The epidemic of OVERCONSUMPTION

By VRITTI GODANI Publicity Manager

We would require 5.1 Earths to support the population if everyone on the planet lived the same lifestyle Americans do. With the rise of fast fashion websites such as Shein (which lists over 5000 new products each day), short-lasting social media trends, and a rapid increase in online shopping consumerism, it is no surprise that Americans live an unsustainable lifestyle that our planet is paying the price for.

Although Americans and Western Euro- production of the item. Americans will often disregard any issues with their purchase as long as they are at the benefit which further tolerates overconsumption and its harmful effects.

Think about all the different seasonal decorations, foods, gifts, and such that you see while walking through Target or Walmart. There is an overproduction of such goods, which encourages more impulsive purchases and ignores intuitive shopping. Themed and festive candles, scented lotion, and such items are unnecessary, and although it is okay to indulge once in a while, social media has made a norm out of impulsive and constant shopping. This increas- duction that are degrading to others due to the outsourcing of production to increase profits. Again, Americans will be ignorant as long as convenience serves them, whether it be through production or purchase, which, in turn, promotes overconsumption and normalizes it, despite its harms.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the short-lived impact of lessening consumption (before the rise of Shein), which resulted in a clear view of the Himalayas for the first time in ages, cleaner seas, and breathable air in developing countries. Although these effects were not everlasting, they show tions, despite how impossible it may seem. Additionally, the United Nations (UN) states that sustainable consumption and production can help take significant steps towards improving poverty and can help guide the shift to low-carbon and green economies. It has also been proven that sustainable methods of production and consumption reduce greenhouse gas emissions (which reduces air pollution) and help favor local businesses as opposed to big corporations.

Yes, the easy answer would be to consume less, spend less money, and live a minimalist lifestyle. But for many Americans,