Why do you think is important to avoid consumerism?

Question

Why do you think is important to avoid consumerism?

Answer 1

Consumerism is eating up our global resources. It's difficult to see how privileged Americans are when one has grown up in the United States. The biggest eye opener for me was taking an ecological footprint quiz: http://ww2.earthday.net/footprint/

I found that it would take six more earths for the rest of the world to enjoy my standard of living. I don't believe that's fair, although, I've got to admit I haven't done much to give back to the earth (except getting rid of my car for a motorcycle!).

I also believe the reasons we're driven to buy things aren't always the result of our own desires. Our wants are sometimes dictated for us by corporations and marketing departments. I like going to Starbucks, for instance, even when I'm not in the mood for coffee. It's an excellent place to see people and be seen (I suppose it makes me feel "cool" although I despise that cliche), and, umm, that'll be three dollars for your coffee, sir, and one paper cup for the trash can and lots of trips to the bathroom. Americans always prefer the cool factor over the non-cool, purely utilitarian item. We buy things we don't need, and then we ditch them and forget about it.

Answer 2

You cant  avoid consumerism. If you want go to the basics then start by not using your computer. I'm keeping mine. It makes me happy and connects me to the world. Although it is important to no be overly materialistic. Minimize happiness based on material things and enjoy life, nature, family, and other things. But you shouldn't feel guilty when you buy that new car that you worked so hard for. Be conscious but reasonable.

Answer 3

the basic theory behind the consumerism phenomenon is that people are buying things they don't really need because a famous person or persuasive ad campagne conviced them they should buy a product.

THINK FOR YOURSELF, NOT WHAT TV SAYS IS GOOD

Answer 4

becuase it is harming the enviroment . all those cans , and waste are directly making a big change on everything around us and not in a good way. Besides we as humans can live solely on the basics , it is greed that insist we should have more and more of things we dont really need. greed and consumerism do not let us see tha they are more solutions to our problems than buying stuff to make ourselves feel better. In buddhism , this is a cause for suffering and it should be avoiding as it leads to craving and unhapiness.