The Problem with Consumerism 

💡 Please take a second to share this video on Reddit, Facebook, or Twitter! 🌍 What actions are you taking to grapple with consumption? 🎁 I've also made a video about the problem with Black Friday. Check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p3Z8TodvNuM.html 🌳 If you’re looking for a concrete example of what degrowth could look like check out Happen Films’ Degrowth in the Suburbs: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WeNaMlibiak.html

Advertising is how the rich beg.

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people that they don't like.” ― Will Rogers

I like how you acknowledge that no matter what an individual does in terms of changing its consumption/behavior, global emissions will continue to rise. It's a complex systemic issue with a large responsibility for global corporations. However, I do think the solution is BOTH reducing the emissions from corporations AND changing individual behavior.

Don't forget about planned obsolescence. Let's get rid of that

I went to college to become a motorcycle mechanic. I enjoyed fixing things so much that I wanted to make it my professional pursuit. I had a lot of fun in my program, but when I went out into the world to actually work, I noticed a lot of wasteful practices. For example, a lot of the time, I would be told to replace the spark plugs on a machine that absolutely did not need new spark plugs. I could see that they were sparking. I cleaned and gapped them. They were never at fault. And yet with most services or no-start diagnosis, I would be replacing spark plugs. Among other things. I don't want to spend all day going into specific instances. I later went back to college to become an electronics technician, as I had exhausted my job prospects as a motorcycle mechanic. I wanted to keep with the theme of actually fixing things, but in a new area. I wanted to be a bench technician, repairing equipment and devices at the component-level. But when I made it to the end of my program, I found that there were no jobs available for that. I kept an eye on the listings for a year, nothing. My instructor had been suggesting this to me throughout the program, but she didn't want to crush my optimism. Instead, I found out, yet again, that the solution to something breaking is to replace the equipment, or if it's sufficiently large, the board or system that broke. Why? Because it's faster to replace than to repair. It's also cheaper to buy a new piece of equipment is most cases, than it is to pay for the labor to isolate the specific failing components. I made it out of high school riding the dream that I could live by fixing things for people, and I was thoroughly disappointed by the state of the industries I'd just entered. That is why I support this idea of reduced consumption. If we have to make our possessions last, then we will need to actually fix them when they break. And I feel my life would have a renewed sense of purpose in such a future.

It’s good to see more of the younger generation have got into “thrifting” - buying second hand clothing that’s just like brand new and so much cheaper! And plus you can find an item of clothing that is original so no one else will be wearing the same thing!

To make it short: Just buying nothing you dont necessarily need is way better for the environment and climate than buying any product

Its pretty basic really mother earth provides for everyones needs but its never enough for anyones greed.

Hello from the Philippines, a nation that has consistently been on top of the list of countries at risk to climate change! Thanks to the world's top carbon emissions "contributors," we've been suffering from a lot of climate-related hazards. While there are many drivers of vulnerability and we can push for increasing our adaptive capacity, that does not mean we can't demand for climate justice.

Unfortunately due to Instagram, tiktok , mindless buying everything that "influencers" promote I don't think it's possible to change this.

We should add Amazon delivery boxes to that CO2 list now.

Your videos are so professional and well-produced that sometimes I feel I shouldn’t be watching it for free

3:42 I am from Bangladesh and I fully endorse the fact that we are suffering one of the worst consequences of climate change despite being one of lowest carbon emitters.

Here's an idea you haven't considered in the video, the reason for big consumption in many cases is faulty products that were built to break. Like light bulbs. They want you to keep consuming so they don't make products that last a long time. This is definitely a part of our problem however the biggest issue is what's been outlined in the video, companies making you want to buy the newest product by any means necessary

I have been depressed for several months now. Throughtout my low-point, I was able to examine different aspects of my life. The biggest takeaway I have been able to gather is that consumption is the biggest factor to why I have been feeling so low. Whether it's consuming junk food, pornography, movies, TV or buying things that I don't really need. None of it made me any happier. On the other hand, when I produce I feel significantly better. Even if it's something simple like cooking a meal, which has been somewhat difficult for me through my depression. It made me feel much better. Obviously I'm not saying all consumption is bad, it's necessary. But by producing you feel a sense of accomplishment that takes you out of yourself and most importantly you show yourself that you can do it Much love, ♥️ Stay safe.

