We are buying more, wasting more, and running out of time. Overconsumption is an undiscussed crisis, but it is costing us the planet. 

What is Overconsumption?  

Overconsumption, which refers to the excessive purchase and use of goods and services, is a feature of modern societies, especially in developed countries. This phenomenon, often fueled by advertising and consumer culture, has significant consequences for the environment, economy, and society. Indeed, people consume 400% more clothing today than twenty years ago. This excessive consumption tends to contribute to human rights inequities like gender inequality, since most garment workers are women. It also contributes to the climate crisis due to the manufacturing of chemicals and landfilled textile waste. 

Causes of Overconsumption 

The following points show how different factors contribute to overconsumption in our modern society. 

Advertising and Marketing 

Companies are investing heavily in advertising to stimulate purchases. These campaigns play on consumers' emotions, aspirations, and perceived needs, creating the illusion that owning a certain product is essential to being happy, popular, or fashionable. 

The Culture of Abundance  

In industrialized societies, easy access to various goods at competitive prices encourages consumption. Mass production and globalization have made many products available at lower costs, creating a sense of abundance and encouraging impulse purchases. 

Social Pressure and the Status 

The desire to conform to social norms or display a certain status fuels overconsumption. Social media amplifies this phenomenon by exposing users to idealized lifestyles, encouraging them to buy to “follow the movement.” 

Consequences and Solutions  

Overconsumption has devastating effects on several fronts. In environmental terms, it results in the overexploitation of natural resources and increased waste and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the textile industry accounts for 10% of global CO emissions (United Nations Environment Program, 2019). It also generates considerable plastic waste, with more than 300 million tonnes produced yearly (Plastic Oceans International, 2022). 

Socially, overconsumption exacerbates inequalities between rich and poor countries and contributes to mental health problems such as stress and anxiety associated with material accumulation. Solutions such as responsible consumption, a circular economy, and happy sobriety are proposed to remedy this. Public policy and citizen awareness are critical to achieving sustainable and balanced lifestyles. 

Overconsumption is a complex challenge that requires collective awareness and concrete action at all levels. By adopting more sustainable lifestyles and supporting sustainable economic models, we can reduce our ecological footprint and build a more balanced society. As the IPCC report (2021) points out, tackling climate change also means challenging our consumption habits. Consuming less means offering more in the future. 

Works Cited

Conerly, Bill. “Consumers Will Continue Spending in 2024.” Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/billconerly/2024/03/01/consumers-will-continue-spending-in-2024/.

Dhesi, Sandy. “No More Wasted Chances: Rethinking Overconsumption Culture.” Open Access Government, 31 Mar. 2023, www.openaccessgovernment.org/rethinking-overconsumption-culture-climate-crisis/156269/.

Maiti, Rashmila. “Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact.” Earth.org, 5 Jan. 2024, earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/.

“Pour Une Mode Durable (Loin de La Mode Éphémère).” UNEP, 2018, www.unep.org/fr/actualites-et-recits/recit/pour-une-mode-durable-loin-de-la-mode-ephemere. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

“The 2023 Consumer Trends Report.” Warc, 26 July 2023, www.warc.com/consumer-trends.

Woolums, Lexie. “The Excessive Nature of Overconsumption in American Culture – UAB Institute for Human Rights Blog.” Sites.uab.edu, 24 Oct. 2023, sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2023/10/24/the-excessive-nature-of-overconsumption-in-american-culture/.