In today’s society, many people feel the pressure to constantly keep up with what’s popular. This often means purchasing every trendy piece of clothing or the latest reusable water bottle, regardless of where it;is truly needed. This behavior contributes to over consumption, which refers to the excessive buying of items that are rarely used and eventually end up in landfills, harming our environment by generating unnecessary waste and pollution. How can we make a change to better our environment? 

“I am working on curating a capsule wardrobe.  A closet that focuses on classic quality pieces,”  Kristine Copenhaver said, a teacher at Arlington High School

Focusing on a few high quality items that are going to last a long time is key to decreasing over consumption. Investing in durable clothing reduces waste and minimizes the likelihood of items being discharged quickly. This can be challenging for many people, you must learn how to set limits for yourself.

“I would set a limit to myself about how many items I could buy a month, maybe one or two or less. And then I would always maybe make myself think, do I really need this? Do I want this, or do I need it?” Carolin Estrada Salgado said, a senior at Arlington High School.

A majority of the time people are influenced by social media to make unnecessary purchases. It’s important to think if you really need something you just want it at the moment.  Another great option to reduce over consumption is thrifting. Thrifting stops reusable clothes and accessories from heading to a landfill, and gives them a second life.

“I believe that you should just thrift. I feel like it’s going down more because of thrifting,” Brooke Schilaty (10) said.

Another big contributor to the issue of over consumption is that many people don’t realize the true impact that it has on the environment.  Many people just make purchases and throw away unwanted items without thinking of the consequences of their actions.

“Honestly, when I buy clothes, I don’t really think about how it’s impacting the environment,”  Estrada Salgado, said.  

Why should people care about over consumption? Should it really be such a big concern? The answer is yes. While it may seem like it’s not affecting you, it’s affecting others across the world.

“It puts a lot of strain on the environment, especially landfills.  I also worry out the working conditions of the people who make the clothes,”Copenhaver said.

Everything that you purchase has to be made somewhere. Most fast fashion is created in bad working conditions with low pay. It Is always important to think about where your clothes are coming from. 

All in all it is important to find a balance in life. Sometimes it’s important to spoil yourself sometimes and buy the new trendy thing, but it can’t be every time. You must remember how you are affecting the environment and the people around you.

“I hope over consumption is getting less, but it still happens.  It is such an easy thing to do; it takes discipline to be moderate,” Copenhaver said.