ADD TO CART , ADD TO CRISIS: THE DARK SIDE OF CONSUMER CULTURE
Authors – Abhishek Singh, Shagun Malik, Surbhi Baid, Priyanka Patil, Sudhi Mahajan, Shruti Yadav
Introduction
In the modern world, consumption is more than just a necessity—it is the driving force of economic growth, industrial progress, and rising living standards. Every product sold fuels industries, creates jobs, and fosters innovation. Yet, beneath this cycle of demand and supply lies an unsettling paradox: the more we consume, the greater the strain on our planet’s finite resources. From overflowing landfills to disappearing forests, from polluted oceans to worsening climate change, the environmental cost of overconsumption is becoming impossible to ignore.
Industries such as fashion, food, and technology exemplify this crisis, as relentless consumer demand fuels mass production, waste accumulation, and unsustainable resource extraction. Fast fashion churns out billions of garments yearly, most of which end up in landfills. The food industry paradoxically produces excessive waste while millions go hungry. Meanwhile, the technology sector’s “upgrade culture” accelerates e-waste and deepens reliance on scarce raw materials.
This crisis is not just about industries—it is about us. Our choices, influenced by demographic, economic, and cultural factors, shape consumption trends and their consequences. High-income nations consume at unsustainable levels, while developing regions bear the brunt of environmental degradation. As economies race to grow, the challenge ahead is clear: how do we balance prosperity with sustainability?
The answer lies not in abandoning consumption, but in rethinking it—through policy reforms, corporate responsibility, and individual action. Tackling overconsumption requires a systemic shift—one that prioritizes circular economies, sustainable production, and conscious consumerism. If left unchecked, overconsumption will not just deplete resources—it will determine the future of our planet.
The Impact of Overconsumption Across Industries: Fashion, Food, and Technology
Overconsumption is a defining issue of the modern industrial era, driving environmental degradation, resource depletion, and waste accumulation. Industries such as fashion, food, and technology have become key contributors to this crisis, operating within unsustainable models of production and consumption. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods.
1. The Fashion Industry: A Model of Excessive Production and Waste
The fashion industry has evolved into a system of relentless overproduction. Each year, between 100 billion and 150 billion garments are manufactured globally—double the volume produced in 2000 .Fast fashion brands, driven by low-cost synthetic fabrics and globalized supply chains, have accelerated this production cycle, prioritizing volume over sustainability. Ultra-fast fashion brands like SHEIN alone launched over 300,000 new garments on their platform in just three months in 2022.
This excessive manufacturing results in a significant surplus, with 10% to 40% of garments left unsold and often discarded or destroyed. Luxury brands have been found incinerating or shredding unsold stock to maintain exclusivity. Consequently, the industry generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, with China and the United States contributing 20 million and 17 million tons, respectively.
Moreover, the reliance on synthetic fabrics like polyester has worsened the industry’s environmental footprint. Polyester production increased from 20 million tons in 2000 to 60 million tons in 2018 and is expected to reach 90 million tons by 2030 . These materials are fossil fuel-based, non-biodegradable, and responsible for substantial carbon emissions equivalent to 180 coal-fired power plants per year.
The carbon footprint of the fashion sector is staggering, with 1.025 Gt of CO₂e emissions in 2019, projected to rise to 1.588 Gt by 2030 .Despite these impacts, only 34% of major fashion brands disclose their carbon footprint at the raw material level, indicating a severe lack of transparency.
2. The Food Industry: A Paradox of Abundance and Waste
The food industry presents a stark contradiction: while global food production exceeds demand, 1.3 billion tons of food—one-third of all produced—is wasted annually. In wealthier nations, overconsumption is fueled by bulk purchasing, strict expiration labeling, and aesthetic food standards, leading to high rates of disposal at the retail and consumer levels. Meanwhile, in developing countries, 40% of food loss occurs due to inefficient supply chains, including inadequate storage and transportation.
This waste translates into an enormous environmental burden. The food industry is responsible for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by methane emissions from landfills, deforestation for agriculture, and fossil fuel-intensive farming practices. Additionally, agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s freshwater resources, meaning that discarded food represents not just wasted calories but also vast amounts of squandered water.
At the same time, global food insecurity remains rampant, with nearly 800 million people suffering from chronic hunger. This inefficiency underscores systemic failures in food distribution and consumption, exacerbating global inequalities and environmental pressures.
3. The Technology Industry: E-Waste and the Culture of Planned Obsolescence
The technology sector, while advancing global connectivity and innovation, operates under a system of planned obsolescence—a business model that encourages frequent device replacements to sustain corporate profits. The result is a rapidly growing e-waste crisis, with 50 million metric tons of electronic waste produced annually—a figure expected to double by 2050.
Shockingly, less than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, with most discarded electronics ending up in landfills or informal recycling sectors in developing countries. These devices contain hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which leach into soil and water sources, posing severe health risks to local populations.
Beyond waste, the energy consumption of the tech industry is staggering. The production of smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets requires rare earth metals extracted through environmentally destructive mining practices. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of cloud computing and digital infrastructure means that data centers alone are projected to account for 8% of global electricity demand by 2030.
