We’ve all seen it, in one way or another: the newest beauty products, private jets, fast fashion, and micro trends. It’s not my fault and it’s not yours that when we see the newest lip product, we want our hands on it. Or when we hear about the new smoothie that Hailey Bieber has come out with at an overpriced grocery store, we want to go and try it for ourselves. We are a product of our environment, and our environment is saturated with consumerism. Some might argue that we are in an era of overconsumption.
There are multiple reasons why overconsumption isn’t good thing. For starters, it’s not good for the environment. I mean, I’m not an expert on the topic, but at the surface, the more you consume, the more waste will be a byproduct (not to mention the materials and energy that it takes to make whatever product is in demand). To put this pressure on you to save the world is not my job, because we’re all aware that actions have consequences and as much pressure as society wants to place on us, part of the truth is that it’s not our fault; we’re product of the environment that was created long before us.
The other day I saw a TikTok of a girl who seemed to be known for her workout content. The video was of her talking about how she only owned maybe three workout sets. Oddly, this made me feel better? (I don’t workout by the way.) I felt better because I only have one “workout” clothing set – my other option is one Nike spandex that I’ve owned since playing for my middle school volleyball team and any oversized T-shirt.
The point is, occasionally I’ll stumble upon a really inspiring workout video and I’ll check the account to see multiple videos of the same girl with so many different, cute workout sets. Part of the marketing and advertising in workout apparel is to sell the idea that we are more likely to go to the gym if we look better. But the reality is that we don’t need one workout set for every day of the week. Maybe I’m just using that as an excuse to not go to the gym, but regardless, it’s okay to go to the gym not dressed up wearing the newest Gymshark set or Apple AirPods. We don’t need expensive gym clothes like LuLuLemon or Alo. Wearing a solid and good go to set is more than enough to get you through the gym and to release endorphins, because that’s what we’re really there for, right?
We’re capable of falling victim to this mentality of materialism. It’s not a bad thing to want to buy things that make you happy. I mean, it’s why we work and make money, right? To reap the fruits of our labor, to spoil the ones we love, and to spend it on the little things that make us happy; I like to allow my vice to be that I’ll spend money on a sweet treat once a day like an iced coffee or pastry. Sometimes it does get us through the day and I support it, but we should be mindful of our actions. Because as much as it may not be our fault, there comes a point where we do get to choose the environment we are a part of. I believe it’s healthy to begin this anti-consumerism thinking now more than ever, for yourself, your future self, the people you love, and the people you will love.