Consumption has risen sixfold since 1960, according to the World Bank. Taking the rising global population into account, this amounts to a tripling of consumption expenditures per person over this time. This has led to similar increases in the amount of resources used–a sixfold increase in metals extracted from the earth, eightfold in oil consumption and 14-fold in natural gas consumption. “State of the World 2010“, subtitled “Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability“, tries to lay out a path away from what Worldwatch president Christopher Flavin calls “the consumer culture that has taken hold probably first in the U.S. and now in country after country over the past century, so that we can now talk about a global consumerist culture that has become a powerful force around the world.” The report goes on to state that people find meaning and contentment in what they consume, but this cultural orientation has had huge implications for society and the planet. The average U.S. citizens, for instance, consume more each day, in terms of mass, than they weigh. If everyone lived like this, the Earth could only sustain 1.4 billion people!
Based on these findings and observations, it seems then that “consumption” is a good place to start as we count down to Earth Day 2010! We can do this by REDUCING our personal consumption (using less) and REUSING what we already have (using better). Embracing simplicity through mantras such as “less is more” helps us see that we really don’t need every new item that comes into the marketplace. Is it really necessary to have the latest model or this season’s color? Asking ourselves if we really need the latest electronic device, for example, is a good practice to begin incorporating into our lives, especially since we are bombarded in a myriad of ways with the message that we do need every new thing. Not only are we primed to think we need the newest model, but we’re enticed with discounted pricing or special package deals, making it even harder to resist. I’ve often heard others–and myself–say, after purchasing yet another thing, “But it was such a great deal!”
We have also been conditioned–yes, conditioned–to think that a product has only one purpose. We have been bombarded with commercials that claim to be selling the new, improved versions of products, many of which are “disposable” for our convenience! Once we finish with them, they’re done, and it’s back to the store for more stuff. We can stop this resource-robbing trend by looking at what we buy, why we’re buying it, and what waste will be created as a result of purchasing this product. If something will only have one way to be used, is there an alternative? For example, instead of buying disposable razors, why not buy a razor that requires cartridges or blades? At least when we dispose of the cartridge or blade, there is a lot less waste than when we throw an entire razor away. When we buy something in a glass jar, can we find a new purpose for that jar? I save quart-sized glass jars, sterilize them, and then use them to store and freeze my spaghetti sauce, soups, and other foods. The more we can look at something before we purchase it, asking ourselves how we might use and then reuse this item, the more of an eco-consumer we become.
Another area of REDUCING our consumption is related to quantity and size. We have bulk item stores, deals such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free!” and other enticements to create a desire for more than we actually need. I may be at the store to buy one shirt, but when I see that “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” sign, I admit that I’m then off running with thoughts of which three colors I should buy! We get the message “More Is Better” in so many different ways from so many different sources! We’re told we not only need more, but we also need bigger. How often have we heard “Bigger is Better” regarding everything from automobiles to housing to the food on our plates? Our stomach may only be able to hold a serving the size of our fist but many restaurants present us with enough food to fill four stomachs!
I’m not suggesting that we all start living without comforts or pleasures, but through my own experiences, I’m suggesting that we all begin to re-think our consumerism, consider our eco-impact, and begin to look for more earth-friendly alternatives. I admit (again) that I and my family live in a home much larger than anything I ever imagined. Coming to Colorado from our California standards, we were mesmerized by what we could have here. We were enticed by the BIGness of homes in Colorado and how far our dollar could go–it was equivalent to going for the SUPERsize meal–doing it because we could. We love our home and try to utilize all the space within it. My office is in my home and our girls homeschool here. But admittedly, it is still more house than we truly need. It’s a lot to clean and keep up. Since living here, my husband and I have decided that when our girls are grown, we will down-size and allow another family to enjoy this spaciousness.
I have begun to be more conscious about what I buy, asking questions such as I’ve suggested above: Do I really need this? How many do I really need? Will I be able to use the larger size? In other words, even though the price per unit may be less, if I won’t really consume it all, aren’t I wasting money and resources? Will I be able to reuse this item or could I pass it on to someone else? How much waste will be created by this item?
I leave you with these questions today for your own contemplation. Tomorrow, look for more ideas on how to reduce your consumption…