Demographics
Overconsumption has become a global norm, fueled by mass production, global supply chains, and consumer culture. While these factors support economic growth, they also lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social consequences. Among the most affected sectors are fashion, food, and electronics, each of which has distinct patterns of overconsumption influenced by different demographic groups.
1. Fashion Industry: The Fast-Fashion Phenomenon
The fast-fashion model promotes frequent clothing purchases at low prices, encouraging wasteful consumption. Social media and influencer culture further drive demand, making fashion one of the most resource-intensive industries.
Key Impacts:
Environmental Damage: The fashion industry contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Ethical Concerns: Relies on cheap labor, synthetic materials, and harmful chemicals.
Who Drives This Trend?
Gen Z and Millennials are the largest consumers, influenced by platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
“Haul culture” encourages bulk clothing purchases.
Women in Western countries form a significant customer base.
Low-income consumers are drawn to fast fashion due to affordability.
2. Food Industry: A Cycle of Waste and Overconsumption
Modern food consumption patterns have led to excessive intake of processed foods, high-calorie snacks, and sugary drinks, contributing to health issues and food waste.
Key Impacts:
Food Waste: According to the FAO, nearly one-third of global food production is wasted.
Health Risks: Overconsumption of processed foods has led to rising obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Who Contributes the Most?
In developed countries, high-income groups and middle-class consumers drive food waste and unhealthy diets.
The USA, Europe, and parts of Asia see high obesity rates due to processed food consumption.
Urban populations in developing nations (India, Brazil, South Africa) are shifting toward fast food and animal-based diets, increasing health risks.
3. Electronics Industry: The Upgrade Culture
Technological advancements and rapid product cycles encourage frequent upgrades and replacements, making electronics one of the fastest-growing industries in terms of consumption and waste.
Key Impacts:
E-Waste Crisis: Continuous product updates contribute to a growing electronic waste problem.
Resource Exploitation: Increased demand leads to depletion of raw materials and environmental pollution.
Who Drives This Demand?
Gen Z and Millennials frequently replace gadgets due to social media trends.
The USA and South Korea lead in electronics consumption.
China, India, and Brazil are witnessing a surge in smartphone usage due to an expanding middle class.
The rise of entertainment platforms has further fueled demand for digital devices.
Overconsumption, Economy, and Environmental Collapse
Economic Disparities in Resource Consumption
Consumption has steadily increased worldwide, but not all countries or individuals are equally responsible for crossing the threshold into unsustainability. Higher-income countries consume six times more resources than low-income countries, according to a UNEP report. In North America, the average person consumes nine times as many natural resources as the average person in Africa. The extraction of the Earth’s natural resources tripled in the past five decades, primarily due to massive infrastructure development and high material consumption, especially in upper-middle and high-income countries. Material extraction is expected to rise by 60 per cent by 2060, threatening global climate, biodiversity, and pollution targets, as well as economic prosperity and human well-being.
Overconsumption in High-Income Countries
High-income countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, bear overwhelming responsibility for global ecological breakdown. According to a new analysis published in The Lancet Planetary Health, these countries must urgently scale down their use of natural resources by over 70% to reach a sustainable level. Although they represent only 16% of the global population, they account for 74% of cumulative excess resource use. The USA and the European Union, including the UK, are responsible for 27% and 25% of global damages, respectively. China follows with 15% of excess material use, while the rest of the Global South—including Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—accounts for only eight%.
Resource Usage by Economic Groups
The overuse of resources in higher-income countries is primarily driven by the demand for metals, minerals, and fossil fuels, whereas in low-income nations, it is largely due to the use of biomass for crops and timber. This disproportionate consumption pattern underscores the need for high-income nations to take greater responsibility in mitigating environmental destruction by reducing their material footprint and transitioning toward sustainable consumption practices.
Cumulative excess resource use by countries from 1970–2017 highlights the stark contrast between consumption levels based on economic standing. As high-income nations drive environmental degradation through excessive material use, the burden of ecological harm falls disproportionately on lower-income regions, exacerbating global inequalities and threatening long-term sustainability.
Environmental Consequences of Overconsumption
Overconsumption is intrinsically linked to natural resource extraction, which devastates ecosystems worldwide. Brazilian rainforests are destroyed for lumber, mining, and agricultural expansion. Copper is extracted to manufacture household items and electronics, while oil is drilled to fuel transportation. The ecological toll of excessive resource use in high-income countries directly degrades the environment and harms human health in other parts of the world.
One stark example is the Niger Delta, one of the world’s largest wetlands, once rich in biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Nearly a century of oil extraction has polluted the region, leading to acid rain that corrodes buildings, destroys crops, and contaminates water sources. The harmful chemicals released during oil extraction have caused severe respiratory illnesses, chronic bronchitis, and high cancer rates among residents. Life expectancy in the Niger Delta is approximately 40 years due to these adverse health effects.