It's so sad that the more you know about climate and economic reality, the more you feel like our egoism and money-driven economy are just to much to solve such a big problem, and there's hardly anything you can do as an individual! So frustrating...

Proud to say I don't consume as much as I did growing up! Our family christmases were great growing up, but now as adults we are more content to just be together with few things (as much as we can this year).

just imagine a world where minimalism is promoted, and consumerism is shameful

You see when you have two friends and no money, you don’t relate to social pressure

Great video man! Getting into these nuances is tough but so important!

OH, A NEW PRODUCT WITH ONLY SLIGHT ALTERATIONS? IM GONNA CONSOOOOM

I work in a toy store and it's really sad seeing customers buy so much garbage (like very cheap fidget toys that will probably end up in the bin or behind the couch within a week). I usually dislike collecting things because it's supporting a very toxic industry (literally and figuratively). When I was a child, we sold or donated all toys I didn't need anymore. I've had customers who needed certain Barbie dolls that we didn't have in stock because their child already had all of the ones we sell and it's just very sad to see it. The same with customers getting angry they're not getting something for free, even though we only give away certain things as long we've got them in stock and it's written everywhere. But people just need everything and they need it now. We now sell baby toys who usually cost around 40 dollars for 10 dollars and they're almost sold out. It made me think that sometimes, simply because something is cheaper than usual or has a discount, it doesn't mean you have to buy it, especially if you don't need it or only "just in case".

So, there remains one question: How do we connive 8 billion people of this?

You might want to mention that the study included laptops, but only one laptop for every household! I can’t see a future with home office and remote learning where 4 people can share one laptop and still get everything done.

"The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism: ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling private power." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

I am studying degrowth on my masters thesis so this is a much appreciated content for wider awareness on the ills of growth, so thanks a bunch! It is brutally important to see that techno-fixes will not save us from the climate change and ecological destruction, if our consumption (which has been perfectly summarized in the video in terms of differentiating between individual responsibilties vs corporate propagandas for laying the burden solely on individual consumption) does not reduce. We have to find an alternative that does not rely inherently on more consumption and concomitantly on growth. Degrowth sounds quite alien to us yet, but we should acknowledge that the "anti" of capitalism is not necessarily socialism and systemic change is and has been possible throughout history. And it is needed more than ever now, because growth does not only detoriate the environment but also exacerbate social inequalities.

I know this will probably be buried. But I would just like to say how much I appreciate the calm presentation of your message and merely presenting the fax and not trying to force people into an opinion. I love your work and you have inspired me to be more eco friendly.

"Spectre that haunts...". Interesting choice of words, comrade.

I agree that you are correct, the science is clear that degrowth is needed. I struggle with this fact however, our current capitalist economies run on growth, it is in some ways their defining feature. Reduced growth is effectively recession and job loss. I do not know how current government systems could even move forward on a degrowth platform when in some ways both business and labour currently depend on growth. Would love you hear your thoughts!

Capitalism and environmental protection are in contradiction with each other...

Try to take a break from retail therapy and see what happens! I call it a retail detox and I do it usualy twice a year for few months but this time I decided to do a year long retail detox and I am already half way through!

“The things you own end up owning you."

I still think that car culture is a giant reason why we are all going to die from global warming. Public transportation IS the answer to our transportation problem!

It's the green trick to boost economies by selling you green versions of things you've already bought.

Really nice essay, love that you cite your sources and provided links in the description. Not enough people on this platform do this.

We consumers have the power to buy, if we stop buying all the unnecessary products, demand falls, they'll stop producing. Unity

"And Mr. Green, he's so serene, he's got a TV in every room." Or how about "here in status symbol land..." These lyrics to the Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday" puts the song into an eerie light, like it's the precursor to the rampant consumerism of the 70s and 80s, and the monstrosity consumerism has become here in the 21st century. We should've been paying attention to these subtle critiques when we had the chance.

