Due to the immense growth in population numbers, there is a need for more resources, in order to support the children, adults and elderly beings of this time. Although there is not only a need for these resources, but a thirst.  Consumption basically comes down to these two suspects - want and need. When you go shopping again I would like you to ask yourself - Do I truly  need this or  do I just want or desire it? As what you take then limits the resources  and opportunities for others, possibly those who are less fortunate.  Research shows that the 20% of rich and wealthy people,  consume 86% of total private consumption expenditures (The use of energy, time, or other resources) on a global basis.  Leaving the 20% poorest to consume a total of 1.3%. It is beyond doubt a shocking issue. This is unmistakably a money issue as well as a concern. As, due to the shortage of money in many areas children, adults and elderly suffer severe health issues caused by lack of  nourishing food, hygiene and much more.  Some issues resulting in death. We consumers, are using too much, as day by day more resources are subtracted from the earth resulting in a vast list of  negative environmental issues.

 

Now days, as the 21st century is upon us, we appear to get so caught up in all the advancements, that we begin to lose  our identity to the very things we assume provide us with happiness. Yes, the  products of this age. Whether it be big or small, fast or slow , needed or not, we tend to buy it.  As we all seek to fit in, when in fact we were born to stand out. On the other hand, we seek to  harness the power of those who are at the top (meaning popular, liked, known, fashionable and above all, wealthy). As a result of these cravings and a vast amount of  different  influences, we simply result in consuming. This is caused by the very things we strive on, our wants. Yes, the things we work late and troublesome hours to earn enough money for and the things we sacrifice for.  But why buy when we have plenty? Why buy when we are not in need of such things?  

 

This whole idea of mass consumerism is essentially  resolved around the amount of money one owns. As the more  money you have,  the more you can buy. That is why the poorer beings of this age, whom may live in the less developed countries have a better grasp on the concept of wants vs. needs. As they can barely afford what they need to keep their heart beating, their lungs breathing, their stomachs nourished, their eyes blinking and their  body temperatures stable. Whereas, the more fortunate are purchasing more and more every day. For example some of the wealthy Americans  are buying new cars and upgrades whilst others in Africa can't even afford shoes so that they can walk down an unpaved road. This also means that as the manufacturing companies are basing their products on the desires  of the wealthy, not many products are produced that empower the poor.  The problem is not that we consume, as we literally have to consume to survive, the problem is what we are consuming and the rate at which we do so. We need to start shifting our priorities from the like of things to meeting basic needs.

 

 

Consumption of the Wealthy Compared to the Poor ( world wide- measured in 2004):

 

• The wealthy consume 45% of all meat and fish,  the poorest fifth consume 5%

•  The wealthy consume 58% of  total energy, the poorest fifth consume less than 4%

• The wealthy have 74%  of all telephone lines, the poorest fifth have 1.5%

• The wealthy consume 84% of all paper, the poorest fifth consume 1.1%

•  The wealthy own 87% of the world's vehicle feet, the poorest fifth own less than 1%

 

And can you think of how much those numbers will have increased by the year 2015!

 

 

Appearance is a huge aspect of want vs. need as we all tend to base everything on appearance decisive of the function, quality and durability of the product or thing. Like most  things appearance has many different meanings. Another side to the appearance aspect is that we as individuals are fond of looking wealthy. So in many occasions the less fortunate, spend all their money on fancy cars as for others to think of them as wealthy, when meanwhile they can't even obtain their health, with barely a roof over their heads or food on their plates. Or in other cases, people tend to steel or resort to criminal acts to satisfy their wants. Although, this can also happen when one does not have the essentials to live.  

 

Wants are not the only thing causing the issue as the needs of one  human being are becoming problems too. Surprised? Well the list of things once described as wants have now contributed to a vast amount of things we as human beings have come to depend on.  In fact, the only to be able to survive is (this does not mean that you need the most stylish and expensive outfit).  These are basically the only things you technically need to stay alive. Read that again, these are the only things you need to survive, every other little  thing is a want.  This does not mean that you must merely buy what you need as it is always nice to spoil yourself from time to time, although you must know when to draw the line. It is severely important that  you do not get caught up in buying too many products, try to pace yourself. This ! when you actually you want to say YES.

