GST 203
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
CONSUMERISM AND MINIMALISM
CONSUMERISM
CONSUMERISM is used to describe the tendency of people to identify strongly
with products or services they consume especially those with commercial brand
names and perceived status-symbolism appeal e.g Rolex, Rolls Royce, Toyota,
Apple products, Gucci, Fendi, Pepsi, Coca-cola e.t.c.
Advertisement subtly reshapes our desires around material possession.
Consumption is necessary but excessive consumption (Consumerist) is not
necessary.
Consumerism becomes excessive when it extends beyond what is needed.
Excessive consumption leads to bigger houses, more cars, trendier clothes and
fancier technology.
Acquisition doesn’t guarantee happiness it only results in more and slowly
begins to rob us off life.
We are already consuming resources at an alarming rate and quicker than our planet is able
to replenish.
Consumerism is higher in wealthier and developed nations because they produce huge
amount of products for their consumption.
Living life as a consumerist is a total disaster because it’s not sustainable.
If everyone on earth consume the same amount as the average US citizen, four (4) earth
would be needed to sustain us
59% of the world resources are consumed by the wealthiest (10%) of the population.
In modern societies, critics of consumerism point out that, consumerist societies are more
prone to damage the environment contributing to global warming and use resources at
higher rate than other societies.
CONSUMERISM CONT…
Trying to reduce environmental pollution without reducing consumerism is like
combatting drug trafficking without reducing the drug addiction (Dr. Jorge
Majfad).
Factors That Encourages Consumerism
1. Lack of self control (self discipline/contentment).
2. More places to shop (ebay, Jumia, Asos, Konga, Jiji)
3. Advertisement (newspaper, magazines, posters, commercials)
Industries That Promote Consumerism
1. Auto Industry.
2. Meat Industry.
3. Fashion Industry.
4. Electronic Industry.
5. Cosmetic Industry.
EFFECTS OF BEING A CONSUMERIST
Obesity (over weight).
Pollution (water, air and land).
Exploitation of natural resources.
Waste generation.
Global inequality.
MINIMALISM
MINIMALISM is all about living with less. This includes less
financial burdens like debt and unnecessary expenses.
It refers to a lifestyle that is all about living with less
Minimalism is about controlling desires for getting unworthy
things that have no benefit.
Minimalism is anti consumerism.
A minimalist considers quality over quantity.
The philosophy is about getting rid of excess stuff and living life
based on experiences rather than worldly possession
BENEFITS OF BEING A MINIMALIST
Saves cost (less debt).
Less desire to upscale lifestyle norms.
More generous.
Less care for possessions.
Less environmental impact (reduced pollution).
EXAMPLES OF MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE
As a student, it is better and cheaper to rent a studio apartment
than a standard two bedroom flat.
It is better buy a durable two sim card phone rather than
buying and carrying more than one phone.
It is better to have two good cars rather than having a car park
filled with redundant vehicles.
It’s better to give out your old clothes, toys and books rather
than burning or destroying it.
FAMOUS MINIMALIST
1. Steve Jobs 2. Albert Einstein
Apple co-founder. Famous Physicist.
Dress code (black shirt, Known for “Theory of
blue jean and white Relativity.
sneakers). Owned a few clothing.
Didn’t believe in having Gave out most of his
lot of material money(charity).
possession at a time.
Believed in Simplicity.
FAMOUS MINIMALIST
3. Jane Siberry 4. Robert Pattinson
A canadian singer and A British actor, model
songwriter. and musician.
A devout minimalist.
Known for his role in
Loves to travel rather than Twilight (Edward
shopping.
Cullen).
Owns two(2) luggage of
Enjoys charitable works
clothes, a guitar and a
laptop. to clubbing and
All her music are free on partying.
her website
FAMOUS MINIMALIST
5. Michael Bloomberg 6. Leonardo Da Vinci
A former New York An Italian painter.
mayor. Best known for painting
Owns not more than six Monalisa.
(6) pairs of shoes “Simplicty is the
Gives away 50% of his ultimate sophistication”
annual income. Described as kind and
generous by his
contemporaries.
THANK YOU