How could I reduce consumption if all stuff have built-in obsolescence?

Living in the 1960s in Switzerland with the internet sounds like an utopia to me :)

I've recently found your channel and I totally love it! Keep the good work up!

Amazing Video, just stumbled across your channel and I'm really liking it. I changed up my life and personality quite a bit over the course of the last 1-2 years, becoming more and more climate- and socially conscious. Formerly I lived pretty much the exact opposite which is mostly due to my family. I come from a rich family (not crazy rich, but definitely a 7 figure net worth) with typical German centrist positions, but which is extremely capitalist (which pretty much can be seen in my whole extended family since my parents generation are all self-made wealthy) and in them I can exactly see the problems we're having in our society. When talking to them, consumerism and constant growth almost seems like a religion and every single word against it is unacceptable, the worst part though is that they know exactly about the problems we're having and what's causing them, but they only have a sort of "so what" mentality, saying everybody thinks like that and therefore you can't change it. This type of behaviour really makes me desperate and even angry, and when seeing videos like yours, I'm thinking "yeah, that's absolutely right and exactly what I'm thinking", but I also see no way we can accomplish these important things, like finally challenge the ideas of "holy consumerism" and infinite growth when most people in the western world (or at least the people with the money, the power and the impact, which to me seem to be inherently correlated or even causal to one another) think like my parents.

I really appreciate your video on this topic, perfect timing with black Friday upcoming. d; Not many realise how bad it is to consume, consume and consume. Let's buy less and recycle more for the upcoming Christmas! ❄️🌲

I legit love your videos, it's something I can stand for and I think a change is needed!! Also your video style has inspired mine!

I have been watching many videos on minimalism these days, and I've made some lifestyle changes too. It's not that difficult, and I can say that not possessing stuff can actually be very liberating. Lesser the clutter, calmer the mind. Keep only what you truly need. Give away stuff to those who might need them. Stop impulsive buying.

I gave up meat and dairy 4 years ago, and it was way easier than I imagined.

It should be recognized that these companies need to act just as much, if not more then the people buying from them.

Simply brilliant! You are such a talented writer, and obviously an amazing editor + vfx artist. Well done, per usual! Keep it up ◡̈

I think spirituality plays into this too. Consumption requires a feeling of dissatisfaction and capitalism has convinced us that in order to fill this void we must simply consume more. The truth is that no human can be sated by materialism and they will be left in an endless cycle of craving. If a person learns to find happiness in the experience of life itself, the pursuit of internal goals, personal development and a sense of spiritualism then they will not feel hollow and their desire for consumption will reach a grinding halt. The capitalistic system intrinsically breeds misery in the population because it thrives on dissatisfaction and nihilism. You cannot sell anything to anyone who fills his desires internally.

love your videos, the clean style and especially your clear position, that we have to chance our life in western countrys so radical from our prospective now. i miss this sometimes in the debate about this topic pls continue with this fantastic essays, greetings from germany

India is the only country with a population of 1.3 Billion people that has been able to control carbon emissions less than 1.5 Celcius degree and still managed to grow at 4% gdp growth. India is also the founding member of Paris Pact with many european countries. India has shown the world that controlling carbon emissions is a perceived reality.

This was a wonderfully illustrated, concise message. Thank you for sharing.

So good!! I love the way you abord subjects!

Brilliant video and so needed. The consumption levels I saw during my couple of months in the US a few years ago (college kids ordering tons of stuff delivered to campus with free shipping) was mind blowing. Being from South Africa where we don't have that consumption culture it really stood out as a major cultural difference. But the most disturbing thing is that in the years since I returned home, I've noticed the increasing export of this hyper consumption culture to Africa (it's the "next big market/opportunity" as per the corporate speak), with the proliferation of social media and increased smartphone access giving rise to a whole new generation of consumers. Another thing we need to call out more specifically are influencers who are 21st century capitalism's great ambassadors getting people to spend spend spend. Glad to see that some are referenced here implicitly. We also need to radically rethink the advertising industry. Can it be re-engineered towards promoting low carbon lifestyles? How do we create a culture of shame around high emission consumption and reward socially and financially low emission lifestyles? Could marketing and influencers be turned on its head and user for these purposes?