In Brazil, nearly 20% of the Amazon rainforest has been deforested, primarily for logging and cattle farming, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. This destruction has led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and increased CO2 emissions. Deforestation has also threatened the survival of Indigenous communities and countless animal species dependent on the forest ecosystem.
The Slippery Tightrope of Consumption: Balancing Economic growth and Environmental Sustainability
In today’s world every new purchase, every shopping stroll, every recent trend and every extra mile driven is a silent vote- for economic prosperity or for environmental depletion. The lifeblood of modern economies- Consumption fuels industries, generates employment and drives innovation. But, similar to an over fed beast, today it is growing insatiably. We face a complicated challenge not whether to consume, but how to consume without harming the planet?
From skyscrapers to markets, economies have always thrived on demand. A new products hits the shops, and millions of consumers scramble to but it. Factories bustle, workers overtime and stocks cheer.This repeating cycle—earn, spend, produce, repeat—is the very foundation of economic prosperity. The cycle improves living standards, generates more jobs, and fuels bigger dreams.
However, beneath this glittering promise lies a disturbing truth. Markets and businesses, in their never ending pursuit of profits and revenues, often ignore the hidden, social costs: the polluted rivers, the landfills, the invisible debt to the planet.”The more, the merrier” philosophy might help fatten bank accounts but if it at all helps the environment- that is a loose end.
Nature, unlike economics, does not operate on infinite, never ending progress. Forests are not overgrown overnight, oceans can not absorb everything we throw in it. We might choose to ignore it but the consequences of over consumption are not invisible: the vanishing species, erratic climate shifts and disasters, natural resources stretched to their very limits.
In the light of these recent findings, urgent, impactful action is required at the government, social, and an individual level. These changes are not a privileges luxury but a dire necessity—the final cry for help, the final cue. The survival of our planet, and consequently our own, depends on our immediate action.Over consumption is not merely an environmental concern, it is a human concern-affecting us all.
But recognising the crisis is only the first step- what matters the most is how we respond to the challenge. It is now undeniable that addressing it requires more than just consumer-level behaviour change or isolated government policies- it requires a systemic shift in
economic structures, cultural narratives and government mechanisms.
Policy interventions that can be used to enact this change can be primarily grouped in four categories: infrastructure-based interventions, information based interventions, economic interventions and lastly, regulatory intervention. Let us take a look at each one of these-
1. When it comes to infrastructure based interventions, the first aspect that comes to mind is the creation of a circular economy. Reports suggest that a circular economy could reduce global material consumption by 28% by 2050, significantly easing pressure on natural resources. The aim here is to move away from the traditional model of ‘take, make and dispose’, and instead focus on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, through reusing, repairing and recycling. The government should invest in easily accessible recycling infrastructure, such as separate collection of organic waste and develop domestic composting plants so as to reduce reliance on overseas waste management. However it is important to realize that the single- handed efforts of the government are likely to fall short, unless they are accompanied by those of the households and firms. Deposit refund schemes for items like bottles and electronics can incentivize returns, while producer responsibility programs ensure that discarded items are reintegrated into supply chains.
2. Moving on, as part of the information based interventions, the government should regulate eco-labelling in order to discourage unsustainable purchases, along with sponsoring initiatives that can help mainstream sustainable practices. It has now become a common fact that standardized labels on products combined with public information campaigns can empower consumers to make informed choices.
3. Economic interventions can be largely implemented as progressive taxes on resource incentive goods such as high carbon foods and single use plastics, along with adjusted value added tax rates based on environmental impact. The government should introduce a shift, moving away from unsustainable industries to ones that are environmentally friendly. This could entail subsidies for plant-based food production, second-hand markets, and low-impact manufacturing technologies.
4. The last form of intervention involves regulations taking the shape of bans and quotas on environmentally harmful products, such as single use plastics and excessive packaging. The government should lead by example in this case, prioritizing sustainability in public sector purchases such as food, office supplies and construction materials.
Conclusion
A future built on sustainable consumption is no longer an abstract ideal- it’s a necessity. Policies should be restructured, industries should be made to innovate sustainably, and individuals must rethink and revise their consumption patterns. Our choices today will determine the world we leave behind. The question is no longer if we must act, but how soon we are willing to.
References
The Green Side of Pink (2024). Overproduction in the Fashion Industry. Retrieved from https://www.thegreensideofpink.com
World Resources Institute (2019). GHG Emissions from the Apparel Sector. Retrieved from https://earth.org
Fashion Transparency Index (2022). Impact of Polyester in the Fashion Industry. Retrieved from http://tandfonline.com
FAO (2021). Global Food Waste Report. Retrieved from https://earth.org
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2023). Global E-Waste Monitor. Retrieved from https://earth.org
National responsibility for ecological breakdown: a fair-shares assessment of resourcehttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00044-4/fulltext
UNICEF, Press Release https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/over-consumption-worlds-richest-countries-destroying-childrens-environments-globally
Developing Nations: “Our Pollution is Your Consumption” Report By Dr. Hubacekhttps://www.popcenter.umd.edu/research/selected_research/research_1380209290129
