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50 Eye-Opening Photos That Show Exactly How Much Worse Consumerism Has Gotten (New Pics)
Many would argue that consumerism makes the world go round. Economies can boom through the money we spend on goods and services. Likewise, the rise in demand and desire for newer products can incentivize innovation and advancements.
However, we can’t ignore the ugly side and negative consequences. That’s where the Anticonsumption subreddit comes in. This online group of 1.5 million members is here to remind us that too much of anything is never healthy.
We’ve collected some photos from the group that feature facts about the current state of consumerism in society. This could be an eye-opening read for you.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Don’t Want To Connect My Coffee Machine To WiFi
RELATED:
#2
All Those Prime Day Boxes Come At A Cost
michael Chock 4 months ago (edited)
I don't use Amazon. I might pay a little more but I also buy less and own less trash than most.
#3
Are These "Assets" Or Just Expensive Waste?
Lost Panda 4 months ago
I'm all for children to have as many toys as is possible for them to play/their parents to afford, because it creates imagination and helps give them childhood memories. Billionaires? You don't need all that junk. If you have a hole you're trying to fill, you're doing it wrong.
We often refer to previous decades as “simpler times,” and there is no exaggeration here. People were more content with living within their means, not worrying about purchasing anything other than their basic necessities. This was especially true before the 20th century, according to historian Dr. Kerryn Higgins.
“Frugality and thrift were more appropriate to situations where survival rations were not guaranteed,” Dr. Higgins wrote in an article for the BBC.
#4
Capitalism: Convincing You To Buy Things To ‘Save’ Money
#5
Artwork By Joan Chan
LillieMean 4 months ago
This is a typical example of political tactics. People get annoyed by paper straws and don't pay attention to the big picture, i.e. the companies. Individuals are accused/blamed for littering so that big companies can continue littering the oceans and overfishing with their bycatch.
#6
Stay Informed Ignore Bulls**t
keyboardtek 4 months ago
That would have been useful before this last election. FOX news had every conservative thinking we we being invaded by illegal immigrants. If people had been honestly informed, Trump would not be president. But now it is crucial that people stay informed about all the destruction to democracy that Trump and the Heritage Foundation are doing. Just avoid FOX news.
According to Dr. Higgins, it all changed in the 1920s when industry leaders realized that “mass production is only profitable if its rhythm can be maintained.” She quoted a passage from a 1928 book written by public relations pioneer Edward Bernays, which stated that businesses “cannot afford to wait until the public asks for its product.”
By “maintaining constant touch” through advertising, propaganda, and other means of mass communication, industries at the time believed that having a continuous demand could be profitable.
#7
Just Ran Across This, Thought I’d Share
#8
More Money In Our Pockets!
#9
LOL Yes!
Pretty soon, the powers that be exploited the wants and desires of consumers, describing them as “almost insatiable.” It motivated them to create an endless cycle of “newer wants” as fast as the buying public was satisfied.
As Dr. Higgins further explains, people’s desire for material things only grew, even if they didn’t have the same resources as those living in affluence did. It was the beginning of consumerism as we know it today.
#10
Interesting Analogy
Nils Skirnir 4 months ago
In capitalism the easiest way to achieve infinite demand is by an infinitely increasing population l. Which is why you periodically see the wealthy freaking out if population threatens to stabilize. More people = more s*x slaves for the rich
#11
Well Isn’t This Ironic…
Little Bit 4 months ago
Plastic has taken over the world and I don't think we'll ever get rid of it.
#12
What Else?
It may no longer be relevant to ask how we got to the current state of consumerism. Perhaps, the better question to ask would be, “What can we do to break the cycle?” According to finance writer and minimalism advocate Joshua Becker, having less desire to upgrade our lives constantly is one approach.
“Only an intentional rejection of excessive consumerism can silence the call to constantly upscale lifestyle norms,” Becker wrote in an article for Forbes.
#13
This Has Never Been More Relevant, To A Dying Planet Where Division And War Is The Norm
Embarrassed-Profit74:
The quote is actually from an Abenaki filmmaker, Alanis Obomsawin. She's still alive at the age of 92, and has made documentaries about indigenous people since the '70s. Canadians can find her work through the National Film Board of Canada and Knowledge Network. People outside Canada can probably find her films by asking for them at their local libraries, especially if they have Kanopy or Hoopla. I especially recommend: Richard Cardinal: Cry from the diary of a Metis Child, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, and Hi-Ho Mistahey!
