When you look around these days, don’t you think that it’s time for us to completely rethink consumerism? I sure do get that idea, in fact I’ve been thinking along those lines for years already. You don’t follow? Let me elaborate:
When most of humankind was put under lockdowns during the most recent pandemic, the planet and our climate were able to recuperate and recover. Isn’t this proof that we have been literally destroying our own planet by living the way we have done?
Because here’s something nobody ever told you:
- We think that the way we consume money and resources around us is how it’s always been.
- But in fact, modern marketing and capitalism were invented in the 1950’s.
- And since then the amount of stuff we buy just for the sake of buying has exploded.
- As we know, consumerism is currently completely out of proportion.
The way modern marketing works is by convincing us that we are in control of our own decisions. But in reality we are being controlled by the advertisers. Don’t believe me?
How about modern manias, like Black Friday? And the insane hoarding when tough times hit, as happened with toilet paper during the pandemic. Can you explain this to me: why do we participate in insanity even when we know it’s insanity?
Why we need to take our power back from consumerism
The aforementioned “toilet paper saga” was the perfect example of a marketing tactic (oh yes!) that is often used especially in the fashion and beauty industries.
It’s called the ‘drop model’. It means that a product is hyped as an exclusive limited item, which increases its appeal. The notion of its scarcity creates an idea in our heads that we must have it! Otherwise we’re missing out. We are out! You may recognize this as FOMO.
And oh yes, this is exactly what happened with toilet paper when the pandemic hit. The videos of empty shelves in supermarkets created a hype because suddenly toilet paper was an exclusive, scarce item to have. And just like that everybody rushed to the supermarket.
I have to do it because everybody else is doing it!
I think the time to rethink consumerism and how we respond to hypes around spending money has come. For 70 years now we’ve blindly followed the crowd without having a mind of our own.
And of course companies operating in a capitalistic system will abuse that! They don’t care that by abusing our stupidity they destroy the only world that they can exist in as well.
So my darling, it’s time to learn to think for ourselves!
Why We Should Rethink Consumerism?
Before we dig deeper into HOW we can rethink consumerism in our individual lives, let’s dig a little deeper. Because you can’t change what you don’t understand and I’m not sure we’re quite clear yet on how much damage YOU are causing with the way you consume on a daily basis.
The Business of Fashion is an interesting Instagram account providing objective information about the fashion industry. One of their followers recently stated:
“People should take time to re’evaluate their actual needs and not return to this fast fashion buying scam. We’ve only been buying at this rate for a short time, I’m sure we can find our way back to a slower production rate and focus on local and more sustainable brands in the near future.”
I could have never said it better myself, I agree 1,000%. What thoughts does this statement wake in you?
Some of you might feel like asking you to give up on your Primark and Shein hauls is too much to ask. But at the same time the reality is that the world around us is already changing, and not for the better.
Local garment production has been driven to ground with China taking over on every front. At the same time we can all see and feel the effects of climate change all year round: massive storms, unbearable heat, colder and more severe Winters up North.
We can’t let things continue this way. With this rate it takes us consumers less than a decade to make this planet inhabitable for ourselves. Yes, we are to blame just as much as the huge corporations. We are the ones who keep them running with our wallets!
So, what is required from each and every one of us to turn this ship around and rethink consumerism?
Step 1: Reflect On Your Consumption Habits
We can’t change anything until we’re actually aware of it. So first and foremost I want you to ask yourself these following questions. After that we can start discussing concrete actions to rethink consumerism on a personal level.
How often do I shop?
Is it weekly, monthly or a couple times a year? Maybe even daily?
Before you go thinking who am I to shout from my high horse, I’ll have you know that there was a time in my life when I actually shopped every single day. That led me to personal bankruptcy, which then prompted me to rethink consumerism for my own benefit.
Next question:
How much do I buy at once?
More particularly; how much do I buy at once and overall within a year? Most of us buy, for example, 1-3 items of clothing at once, which can accumulate to quite a big number in 365 days.
How much money do I spend when shopping ?
Again, answer in regards to how much you spend at once, and then estimate how big that number grows within a year.
Do I actually need what I’m shopping for?
The hard question. For many the first reaction is “YES, I do!” So, do get it out of the way. And then think for a minute. Do you though? Do you use/wear everything you have? How much of everything you’ve bought within a year do you NOT use?
Now you should have a broad image of your consuming habits. How does it look? Were you surprised or did you just confirm your own expectations? Is your consumerism under control, or is there space for change?
In case you have come to the conclusion that there is space for change, let’s look at HOW we can rethink consumerism and change our ways so that our grandchildren will still have a planet to live on.
