Nowadays, a great many people tend not to measure the amount of things they buy, acquiring products or items that they do not necessarily need. This is an activity known as consumerism.

Now then, what does it really mean? Stick around to find out more about it.

What is consumerism?

Consumerism has for many years been defined as a tendency to acquire services and products in a cumulative way, which exceed the needs of individuals. In other words, the things they consume excessively do not mean that they need them.

In fact, from this later arises the term "overconsumption" or "unconscious consumption". However, consumerism can be seen from different points of view.

For example, many speak of consumerism as a doctrine that promotes the purchase of various items or services to satisfy individuals. On the other hand, there are people whose well-being depends entirely on the way they consume. That is why, over the years, spending money excessively to obtain unnecessary products has been seen as a negative attitude.

Why does consumerism originate?

This term began together with capitalism and the consumer society in the 20th century. It became popular due to the increase in production, advertising and industrialisation.

These factors built a culture full of consumption, since they generated a great amount of products and services to acquire, which as a consequence led to excessive buying in a society in which it is believed that the more you have, the better you are.

It is important to note that some researchers point out that consumerism originated in the United States, in 1920 throughout the industrialisation and overproduction of various objects. From then until today, this trend has become marked in a great many countries around the world, bringing with it both negative and positive consequences.

Main characteristics

The important characteristics you should consider about consumerism are:

• Sooner or later, luxuries end up becoming necessities
• Demand is generated where it did not exist before
• Happiness depends on the acquisition of material things
• It is a trend that is enormously influenced by marketing
• It is prominent in advanced countries, elites or among individuals who have a high level of income (in countries in constant progress or underdeveloped ones)

What are the causes?

There are many factors that give rise to consumerism, beginning progressively right at the ideal moment. Now then, the causes that stand out are the following.

Mass production

Consumerism would not have been a trend if it were not for mass manufacturing, when goods became accessible. This being very surprising because products used to have truly inaccessible prices.

Even thanks to supermarkets and department stores, consumerism increased when consumers could acquire many products in a single place. Turning the task of going shopping into a leisure activity.

Planned obsolescence

This happens when the useful life of the product ends, after some time in use, discarding it to then be replaced. So various products are manufactured with lower quality and durability with the aim of being replaced much faster, instead of being products that are durable.

It is even suspected that products such as smartphones, household appliances, computers and cars are affected by planned obsolescence.

Advertising

This factor plays a primary role within society, because marketing is used to send messages to the consumer directly and indirectly through different media, about products and services they can consume, such as health, beauty, studies, entertainment, sports, transport, personal relationships, tourism, among others.

Credit cards

With the existence of credit cards, consumers no longer have to save up and buy a product, but instead have the possibility of acquiring the product today and paying for it partially in the future. Which progressively increases consumption, even when the individual cannot pay.

What are the consequences?

Most people blame governments and huge companies for the climate change that exists today. However, they do not realise that the excessive consumption of households also causes a great impact on the environment.

The main consequences are:

Affects the environment

Every day thousands of households consume toys, clothing, tools, drinks, electronics, plastic, paper, furniture, food, among others. These cause 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to using 50% and 80% of the earth's natural resources (water, land and raw materials). As consumerism increases annually, the consumption of natural resources increases.

In addition, it is important to note that this trend is the main generator of waste. By using so many disposable products, it does not remove the need to want to get something new in a short period of time. People even replace the old with something new, even if the "old" one is in good condition,

Harms the economy

Reducing consumerism and, with it, the demand for goods and services, would cause an economic crisis, as well as economic recessions, with truly devastating problems for the growth of the economy, employment and the well-being of inhabitants.

Afflicts families

It is no secret that consumerism enormously increases spending in thousands of families. There are many families who overspend, that is, beyond their means. An important exercise to find out whether you are buying out of consumerism is: don't buy it. Ask yourself in 3 days whether you still need it. If so, go ahead.

Families also, by increasing their spending, must work much more to generate enough income and cover all the products they consume. In fact, it is also no secret that consumers feel happy to be able to acquire material goods.

Types of Consumerism

Ever since consumerism has existed in different societies, different types of consumerism have been created. This arises from the fact that society applies this trend in various ways, establishing specific actions within a type of consumption. The types of consumerism that are common within capitalist society are:

• Experimental consumerism: it is when the consumer sets out to experience the usefulness of the new products that come onto the market, having the need to try it before other individuals.

• Extraordinary consumerism: it occurs when a person, faced with an important event in their life, acquires many products, as a consequence of an anxious purchase.

• Occasional consumerism: this type of consumerism is generated when a consumer buys products very few times, but mainly on specific occasions.

• Habitual consumerism: it is when consuming is part of everyday life, in which the acquisition of goods is frequent, being part of the lifestyle of the person or even of a family.

What is the solution?

Nowadays about three planets are needed to cover this style of consumption. By the year 2050, our planet will simply not be enough for the level of production, pollution and consumption. So it is necessary to implement a change of habits and adopt ones that are sustainable

In addition, it is essential to note that the data speak for themselves. Currently, people use a plastic bag for 15 minutes, when its component takes a great many years to degrade; the same happens with bottles, and even straws. The best alternative to avoid single-use plastic is to use cloth bags and reusable bottles. In addition, companies and governments must also contribute to sustainability and to caring for the planet, avoiding generating more waste.

On the other hand, consuming foods such as meat has increased industrial livestock farming, with Spain being the third country that exports the most pork around the world. That industrial facilities increase considerably is not necessarily good news. That is why it is important to support local sustainable projects and initiatives, which establish a diet in which meat consumption is reduced and which promote a better quality of life.

Stopping buying excessively is necessary so as not to contribute any further to discarding and buying. Even in the world of fashion, it is not necessary to opt for the model of wearing and then throwing away the garments you can still use. In fact, we recommend you be careful in this sector, since it often disguises itself as greenwashing. We encourage you to go for sustainable fashion and conscious consumption, creating a capsule wardrobe with your basic, good-quality and durable garments. If you set out to keep your clothes for a year or two, you will save money, water and raw materials, as well as avoid polluting the environment. You can get them at Clotsy Brand.

Conclusion

Consumerism generates a great many environmental problems, so changing your habits has a great impact by generating a smaller amount of waste day after day. Identify what type of consumerism you constantly carry out and take measures on the matter. We encourage you to inform yourself and to implement small changes in your day-to-day life.

It is time to avoid consumerism and support initiatives that back the protection of the environment, using ecological and sustainable products. Avoid mass production and promote the manufacture of quality products, which do not have to be replaced so quickly. It is time to take measures on the problem and raise awareness among the rest!