Yrral Spavit 4 months ago (edited)
Was on a ten day hike once. We had camped for the night and were sitting around talking. Someone pulled out a $10 bill and asked what use it was out here. It was useless. Couldn't even wipe your a*s with it as it was polymer.
#14
I’m A Barbie Girl In A Plastic World
#15
Pointless Fad Consumerism Two-For-One
A generous act always goes a long way. Not only does it help the individual in a significant way, but it also brings a sense of gratification for the person who does the good deed. But as Becker also points out, it’s also an effective way to reject consumerism.
“When we begin rejecting the temptation to spend our limited resources on ourselves, our hearts are opened to the joy and fulfillment found in giving our personal resources to others,” he stated.
#16
It Just Seems Like The Wrong Way To Enjoy Nature, Period
Mount Everest covered in waste, including 12,000 kilos (26,500 lbs) of human excrement
#17
No One Bought These At $10.49 Per Dozen, So Now The Dumpster Gets To Eat Them
Every week I throw away so much food: eggs, sandwiches, milk. Hundreds of dollars worth. It's depressing. God forbid an employee take any of it, though.
#18
Unavoidable Bedding Plastic Makes Great Travel Shoe Storage
#19
A Perfect Illustration Of Why Gdp Is A Bad Indication Of The Quality Of Life Of A Population
#20
I Made These Bags Out Of A Punctured Air Bed
#21
This Makes Me Sick
keyboardtek 4 months ago
The Trump administration and its Republican congress are the most evil corrupt group to ever control this country.
#22
I Was Told This Art I Made Would Fit Here
#23
I Heard We Were Doing Library Receipts
Mel in Georgia 4 months ago
Federal funds have ended for our US public libraries. Eliminated are summer reading programs, interlibrary loan programs, research databases and so many other things. These affect so many people, especially the underserved. We complain to our government representatives to no avail. *sigh*
#24
I Made A Poster To Put Up Around My Town
DennyS (denzoren) 4 months ago
I fix everything. Also, I'm not above wearing tshirts with stains or those little holes in them out in public.
#25
Could A Universal Remote Control Turn Off Those Damned Screens?
Government in France asked people to lower the heaters in their home to reduce power consumption. But in the meantime, we've replaced everything with giant LCD screens, putting video ads absolutely everywhere in malls and subway corridors.
Could a universal remote control turn those off?
#26
What Radicalized You?
Saw this at Target today. NINE DOLLARS for a clothespin? Stuff like this ramps up my anti-capitalist/anti-consumption feelings so much.
It DID inspire me to put a few things back on the shelf that I can probably find at yard sales or second hand stores instead, so I guess, thanks Target for the obscene cash grab attempt.
What's a moment you recall when corporate greed or rampant consumerism smacked you in the face?
Big Chungus 4 months ago
You mean I could sell my mom's clothespins for 9 dollars each? omggggg
#27
Real
#28
After 18 Years Of Service, I Finally De-Branded My Reusable Shopping Bag
Geoffrey Scott 4 months ago
The ONE positive thing, I guess, is that most reusable shopping bags are made from recycled plastic.
#29
Icon Of The Seas = Icon Of Gluttony
#30
Buying Is The Little-Dopamine That Brings Total Bankruptcy!
#31
Quote From Raphael Cuomo's New Book On Addictive Behaviors And Health
#32
For The Boycotts
#33
The Amount Of Remaining Contents Before Bottles Stop Pumping And They Are Disposed Of
I don’t know how many people simply throw out their lotion bottles once lotion stops pumping from certain containers. We ourselves take the time remove the pump and scoop out as much as we can. I can only imagine the number of other bottles simply tossed out. Someone please engineer a way to get the most out of these bottles
#34
They’ve Got To Be Joking. In Car Advertising
Yrral Spavit 4 months ago
Going to be looking for a new vehicle once my 10 year old one gives up the ghost. Thanks for the heads up to avoid Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram.(not that I needed one anyway, but thanks)
#35
For Those Whos "Still" Live With Their Family
#36
At Least We Are Trying… Right?
#37
Prime Day Is A Massive Scam
I was looking at this speaker online at BestBuy, Amazon and other retailers two weeks ago. Everywhere had this item listed for $350 exactly with no special sale or anything. Now for “Prime Day” today, they are claiming this item is usually $400 base retail - which is a lie. They are raising the price and dropping it down near normal levels and calling it a sale. Ridiculous.
Premislaus de Colo 4 months ago
In Poland if you advertise a deal you need to show what was the lowest price within the last 30 days.