When he said “don’t eat red meat everyday” I was like well I haven’t eaten meat in 4 years so..... I contribute:) Fish is harder though

This is one of your best videos till now! Keep up the good work Charlie. Have you ever considered making a video about the circulair economy? I'm curious if you think this is (a part of) the solution of for instance consumerism

I have been selling and giving away a lot of my stuff, as well as not buying more to replace it, and I have never been happier. Anything collecting dust in your house should not be in your house.

no more second houses or eating red meat every day, i'm just trying to make rent and buy vegetables to eat :.)

Consumption compensates for 2 things: 1. Expertise 2. Social connections When you don't have a family, you order take-out. When you can't get something fixed, you buy a new item instead. But I guess that was the intention that predator companies had, in the first place.

Such a well researched video with great examples - well done!

This is such a good and informative video, thanks for supplying the sources as well!

1960's Swiss life? Yes please!

you pretty much just explained why i hate Christmas :D and none of my friends understand me when i try to explain this :D

Great video! Very interesting and drammatically important. One thing I noticed: when you say 3 times the current global population (about 23 billion people), I'm pretty sure the paper actually ment 3 times larger than the population in the 1960s (meaning 10 billion people, which aligns with population projections for 2050). Thank you so much for editing these excellent videos!

Hey Charlie, you did it again! Such a great analytic video!! Would you consider doing a video about international climate policy and what a "renewed Paris accord" could look like? After all we're in a COP year!

Don’t be shy, call it ✨capitalism✨ 😌

while it is certainly true that individuals will never be able to fix the mess created by larger entities such as multinational companies, I also think it's important to culturally keep stressing on individual accountability. After all, decisions in governments and companies' councils are taken by individuals who will each be guided by their moral compass. Individuals that have a strong feeling about their own personal contribution to the climate change will be, I believe, more likely to make better choices if they find themselves in roles of power and leadership.

Can you also talk about steady state economy and circular economy? Great videos! love them. Thanks for your hard work.

Such a great video, really hits so many great points brought up in Less is More book

I understand that an individual can't make a huge difference, but that is letting everyone off the hook. we personally are "under consuming" by the standards of our community. I've never eaten out, we prepare all our meals at home. Have not been on an airplane in 35 years. 90% of what we spend is for food and other items that get used up (like shampoo etc.). I buy new clothing only when something is completely worn out, meaning maybe 1-2 items per year maximum. and now you are telling me this isn't going to help ? but if everyone did this - how could it not?

loved this vid. Especially when you pointed out that "yout dollar is your vote" is rather undemocratic.

You are so much right - its a message to all who wants more and never have enough!!! Thank you for making this video!

This video really gets me thinking about how we could solve this climate crisis! Thanks for the amazing work you put into each and every single video man! Keep it up!

The red meat thing is largely dependent on the massive monoculture industries that produce feed at unsustainable levels. The 20k liters per pound of meat is mostly irrigation for plants that are planted where they shouldn't be and when they shouldn't be. A cow graizing has a drastically smaller footprint than industrial farmed ones.

Hoping to live that 1960's Swiss life someday. Excellent video Charlie, as always!

Thanks for a great and important video! It reminded me about the book “Is shame necessary?” by Jennifer Jacquet, with companies’ use of labels to promote “mindful consumerism” and feelings of guilt in the consumer.

I've definitely noticed a change since my childhood in the 70s. These include: - people leaving out perfectly good TVs on the sidewalk; I.e. upgrading before the TV wears out - garbage dumpsters in people's driveways. So many want to change the style of their home on a regular basis - appliances lasting 5 years instead of 20 or even 30 - perfectly good furniture being left out for garbage - Of course, pickup trucks and SUVs - Appliances going out of style and being thrown away

Comments and shares of the video also help boost the video in the algorithm

Next video : Zero Waste Movement Following video : Sustainable Living for individual to adopt

Amazing video, great content & concisely delivered

It's really sad looking at proportion of people taking interest in climate change (or at least making themselves aware), despite of the fact that they are actively responsible for it, then a second thought come to mind not all people have equal share in global emission of CO2. An average person living in US, Europe or any developed countries practice much higher consumerism then say a poor man in underdeveloped country, richest 1% responsible for more emissions... then half of humanity. Why? [GOOD JOB SIR, GOOD Channel.]

