The activities of humans are changing the very makeup of the Earth.
We have to make significant changes in the way we organize ourselves in our economic society if we want to avoid the effects in the future. This generation has an important responsibility in history; we have to save the world. A common phrase that has bombarded our society today is “the more we have the better we become”. There is a false assumption that owning flashy cars and brand names will make you happy. Society is so obsessed with having the best of the best that they are willing to spend money they don’t have. The average person’s credit card debt is $9,205 because consumers are spending more than they can afford.
The Consumer lifestyle
Rising consumption has helped to satisfy certain basic needs such as creating more jobs for people. Unfortunately consumption has created more negative consequences then anything else. It is harming some of our natural systems that we all depend on, and it is making it even harder for underdeveloped countries to meet their basic needs.
As just one small example, there was a story in the newspaper just the other day saying that 37 percent of species could become extinct due to climate change, which is very directly related to consumption.
From Luxuries to Necessities
Globalization has been able to make goods and services that were once unavailable, much more obtainable in developing countries. Things such as televisions, cell phones, computers, and air conditioning are now viewed as necessities in most parts of the world.
Our planet is getting flattened by consumer carelessness
Our planet is being overcome by consumerism. People are so obsessed with accumulating goods that they have lost respect for our natural systems. People are buying more cars then they can drive, which in turn creates more pollution in the air. Everyone is so consumed in their own little world that recycling takes the back door. People use the excuse that they don’t have the time or that they alone can’t make a difference. The world as a whole has to take a step back and look at the big picture. One person alone can’t make the difference. That is why everyone has to work together in improving our world. If not, the generations to come will suffer the consequences.