#38
My Library Knew Exactly What They Were Doing By Posting This On Economic Blackout Day
#39
Paid Off My Last Credit Card!
#40
Can’t Even Get Away From Ads At The Beach
#41
Down With Logos
Lady Eowyn 4 months ago
My late dad was a fanatic about not wearing/using anything with a brand name on it. It doesn't bother me as much, as long as I get the branded item for free.
#42
Unsold Balloons At The Dollar Store After Valentine’s Day. Several More Aisles Of This Not Shown
Had to push through a forest of strings as you walked through the store.
#43
Netflix Raised Their Prices Again After Profiting Billions Last Year
#44
Tsla Is Down Almost 28% Since Elon Did The Salute. He Has Already Lost $100billion Since December
#45
A Small Win
#47
How Many Of These Useless Cup Things Are Thrown Out Every Sunday?
This is how communion is done at your typical Mega-Church
#48
I Still Cancelled My Membership, But Their Ties Run Deep
Rebecca McManus 3 months ago
Need to replace my internet provider, my electric company is offering a £200 voucher if I use their partner company. I noped out when I found out the router is an Amazon product.
#49
Because Buying $32 Shorts On TikTok Shop Is So Anti Capitalist
Yrral Spavit 4 months ago
As clueless as all those people who wear/wore Che T-shirts without realizing who he was or how much he would have despised them.
#50
A Farmer’s Market Selling… Labubu’s?
#51
This Sh** Drives Me Crazy
Emilu 4 months ago
It's designed for people with disabilities, people with mental health issues, the elderly or other people that would otherwise struggle to live independently without a bit of a helping hand. Obviously the poster doesn't fall into this category, so they can shove off and leave it for the people that need it.
#53
Love Seeing Restaurants Encouraging Their Patrons To Go Zero Waste!
Rick Murray 4 months ago
Or be like here in France and do some proper action by simply saying no more straws and lids must be non-plastic?
#55
Democracy vs. Capitalism
Rich Black 1 month ago
read a book. it's ad free. you don't have be online or watching cable 24/7
#56
Big Tech Doesn’t Sell Products, It Sells Lifelong Dependencies, And Your Kids Are The Target
#57
My Favorite Way To Not Spend
DennyS (denzoren) 4 months ago
I use second hand stores. Much cheaper and I get a book with some character.
#58
To Communicate With Doge You Now Need An X Account…i See A Slight Conflict Of Interest
#59
Born To Consume, Trained To Comply
#60
Are Tariffs Actually A Good Thing?
Are tariffs are actually a good thing?
So yeah, economies will spiral out of control and people on the low end of the earning spectrum will suffer disproportionately, but won’t all this turmoil equate to less buying/consumption across the board?
Like, alcohol tariffs will reduce alcohol consumption, steel and aluminum tariffs will promote renovating existing buildings and reduce the purchase of new cars, electronics and oil refining are both expected to raise in costs. What about this is a bad thing if the overall goal is to reduce consumption and its impact on the environment?
Also, it’s worth noting that I am NOT right wing at all and have several fundamental problems with America’s current administration, but I feel like this is an issue they stumbled on where it won’t have their desired effects (localization of our complex manufacturing and information industries) but whose side effects might be a good thing for the environment (obviously this ignores all the other environmental roll backs this admin is overseeing)
#61
I Messed Up And Spent $200 During Today’s Blackout 🇺🇦
BookFanatic 4 months ago
I'm not entirely sure donating to a cause is the same as following an economic blackout to hurt corporations.
#62
Creating Just To Keep Up? No Wonder It Feels Empty
Rich Black 1 month ago
i respectfully decline to live in a community where everyone imagines themself as an artist with no greater responsibility to their neighbors.
#63
Be Nice To Customer Service Reps, The Only People Getting Screwed Worse Than Us Is Them
#64
Is This What The End Times Actually Look Like?
Rich Black 1 month ago
but don't turn off your internet and cable. you'll need to be online to know when judgement day has arrived.
#65
Go Without
Rich Black 1 month ago
going without is what rich people tell poor people, to squelch class and wealth envy.
#66
Hello Mapquest, My Old Friend
Geoffrey Scott 4 months ago
It will be a happy day when his Orange head finally explodes from lack of sleep over the insignificant bullsh**t, he tries to confuse us with.
#67
Found “Impulse Merchandising” Guide
#68
It’s Happening
michael Chock 4 months ago
No. The exploitation economy is forcing me to give up my old lunch habit.
