Netflix’s new documentary, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, is a wake-up call for anyone who has ever felt the thrill of a shopping spree, or the guilt that often follows. The film exposes the dark underbelly of consumerism, revealing how major corporations manipulate us into buying more than we need, while systematically lowering the quality and lifespan of their products. This isn’t just about consumer habits, it’s a calculated strategy designed to maximise profits, with devastating consequences for the planet and our wallets.

Through compelling interviews, shocking statistics, and behind-the-scenes revelations, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy lays bare the machinery of modern consumerism and challenges viewers to rethink their purchasing decisions. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the film, the problems it highlights, and the solutions it urges us to embrace.

Profit over quality and sustainability as the problem

The central thesis of the movie is both alarming and eye-opening: the products we trust are being intentionally designed to fail. Known as ‘planned obsolescence’, this practice ensures that items wear out, break, or become outdated far sooner than they should. It’s no accident that your smartphone slows down after a year or that your appliances don’t last as long as the ones your grandparents used. Corporations are prioritising profits over quality, relying on our need to replace items regularly to keep their revenue streams flowing.

How corporations manipulate us

The film reveals how industries across the board—electronics, fashion, home goods, and even automobiles—design products with built-in expiration dates. This strategy forces consumers to repurchase items they already own, creating a never-ending cycle of waste and spending. Shortened product lifespans contribute to a culture of planned obsolescence, where products are intentionally designed to wear out or become outdated quickly, ensuring that consumers keep buying more.

Major brands invest billions in advertising campaigns that exploit our emotions. By creating a sense of urgency, exclusivity, or inadequacy, they convince us that our lives will improve with just one more purchase. The result is that we buy things we don’t need, only to feel emptier once the initial excitement wears off. These psychological triggers are designed to keep us in a constant state of desire and dissatisfaction, making it difficult to break free from the cycle of consumerism.

Many of us trust well-established brands, believing their products are synonymous with quality. However, the documentary reveals how this trust is weaponized against us. Rather than innovating for durability or sustainability, these companies often cut corners to reduce costs while simultaneously increasing prices, profiting from consumer loyalty. The deceptive nature of this trust undermines the potential for more responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.

The mountains of discarded products caused by this cycle have created an environmental crisis. Landfills overflow with broken gadgets, worn-out clothing, and single-use items. Toxic chemicals leach into the soil, and microplastics from synthetic materials pollute waterways. The waste generated by planned obsolescence contributes significantly to climate change, yet corporations continue to externalize these costs, leaving the planet and its people to bear the burden.

Taking back control as the solution

One of the most empowering messages of this documentary is that change is possible, and it starts with us. The film doesn’t just highlight the problem, but it offers actionable solutions that can disrupt this profit-driven cycle and create a more sustainable future.

What consumers can do

  • Buy less, choose better
    By adopting a minimalist mindset, we can resist the pressure to overconsume. Focus on quality over quantity by investing in durable, timeless products. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or household goods, prioritise items built to last, even if they come with a higher upfront cost.

  • Support ethical brands
    Seek out companies that prioritise sustainability, transparency, and quality. Many smaller, ethical brands offer alternatives to the disposable products that are manufactured by corporate giants. Use resources like ethical shopping guides and certification labels to make informed choices.

  • Repair, reuse, and upcycle
    Instead of discarding items, explore repair options. Many communities have repair cafés, where volunteers help fix broken gadgets and appliances. Reuse items creatively or upcycle them into something new. This approach not only saves money but also reduces waste.

  • Hold companies accountable
    Advocate for policies that enforce corporate responsibility. Support initiatives that push for longer warranties, stricter product safety standards, and the right to repair. Demand transparency from companies about their environmental and labour practices.

  • Educate yourself and others
    Knowledge is power. Share the insights from Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy with friends and family. The more people understand the forces driving overconsumption, the harder it will be for corporations to exploit us.

What governments and corporations can do

  • Implement right-to-repair laws
    Legislation that guarantees consumers the ability to repair their own devices and access affordable replacement parts can break the cycle of planned obsolescence. This reduces waste and puts power back in the hands of buyers.

  • Incentivise sustainable practices
    Governments can provide tax breaks or subsidies to companies that produce durable, eco-friendly products. Corporations can invest in sustainability initiatives, ensuring their operations align with environmental goals.

  • Ban planned obsolescence
    Countries like France have already made strides in outlawing planned obsolescence. Expanding such legislation globally can hold companies accountable and encourage innovation for longevity instead of disposability.

The power is in our hands

Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is a powerful reminder that while corporations may control the supply, consumers drive the demand. Every purchase we make sends a signal about the kind of world we want to live in. Do we want to support a system that prioritises profit at the expense of quality, ethics, and the environment? Or do we choose to invest in a future where products are built to last, waste is minimised, and the planet is respected?

The film’s closing message is clear: this cycle of waste and overconsumption must stop. By becoming more conscious consumers, we can disrupt the system and inspire change. It’s not just about saving money or reducing waste—it’s about reclaiming our agency in a world designed to exploit it. Together, we can demand better products, hold corporations accountable, and build a more sustainable future. In the end, the choice is ours: will we continue to buy into the shopping conspiracy, or will we choose a different path? As the film emphasises, the power is in our hands. Let’s use it wisely.