How To Tackle The Problem of Overconsumption?

With the rapid growth of our population around the world, overconsumption is becoming a major issue. If we go at the current pace, our entire population can grow up to 8 billion by 2030, and around 9.5 billion people by 2050.

Let's assume for a moment that, by 2050, there will actually be 9.7 billion people on Earth. In such a scenario, there would be extreme worldwide turmoil over resources, unfathomable levels of population relocation, and unrelenting hunger.

Most of you might already be aware that most of the resources we get for our earth are finite, and they can't meet our demands for eternity. Therefore, the only thing we can do right now is to start taking initiatives, to preserve the remaining resources that we have in our hands. As, if we continue to use it without any limitations, then we are only digging our own grave.

Where Can We See Overconsumption?

Overconsumption affects a variety of areas, including the amount of food from both private and commercial sources that are discarded, the size of homes, the choice to drive everywhere rather than walk or take public transportation, and the tendency to buy items just because they are on sale or inexpensive, but you decide to throw them away after only one use and so on. It isn't even about the fact that we can afford something or not, it's just that when we see something new, we always get intrigued to buy that item and try it out. This is often true for the individuals who have a hectic career life, they constantly look to relive their stores by buying different items. However, they might not have enough money to constantly buy stuff, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction in life.

What Drives Overconsumption?

There can be a lot of things that can drive overconsumption which can include a desperate attempt to fill an internal void, a lack of ties with relatives or neighbors, or even peer pressure. We as a community have been acclimated to only one "real" way of life, which is an accumulation of items for the sake of economic growth, irrespective of what is required or how economical the options are. Over time, there's a certain belief system developed among the individuals that the more stuff you buy, the more wealthy you appear to be to the rest of the world. This is a normal capitalistic societal belief, and it's even regarded as a symbol of "success." That economic structure encourages large amounts of wasteful consumption.

However, in reality, a lifestyle centered on excessive consumption leads to anxiety, tension, fear, inequity, debt, damage, and other negative effects. People often overlook the fact that they are supposed to enjoy their life, and nothing remarkable can be achieved just from materialistic gains. No amount of things will make up for not having time to appreciate life.

What Easy Changes To Implement?

If you want to do something about your overconsumption habits, you can start by reducing your food consumption, and avoid buying anything excessive so that you have to throw it away. You can always go for community fridges or pantries, as it can help you share your food items in case you bought something in excessive amounts. Hunger is one of the major problems in India, and thousands of people have to fight for a proper meal, so don't hesitate to feed the poor once in a while. Apart from food, you can try to limit your shopping and buy fewer clothing items. And for the ones you have already bought, you must take good care of them, so that you can wear them for years. Over time, this can persuade cloth manufacturing brands not to unnecessarily waste the raw materials to produce more and more cloth. And in case an occasion comes up, and you need a designer suit or a dress, you can consider contacting a clothes rental service. Whatever might be the reason, all of you must try to embrace minimalism so that you can preserve the natural resource for future generations as well.

Final Thoughts

Considering all the factors, we can't really ignore the problem of overconsumption. As, with the current pace of our exploitation of resources, it wouldn't last long. So, let us take things slow, and try to embrace what we already have. Don't fall into the trap of this capitalistic society, and think twice before buying anything. Let us try to welcome a minimalist lifestyle with both our hands and start taking initiatives for preserving our remaining resources!

Also, read- What Can We Do To Protect Mother Nature?

__________________________________________________________________________________ Author- Ramesh Chaurasia A superior and highly experienced entrepreneur in the field of business for quite a long time now. Also, a philanthropist, author, and public speaker who believes in working towards the overall well-being and betterment of society as a whole.