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Understanding Consumerism and Its Impact
This article draws upon insights from a course at Oregon State University entitled “Sustainability for the Common Good.” Two significant videos, “Story of Stuff” and “Cradle to Cradle,” illustrate the adverse consequences of consumption, enriching the understanding of this topic. These themes were further explored during my church's annual discussion on shopping behaviors and their implications for human rights and environmental integrity. The videos and podcast provide valuable perspectives on how our consumption patterns shape the world around us.
The podcast underscores the troubling practices prevalent in the apparel industry, particularly outside the U.S. Purchasing clothing from well-known retailers often means unwittingly endorsing slave labor and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. This message isn't intended to evoke guilt but rather to prompt reflection on the impact of our purchases. Awareness is crucial, as it enables us to hold corporations accountable for their practices and encourages a move toward sustainability and equity.
My own ecological footprint surprised me, especially considering my self-image as a minimalist college student. Living in an affluent region, I realized that I belong to the wealthiest 1% globally. The data on ecological footprints reveals that consumption is a more pressing issue than population growth. Even with a reduced population, consumption levels would remain high, leading to resource depletion that could only be temporarily mitigated.
The podcast “Fast Fashion & Blood Money” from Bridgetown Church provided significant insights into how I can contribute to justice and lessen my ecological impact. Josh Porter emphasizes that every purchase carries a story, and as consumers, we often prefer narratives that are comfortable and convenient. He specifically addresses shopping as a microcosm of broader consumption patterns. Porter argues that, as followers of Jesus, we must be mindful of how we consume. He introduces the notion of justice as a communal ideal, where relationships with God, ourselves, others, and the world thrive as intended.
Section 1.1 The Call for Justice
Porter references the Hebrew Nevi’im, stating that those who exploit the needy show disdain for their creator, while kindness toward the poor honors God. The Torah's teachings in Deuteronomy urge fairness in labor practices, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of the impoverished and foreigners. Throughout biblical texts, God's favor appears to lie with the marginalized and oppressed, prompting us to advocate for those deemed "worthless" by society.
Subsection 1.1.1 The Cycle of Consumption
Porter elaborates on the apparel supply chain, detailing stages from farming to production, retail, and ultimately, waste. He connects this cycle to three critical aspects for Christians: justice, environmental stewardship, and simplicity. According to his philosophy, we are called to pursue justice, care for creation, and embrace simplicity for the sake of generosity. The book of James warns against conforming to worldly standards, a challenge many believers face as societal influences often overshadow their ability to effect change.
Section 1.2 Unpacking Consumerism's Toll
Porter reveals that each phase of production involves human labor, often marred by abuse, trafficking, and slavery. He highlights that achieving low prices can involve up to 1,000 individuals contributing to the process, echoing sentiments expressed in Leonard's video. Reports indicate that Americans are purchasing more clothing than ever, acquiring 60% more items in 2014 compared to 2000, yet these garments are kept for only half as long, as noted by Business Insider in 2019. The United Nations Environmental Program reports that a truckload of clothing is incinerated in landfills every second. The issues of perceived and planned obsolescence perpetuate discontent, as consumers are constantly driven to desire more.
Chapter 2 Title
Porter stresses the need for justice-driven individuals to adopt three key practices: First, self-denial, as true beauty often comes at a cost. Second, purchasing secondhand items from places like Goodwill or platforms like Everlane. Lastly, the imperative to simply buy less. By liberating ourselves from the clutches of materialism, we can discover a deeper sense of freedom and fulfillment. Embracing these practices may lead to a more sustainable and just way of living. Porter effectively illustrates how consumerism adversely affects societal sustainability by denying individuals their fundamental human rights while also contributing to excessive resource consumption and waste generation.