The Impact of Consumerism on People and the Planet

🌍Consumer-based societies are depleting the Earth's resources at an unsustainable rate.

💰Consumerism is driven by the focus on production and constant economic growth.

🛠️Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence tactics are used to maintain consumer demand.

⚖️The global South experiences the social and environmental costs of consumerism, while the global North benefits from cheap resources and labor.

🌱Addressing the underlying economic system is crucial to combat unsustainable consumerism.

What is the impact of consumerism on the environment?

—Consumerism depletes the Earth's resources, contributes to climate change, and leads to habitat destruction and pollution.

Who benefits from consumerism?

—The global North benefits from cheap resources and labor, while the global South bears the social and environmental costs.

How does planned obsolescence work?

—Planned obsolescence involves deliberately designing products to break down or become obsolete after a short period, encouraging frequent replacements.

What is perceived obsolescence?

—Perceived obsolescence is when people feel the need to replace a functioning product because new versions are marketed as more desirable or superior.

How can we address unsustainable consumerism?

—Addressing the underlying economic system, promoting sustainable alternatives, and advocating for responsible production and consumption practices can help combat unsustainable consumerism.

00:00Consumerism is driving the depletion of Earth's resources at an unsustainable rate.

03:11The focus on production and economic growth perpetuates unsustainable consumerism.

05:09Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence tactics maintain consumer demand.

09:36The global South bears the social and environmental costs, while the global North benefits from cheap resources and labor.

11:56Addressing the underlying economic system is crucial to combat unsustainable consumerism.