We are witnessing an escalating increase in consumption on our planet. From fast fashion to electronics, the desire for new products seems endless. As we continue to fall into this habit of buying more and more every day, we risk pushing the Earth’s resources beyond their limits, and the consequences are becoming evident. The increasing demand for goods not only damages the environment but also contributes to a culture of waste, with products designed to break down or become obsolete all too soon.

Flash sales, Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and limited collections are all examples of strategies developed by brands to increase sales and create a sense of urgency. These tactics take advantage of our fear of missing out (FOMO), leading consumers to make impulsive purchases, driving us to buy products we don’t truly need or want. Netflix’s recent documentary, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is a wake-up call to pay more attention to what we are buying and from which brands. Before jumping to the next purchase we should question ourselves: How much longer can we continue to consume at this rate before we exhaust Earth’s resources?

The more we buy, the more waste, pollution, and gas emissions rise, and this behavior is already overusing 70% of Earth’s natural resources. The fashion industry, for instance, is one of the world’s largest polluters. It generates up to 10% of global CO2 emissions, and is responsible for more than 20% of global water pollution, according to Euro News.

This environmental impact is largely driven by the fast fashion model, where brands mass-produce cheap, disposable clothing to satisfy growing consumer demand, fueled by the constant rise of new fashion trends on social media. This shift has led the industry to prioritize speed and volume, resulting in massive waste, with millions of tons of textiles discarded improperly every year. An example of this can be seen in the clothing-covered beach in Ghana, highlighted in the Netflix documentary Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy. What was once a beach is now a dumping ground for discarded clothes, from major fast-fashion brands like H&M, Shein, Zara, and others, who unload their waste and contribute to the global crisis.

Another major contributor to this global problem is the practice of programmed obsolescence, where companies intentionally design products with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace them sooner than necessary. From smartphones and electronics to household devices, this strategy pushes us to constantly buy new items, even when the old ones could still serve their purpose. It’s a cycle that not only fuels excessive consumerism but also contributes to the growing pile of electronic waste, which is among the fastest-growing waste streams globally. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, approximately 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide. As highlighted in the previously mentioned Netflix documentary, many companies deliberately design their products to break or become outdated, knowing that we will continue to buy new ones.

To start combating the environmental impact of excessive consumption, we need to embrace sustainability and opt to repair and reuse. Instead of discarding broken electronics and buying new ones, repairing them can extend their lifespan and reduce waste. Also, choosing second-hand items helps reduce demand for new goods. Initiatives like repairing companies and communities promoting circular economies are leading the way to a more sustainable future. By repairing and reusing, we reduce waste; and by slowing down our consumption, we prevent unnecessary purchases and create a more sustainable lifestyle.

In addition to repairing and reusing, slowing down our consumption is key to breaking the overconsumption cycle. Before making a purchase, we can ask ourselves: Do I really need this? Can I repair what’s broken instead of buying a new one? Can I choose a second-hand or more sustainable option? A helpful tip is to leave the product you're considering on your phone, whether as a screenshot or an open webpage, for three to four weeks. If, after that time, you still want or need it, then go ahead and make the purchase. By taking a more thoughtful approach to buying, we not only reduce waste but also improve and extend our well-being. Living with less can lead to a less cluttered life, and help us connect more deeply with the things that truly matter.

As consumers, we have the power to change the trajectory of our planet’s future. By embracing sustainability, choosing repair over replacement, supporting ethical brands, and slowing down our consumption, we can start breaking the cycle of overconsumption that’s harming Earth. The choices we make today will determine the world we’ll live in tomorrow and the legacy we’ll leave for future generations. Let’s be more aware of what we are buying and the impact it has on the environment. Small and intentional changes in our habits can lead to a better life for us and the planet.