Stuff, stuff stuff. I feel like the ability to consume has become the definition of success in the Global North. I feel burdened by the expectation of getting new stuff to the point I am suffocated by the amount of stuff I have. This is not the future I would like to live in. I envision a future where our identity is not tied to the stuff we owned, but rather what we contribute to society and the Earth. Learning about the huge impact of everything I ever consume, I would like to keep using what I have until I absolutely have to replace it. Both because I'm an environmental conscience, and because I'm a "broke university student". For this to happen, THE STUFF HAS TO NOT BREAK CONSTANTLY. Having stuff that doesn't break is not only better for the planet but also better for the wallet.
The problem with consumption cannot solely be blamed on the individuals. It is a system problem!!! We need to 1) Make stuff actually last. and 2) Untie the relationship between consumption and our values
Ultimately, stuff is just stuff. It should not determine your worth and the planet's future.
I agree with your opinion. With the rapid development of the world, productivity and technology keep pace with the times. The speed of product update iteration is beyond our imagination. At the same time, it also leads to excessive consumption. We need to consume rationally to reduce meaningless and blind consumption to protect our environment.
Hello Megan! I agree that for a sustainable future, our mindsets need to change first.
I totally understand and agree your frustrations with things breaking as a university student. I think there is something to be said about how we need to start making things last and that the system needing to provide us with stuff that does
I really like your post! Especially the point that being environmentally friendly can also be a more inexpensive lifestyle. Perhaps we should still keep the relationship between consumption and values, such that we work towards demonstrating consumption that reflects our values. But I definitely agree that the ties between consumption and our self-worth should be broken (although the stuff itself should stop breaking).
Hi Meagan! That is so true! We should definitely be valued not by what we own but what we contribute to society and this problem with overconsumption truly is a system problem! We need to all work together in order to take steps to resolve this problem!
The phrase "they don't make them like they used to" definitely has some merit when so many modern goods are not made to last.
I love your engaging post! I am also thinking that I definitely should not continue buying new stuff even if the old ones are working. It poses a lot challenges to the earth also when I plan for moving. 😂
Yes! Let's end planned obsolesce!
Such great points, Meagan! I totally agree. I hate how quickly things break these days!
I agree!! #StuffIsJustStuff we are in the habit of replacing our stuff but why buy more when we can cherish what we do have.