I absolutely loved everything about this video and I'm totally going to follow this channel moving forward but I have to respectfully disagree with the idea that governments and companies need to "clean up their mess". I genuinely believe we'd be wasting time convincing them to do anything than spending that time in convincing people to start living a more anti-consumer life (where they effectively live like an average swiss from the 60s with respect to their daily carbon emission). I realize that governments and companies will need to change their mindset just as much as us for there to be real change, which is why I believe change will have to start from us. Man... I loved eating chicken curry everyday but if I gotta let go of it... I gotta let go... All in all, lovely video. And please correct me if I'm wrong.

The sad thing is...it’ll never happen.

Great video! I really enjoy your content! It's scary, but it's good. More people need to start adapting to this line of thought.

A very clear and concise summary of what needs to happen in rich countries. The only thing I’d change is that while Government action is important to reducing consumption, relying on capitalist Governments alone to do this is a big risk. There’s a good chance they won’t. At least, that is until it’s too late as they hang on to the notion that we can grow out of the problem with green growth. Despite the South Korean example, this seems to be the current capitalist solution - note John Kerry’s recent pronouncement. We also need a movement against consumption. People need to start living with “just enough”. And this will probably start with individual action. Reduce your own consumption and, if enough people do this eventually this will start to make a difference. I suspect this will start small, but with enough people pushing it and selling the many additional benefits to our individual and collective wellbeing, it will start impact growth eventually forcing Government’s to change because traditional economic stimulus (designed to increase consumption) would no longer work. Maybe I’m a dreamer, hopefully not the only one ...

Wow this perspective was so eye opening, thank you !

You can make another channel where you can teach how you make these video and many one will be interested in it Love from Bharat

I hope high school teachers find your videos and show them to their students. Your videos are important. Your work matters.

Charlie, could you paste your script into the 'resources' Notion? I use your videos for my English classes, and it would be lovely if I could have the script in its full format. What I normally do, is I copy it from the video's transcript box and paste it in my own Notion. Then, I start to reformat. It's a chore that takes away from the time I could spend more fruitfully, working on the text, for my students' benefit.

Absolutely amazing video and one that every person in the environmental movement must watch!

Thank you for sharing in a simple manner and form on this subject matter 😊

An excellent video. We've got our work cut out for us shifting the mainstream's mindset away from infinite growth.

I would just like to thank you, Charlie. Thank you for spreading the word on degrowth because the sooner we engage in it the better. There is no alternative to degrowth. This concerns a dozen or so of the richest countries such as the US, Germany, France, Great Britain and Scandinavia. We need to finally get of the insane addiction to infinite economic growth through excessive consumption. This is sick and it's not what human beings are made for.

Depopulation is also an option, but a highly contentious one. And if we don't reduce our carbon emissions enough, a type of "depopulation" will be the outcome anyway.

We all have to work TOGETHER and we as Individuals have the power to change, change yourself and you will change the world.

Thank you for bring this awesome video!

Christmas is literally Jesus' birthday and instead of celebrating it as such we buy presents and spend money on ''each other'' for no reason and as a Christian it kinda hurts seeing us like that we're all just brainwashed to consume

Ways an individual can contribute. 1. Go vegan 2. Minimalism/ Essentialism 3. Re use- reduce- recycle. 4. Opt for sustainable alternatives even for the essentials. 5 use public transport as far as possible. 6. Bicycle for short distance travelling. 7. Effective and responsible waste management. 8. Plant trees which contribute to a positive climate. 9. Rain water harvesting. 10. Usage of solar energy.

Amazing video! You deserve more than just being supported for this creation..

Love your videos! Keep it up!