numbers, with some even getting to 150 million views. The decline of influencers that participate in or support excessive consumerism has been reflected through comments, likes, and following bases, and de-influencing TikTokers have been gaining popularity.
Not only have influencers been trying to stop consumerism, young minds have started to raise their voices in an attempt to inform us of the future that is yet to come if our actions do not change, such as Zena Gardner and her speech on “TEDx talks”. Though it is not expected for everyone to always fall under the 10-piece mark, many of the clothes that are mass-produced and purchased are just following simple trends that will eventually die— so think before you buy.
Take action
Though change will be challenging, it is not impossible, and we can take part in helping to heal our earth. The real question is where to start. Here are some possible options:
Use the 2 month rule. Think of something you would like to purchase, keep it in mind for the following months, if you still think it is worth purchasing, go for it. Though it might seem to not make much of a difference, it is surprising to acknowledge all the things we bought out of impulse and never used again.
Inform yourself. Knowing what your actions can cause helps you rethink what your choices will be.
Speak your mind. Write essays, make presentations, inform your friends and family, or use any type of resource that helps you remark the importance of changing our actions.
Support de-influencing pages and creators. Sometimes it can be challenging to make your voice be heard, but, by helping influencers who support this initiative, your message can be heard all across the globe.
Many youngsters are already taking some of these steps, and are proving them effective. So what are you waiting for? Join these teens and help make the world a little bit better, one step at a time.
Conclusion
Excessive consumerism has been an ongoing problem for years, skyrocketing due to the effective tactics of social media, influencers, and trend propaganda. It is harming our depleting environment and, step by step, damaging people’s perception of reasonable amounts of consumption. Thankfully, young minds are sprouting awareness and giving their best efforts to stop the spreading of the normalization of overconsumption. Just remember, everything you’ve ever bought still exists on Earth today.