Excessive consumption will kill our planet

EDITORS DESK

I’m sure there are still boxes, plastic bags, and miles of bubble wrap lying around inside your house. Some came from your loved ones as container for gifts during the holidays, some came with your purchases at the mall or store, and a lot of those came from your online shopping, as wrapper for various products delivered at your home via riding apps.

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with buying something that you want. That’s your money, that’s your choice. Whatever our purchases may be, essential or mundane, helps move the economy, which brings jobs to our fellowmen. What is alarming, however, is how the culture of “excess” consumerism has penetrated the hearts and minds of a lot of Filipinos.

Consumerism is not a new concept brought about by modernity. In Biblical times, Jesus was said to have been angry at merchants selling livestock and wares at the temple, which should have been a sacred site. As stated in Matthew 21:12: “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves.” But consumerism now, especially with the prolonged pandemic, is reaching “obscene” proportions. Like that passage in the Bible, we’re now desecrating not only the temple, but our planet.

I would like to quote Danna Peña, a writer who has worked in advertising agencies and e-commerce brands throughout her career, who contributed an article in our Environment Section. She is a certified “Climate Reality Leader” and part of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, an organization actively addressing the climate crisis in our country.

Danna says that the pandemic has a consequence that not a lot of us are paying attention to. “For better or for worse, online shopping and social media usage have skyrocketed since the pandemic started. Aggravated by social isolation and the monotony it brings, what used to be viewed as a luxury is now the standard—purchasing products and goods, from the most basic to the most frivolous, are right at our fingertips.” Combining the two—excess consumerism and social media—spells disaster. I totally agree with Danna on this. “Through social media, this hurried culture has forced itself upon us and permeated our daily lives. Whether it be advertisements on our feeds or influencers with large followings, the masses of online media and personalities are almost always trying to sell us something, whether it’s a product, feeling, or lifestyle. Oftentimes, there needs to be something bought for us to satisfy this aspiration.” Lately, I was exposed to TikTok and was fascinated because of the short and very entertaining video clips. What I found weird (maybe for people at my age) were videos of unboxing tons of products that came with bulky plastic packaging.

“The speed and frequency of online purchases are producing a phenomenal volume of plastic packaging waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills. Shopping from different distribution centers, purchasing from farther locations, and instances like missed deliveries and returns result in higher green gas emissions per purchase. Due to the overconsumption driven by social media, these negative environmental impacts will only worsen if this business-as-usual scenario is let on,” she explains.

Both Danna and I agree that online shopping is not the “enemy” here. In fact, it has given us the convenience we need. But there should be a “fine line drawn between what’s necessary and what’s excessive.” “As e-commerce provides jobs for people and is the safer way of business in this pandemic, it should be noted that it’s a complex issue with regard to living sustainably. The burden lies among all of us. Businesses must foster more sustainable practices while consumers have the power to make mindful purchases that are less damaging to the environment.” So, what is there to do, considering that we are not yet over the pandemic, and upcoming “consumeristic celebrations” such as Valentine’s Day will have these delivery riders busier than usual? “While this culture of consumerism has seeped into our daily lives, we do have the power to educate ourselves and be more conscious about our purchasing decisions. Be wary of what you typically see online and adopt perspectives that are good for ourselves and the environment,” says Danna, who advises all of us to “buy less, choose well, and make purchases last.” Online shopping is here to stay, but I believe we can be more mindful of our lifestyle choices. Before a purchase, ask if you really need that new gadget that an online influencer is peddling, or if you have to purchase that same shirt that a guy from TikTok is selling. Remember, our planet is sacred (it’s the only one we have!) and each of our daily decisions will determine if we step near its destruction or move forward to its healing.

(Johannes L. Chua is the editor of the Environment and Sustainability Section of Manila Bulletin.)