 

 

Live, Life, Waste, Repeat! Another problem is that we are wasting a vast amount of goods, take food for example, many people worldwide throw away perfectly eatable food such as their leftovers. Whilst people in poorer places are dying of starvation. There are many causes of waste, one of which is caused by the very people who sell us the products or goods. As we are beginning to crave more, manufacturing companies are becoming clever and manipulating us, causing us to buy more. They are beginning  to produce "throw away" mentality  forcing buyers to have to replace things. And as we then go along with this manipulation, we usually end up buying the newer product. This can be called the "big lie" as the companies are telling us what to buy, what to expect of our health and what to expect out of our lives. This is also caused by the fact that we have access to so much more, this may seem a positive thing but in fact it, like everything else, it has a negative side. A way of reducing the negative side of mass consumerism is if you try to have knowledge of what you are buying- regarding where it comes from- how it is made- what impact it has on the environment and society as well as where it is going.  Often, people lose all sense of where things go when we throw them "away".

 

 

Want vs. need is a huge American clique. As the United States of America is in one of the most developed countries in the world. The Americans in particular are known to spend above the average person. In the United States, home to less than 5 % of the global population, they are responsible for the usage of about one quarter of the world’s total  fossil fuel resources. Burning up nearly 25 % of the coal, 26 % of the oil, and 27 % of the world’s natural gas. By the years 2003- 2004 there were more cars on the road than licensed drivers.

 

Take a look at the numbers below, stating the difference between the amount of luxury items consumed compared to the necessities (on an average):

 

• Global Priority                       $ U.S.Billions

Cosmetics in U.S                                8

Ice cream in Europe                         11

Perfumes in Europe + U.S.              12

Pet food in Europe + U.S.                17

Business entertainment Japan       35

Cigarettes in Europe                         50

Alcoholic drinks in Europe              105

Narcotics drugs in world                 400

Military spending in world             780

 

               

Basic Education for all                            6

Water/ Sanitation for all                        9

Reproductive health for all woman    12

Basic health and nutrition                     13

 

 

Unfortunately, we . The advancements in technology and knowledge are irresistible. And the fear of change is indescribable.  , there various the negative side of . One of the most effective ways, is to be more conscious when shopping  and to stick to your budget, which will secure that you won't end up in dept or without any essential money. In other words, never let yourself loose in a shop. Another valuable step is to stop and breathe especially when you are about to buy something that is not essential, this will help you become more conscience of your impulses.  You must learn to distinguish  the difference between wants and needs as well as what is worth getting compared to what is obviously not. An essential way, is to learn to say NO!!!  It is important to think green and try your best to and .   This requires lots of practise and effort. Remember that

 

 

In addition to the steps that can be taken as to reduce mass consumerism, there are many other things that support this idea of reducing mass consumption. Some of which are not even aimed as to do so. For example, take the rising in oil prices. We all feel the pinch of these high prices, although the high cost  makes people  buy less cars or find a more sustainable energy source. But like most things there is a negative side, such as that if people continue to buy oil it then empowers the oil companies. Another essential way is to educate people. The power of education is endless, as it enlightens people and provides them with knowledge. Although this means that people must be willing to learn as well as willing to teach or share knowledge. It is possible to change one's whole mind set or opinion once taught. It is important to raise awareness and encourage change. Each and every person has the power to either encourage mass consumerism or to discourage mass consumerism. The choice is entirely yours. It is useful to inquire into things  and always ask questions as to have more knowledge. Learn to consider both the positive and the negative side to a situation as well as  different perspectives. And that is conclusive of the actions we can take as to make a difference. Take it upon yourself, to

be the change!