Problems with Consumerism - Research Paper Example

?Consumerism Consumerism Introduction Consumerism traces its origin to the rise of the industrial revolution in 19thcentury. At this period, there were increased industries and concern was to focus on consumers. The period saw the development of new and improved products and consumers became a target for economic growth and stability (Wordpress, n.d). In America, the consumerism rose further after the end of civil war. At this time, goods began to be advertised and sold nationally. Moreover, the transport sector was in excellent condition and thus goods could be moved form one place to another with ease. After this period, consumerism continued to grow in different areas. However, the spirit of consumerism rose to a high after the end of World War II (PBS, 2013). The rise of consumerism at this period was because America production sector had benefited from the war. Consequently, in the late 1940’s, young adults saw a remarkable improvement in their spending habits (PBS, 2013). Moreover, most of the Americans were also keen to spend due to favorable economic times. In America, consumers began to be praised on their spending habits. The habit was depicted as showing patriotism to the nation, and the habit was linked to success on American way of life (PBS, 2013). The later years saw heavy spending on items based on the home and family life. Such of the items included cars, refrigerators, and televisions. Therefore, consumerism has been on the rise in different parts of the globe as compared to the past. Consequently, consumerism has a profound impact on society. According to “The story of Stuff”, this has led to buying more than we can utilize (You Tube, n.d.). Consequently, there has been a lot of waste, destruction of environment, and government concentrating in services not helping humanity. A reflection on consumerism helps in understanding the effects and solutions to the habit. Section 1 There are many problems associated with consumerism. First, it leads to overexploitation of natural resources (Shah, 2005). The overexploitation of natural resources arises due to increased consumption because of consumerism culture. The resources are overexploited to cater for the ever-rising industries to meet the demands of the societies around the world. The trend is due to consumption increases and hence need for more resources (Shah, 2005). For examples, the overproduction of crops and animals leads to deforestation, land degradation, and contamination of various natural resources. The effects are seen on poor climate due to deforestation, loss of soil fertility and increased toxic substances in water. Moreover, depletion of resources lead to clearing of forests and this pose a challenge to the wildlife and natural habitat. Second, consumerism leads to the establishment of factories that create toxic byproducts. The rise of industries is due to the rise in demand for commodities. For example, the consumption tendencies in some countries have led to need of for various foods, flowers, textiles, and coffee (Shah, 2005). On the other hand, companies use various products to enhance overproduction of commodities in demand. For example, they use chemicals such as pesticides and herbicide for production of quality products and this affects the environment (Shah, 2005). Moreover, consumerism has led to increased migration of people. The migration occurs due to displacement of land from the poor in society and concentrating it to the rich in society (Shah, 2005). The effects are increased hunger and unnecessary stress to those displaced by large companies and business. Moreover, this may lead to hunger, as land for farming becomes less. On the other hand, migration to bigger cities creates unnecessary stress to cater for the rising population in the areas (Shah, 2005). Additionally, the rise of the population in the cities leads to the emergence of slums, health problems, overcrowding, and antisocial activities. Additionally, the use of commodities from industries creates pollutants and waste. The main materials used in industries included metals, coals, and electricity. The use of material leads to release of hazardous substance to the environment. For example, the burning of coals releases gases harmful to the environment and human (Shah, 2005). Moreover, the raw materials used create automobiles and planes. Some of these harm the environment through population and emission of harmful substances (Shah, 2005). In addition, consumerism leads to materialism. The effect of this culture is the development of habits of always needing surplus of commodities (American Consumers, 2009). Consequently, most of the people end up buying things that are not useful in their lives and that they cannot afford. The effect is an increasing pace of economic disparity (American Consumers, 2009). Moreover, due to decreasing revenue and overspending, most people are borrowing and put themselves into unnecessary loans (American Consumers, 2009). Consequently, such individuals are likely to develop stress and depression as they fail to realize individual desires. Section 2 However, the problems of consumerism have a solution. First, the government and society should ensure that resources are used sustainably (Facing the Future, 2013). As a result, there will be no overexploitation of resources. Secondly, factories should look for ways of disposing harmful substances. Moreover, there should be adoption of organic farming. On the other hand, those people that are displaced should be provided compensated or offered alternative ways of living (Facing the Future, 2013). Moreover, industries should utilize an alternative form of energy such as biofuels to avoid release of dangerous waste. Lastly, individuals should be encouraged to acquire assets rather than liabilities. Section 3 In United Arab Emirates (UAE), consumerism was not there in the past. However, it has been on the rise for the last one decade (Assad, 2006). The country has also been affected by consumerism. The effect has been seen as individuals get commodities to make their homes and lives comfortable. For example, there has been an increase in wind tower for domestic environmental regulation (Green Prophet, 2013). Consequently, there has been a increase of unnecessary spending. The wind tower has also led to unnecessary spending due to increased energy consumption. On the other hand, UAE has been in the forefront in carbon footprint. As a result, most of the companies have adopted environmental initiative encouraging efficiency. In the initiative, the companies are required to reduce the carbon footprint from energy and water use by 10 percent in the next decade (Todorova, 2013). Consequently, most of the companies are engaged in recycling, reusing, and reduction process. Conclusion The effects of consumerism can be reduced significantly in different parts of the world. However, the most viable solution is the sustainable use of resources. Consequently, the use will be able to interact with the environment without significant harms. On the other hand, with various global challenges consumerism is expected to fall. Individuals will most likely to engage in practices that contribute positively to their lives. References American Consumers. (2009). Capitalism’s effect on society: Consumerism. Retrieved from https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~waldr20m/classweb/worldpolitics/consumerism.html Assad, S. (2006). Facing the Challenges of Consumerism in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from http://repository.ksu.edu.sa/jspui/bitstream/123456789/191/1/Facing%20the%20challenges%20of%20consumerism%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf Facing the Future. (2013). Consumption and Consumerism Tour. Retrieved from http://www.facingthefuture.org/IssuesSolutions/ConsumptionEcologicalFootprint/ConsumptionTour/tabid/507/Default.aspx#. UpinFiezaJ0 Green Prophet. (2013). Fake Wind Towers “Heat” Homes in Abu Dhabi. Retrieved from http://www.greenprophet.com/2013/03/fake-wind-towers-in-abu-dhabi/ PBS. (2013). The Rise of American Consumerism. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/tupperware-consumer/ Shah, A. (2005). Effects of Consumerism. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/article/238/effects-of-consumerism Todorova, V. (2013). UAE firms praised for cutting carbon footprint by over 10%. Retrieved from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment/uae-firms-praised-for-cutting-carbon-footprint-by-over-10 Wordpress. (n.d.). History of Consumerism since 1865. Retrieved from http://conhistoryjp.wordpress.com/ You Tube. (n.d.). Story of Stuff. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8 Read More