Step 2: Change the Way You Shop
Ah, the urge! The absolute need to order/buy something new, and the excitement of trying it on! And then leaving it to the back of your wardrobe never to be worn, price tags still attached.
Here’s a wee truth bomb that we should remember every time we buy, for example, a piece of clothing:
Every garment that you buy stays on this planet forever!
Clothing waste is a serious problem and there is no solution for it yet. Clothes can be recycled but most of it ends up in a landfill somewhere only to take up space from our contaminated planet. We’re talking about millions of kilos per year of clothing waste.
Add the fact that most of the clothes purchased today are made out of synthetic fabrics, which are made out of oil. Oil mixed with a lot of toxic chemicals that you first put on your skin. And after that those clothes keep polluting the planet forever more through microplastics.
Read also: Capitalism Destroyed the Fashion Industry
If you absolutely can’t stop wasting your money just for the sake of wasting it, there are some things we can do. But I’d like you to remember that every garment you buy, makes the problem bigger. So please, rethink consumerism and opt for one of these instead of the fast fashion giants:
Shop second-hand
Since each piece of clothing that is created stays on this planet, we should do our absolute best to take full advantage of those clothes.
That’s why second-hand shopping is one of the biggest eco-actions that you can take. Rethink consumerism and apply small changes into your shopping habits to make a bigger impact than you know.
The easiest and most popular places to buy second-hand clothing online are Depop and Vinted. For those who prefer luxury, check out Vestiaire Collective.
Get involved in clothes rentals!
Renting clothes instead of buying them has opened a whole new world for consumers! Those of us who can only dream of one day being able to afford a Chanel bag are now a step closer to this dream coming true.
Clothing rentals are predicted to grow massively in the next few years, so get involved before everybody’s there!
Shop your wardrobe!
I truly believe that our wardrobes hold much more value than we even know. Value that no new purchase could ever bring! Thus, this is one of the most effective ways to rethink consumerism on a personal level.
Your (or your parents’) wardrobe holds incredible treasures, and the best thing about them is the versatility! You’d be surprised how many outfits you can construct around one piece of clothing.
Here’s how you can utilise the whole potential of your existing wardrobe before you rush off to the store to add another piece of clothing to the massive waste problem we have in our hands:
- Pick one item randomly from your wardrobe
- Think of 3-5 items you can pair with that item to create as many different outfits
- Use Pinterest for inspiration: make a board where you save outfit photos where an item you already own is styled in different ways. This way you will never run out of inspiration.
Repair and remodel your clothes
With new collections coming out constantly, the desire for the latest trends has led to overconsumption of cheap, poorly made garments that are tossed after just a few wears. As stated, this throwaway culture is incredibly wasteful and environmentally damaging.
An important step we can take to rethink consumerism and combat fast fashion’s negative impact is to embrace sustainable clothing, specifically clothing repair.
Mending and altering our clothes enables us to extend their lifespans and reduce waste. There are many benefits to stitching our clothes rather than tossing them when they are damaged or no longer fit properly.
In addition, mending enables you to customize pieces to fit your body just right. Making adjustments so a garment flatters your shape and height enables you to wear your favourite pieces longer.
Monogramming, embellishing with trim, adding embroidery or applique, dyeing, and overdyeing are all ways to infuse repaired clothes with your distinctive flair. Take a pick and get creative!
Rethink Consumerism – Final Thoughts
It’s unfortunate how few people are concerned about the state of the planet we live on. It’s also extremely concerning because it suggests that as a species we are either extremely ignorant or just plain stupid. If the latter, then perhaps it’s best that humans go extinct sooner rather than later.
If the former, there is still some hope left for us. To rethink consumerism we must be a bit self-aware, which can sometimes be a bit painful. But I bet it’s less painful than dying of a heat stroke or in a hurricane. It’s up to you, take your pick.
Changing one’s ways does sometimes require a major shock, though, as I have come to note. I went on a shopping strike a couple years back due to personal bankruptcy, and it taught me a lot! Not just about my shopping habits but also about me as a person.
That’s when I found a whole new appreciation for everything I already own. I shop rarely these days and when I do, I make sure it’s of stellar quality and that I have an actual need for it.
There are no items of clothing with price tags still attached in my house!
Did the lockdown and the inability to consume mindlessly make you rethink consumerism on a personal level? Or are you going to continue as usual? Let’s chat in the comments below! ♥
Follow me on Instagram and use #styleoutlandish to showcase your style! I’m always on the lookout for outfit inspiration. Get to know me better by listening to my podcast, Random Rambles. If you wish to work with me, check out my services here!