#69
What The Actual…
Saddest_Lion 4 months ago
If I lived in Canada and my milk came in a bag, I might want this... maybe
#70
Bring Their Stocks Down Further!
Rich Black 1 month ago
up from it's 52 week low of $175 in may. snapshots of a single day rarely tell a coherent story.
#72
You Know What Will Solve The Existential Dread Of Life Under Capitalism? A Bunch Of Gadgets
#73
Decided I Didn’t Need A $550 Espresso Machine
#74
Can We Criticize Social Media's Impact On Kids While Still Using It Ourselves?
#75
Capitalism Hates This One Simple Trick. Economists Are Furious!
#76
Deathbed Confession
#77
Wall Street Journal: Richest 10% Of Americans Account For Nearly 50% Of Consumer Spending
#78
Nine-Ton Replica Of An Olmec Head Crushing A Model 3 (Url In Comments)
Sculptor Chavis Mármol has never owned a car, but that’s never inhibited his drive. Earlier this month, the 42-year-old Mexico City-based artist (who travels largely by bicycle) dropped a nine-ton replica of an Olmec head onto the roof of a blue Tesla Model 3 in a crushing display posted to Instagram on March 11. Mármol told Hyperallergic that his intention was “to satirize the Tesla brand and its creator."
Premislaus de Colo 4 months ago
Someone bought this car, so Musk already got money from this. The only thing this guy did was to destroy a good product
#79
The Strike Left Philadelphia Buried In Garbage
#80
List Of Companies To Boycott
Geoffrey Scott 4 months ago
No Nestle'? How disappointing seeing as how they encourage recycling but do not set an example.
#81
Drone Photos From Elon Musk Protest At Tesla In Tucson, Az This Morning
michael Chock 4 months ago
And if the protestors "happened" to lose a bunch of nails around the dealerships and factories, that would just be soooo unfortunate.
#82
Reminder To Not Let "No Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism" Absolve Our Collective Guilt
#83
New Jar Is Not Only 50ml Smaller, They Made It Useless For Canning With New Lid
Ace 4 months ago (edited)
I hate it when people deliberately post fake comparisons like this. The two jars are not the same product. The website is printed on the label, doesn't take long to find that they make lots of sauces, some of them in the larger size with the mason-jar lid, some of them in the slightly smaller size. Oh, and the screw on lid on that one is still perfectly good for reuse when you're making your own jam or whatever.
#84
7.4% Drop! Wow
I’m delighted to have been proven wrong about the outcome. I explained the concept of the Economic Blackout to my children, emphasizing its purpose and significance. Although I was initially skeptical about its potential impact, we decided to participate regardless. Seeking clarity on February’s consumer spending, I turned to ChatGPT, preferring it over Google due to its concise and relevant responses and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
Rick Murray 4 months ago
"concise and relevant responses" is not a phrase I would ever associate with ChatGPT.
#85
Ride A Bike. Take A Train Or Bus. Turn Down The Heat. F**k The Maga-Enabling Fossil Fuel Industry
#86
Imagine The Place You Died Being Used To Promote A Movie
#87
Amazon Echo Now Has To Send Recordings
#88
Disney Apparently Sells Blind Boxes Of Trash Can Pins
Thorsten Massow 4 months ago
Can someone please explain this for a German. What are these and what are they used for?
#89
My Bookshelf Of 27 Books After Selling/Donating About 2000 Books
I realised it’s READING that makes me happy, not OWNING an unnecessary amount of books. 📚
I’m not going to stop owning physical books completely (I love the feeling of paper books), but for every new book I get, an old one will have to go.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 4 months ago
Nope, sorry. Books are the one thing I won't give up.
#90
What Happened Between Now And Then?
#91
Keep It Up. It’s Working. Boycott It All
#92
"Subtle Indicators Of Affluence" Makes Me Feel Sick
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Lyone Fein 3 months ago
The material world is being destroyed by the spiritual black holes inside so many of us.
Progressive Nihilism, the mansplainer 3 months ago
And yet I'd bet my house that at least half of BP's readers don't know who Edward Bernays was, or what WW2 was really about. That is based on 6 months of reading the comments on several of the meme articles.
Lyone Fein 3 months ago
The material world is being destroyed by the spiritual black holes inside so many of us.
Progressive Nihilism, the mansplainer 3 months ago
And yet I'd bet my house that at least half of BP's readers don't know who Edward Bernays was, or what WW2 was really about. That is based on 6 months of reading the comments on several of the meme articles.
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