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50 Insightful And Funny Takes On Anti-Consumption, As Shared On This Online Community
When U.S. soldiers returned home after World War II, they found a country quite different from the one they had left. Wartime production had helped pull America's economy out of the depression, and during the late '40s, young adults saw a remarkable rise in their spending power. Jobs were plentiful, wages were higher, and people were eager to spend. Between 1945 and 1949, Americans bought 20 million refrigerators, 21.4 million cars, and 5.5 million stoves, a trend that continued well into the 1950s. The massive growth of suburban populations meant an even bigger demand for automobiles. Families of all income brackets were buying televisions.
Historian Elaine Tyler May thinks that the federal government and the American people saw the new consumerism as a way to de-emphasize class differences while stressing traditional gender roles. Things that defined "the good life" were within their economic reach, so working-class people could achieve the upward mobility they craved.
And we haven't stopped filling our inner void with sparkling things ever since. As Kerryn Higgs, the author of Collision Course: Endless Growth on a Finite Planet said, the capitalist system depends on never-ending growth and it would simply fail if people were content with what they have. Over the course of the 20th century, capitalism preserved its momentum by molding the ordinary person into a consumer with an unquenchable thirst for its "wonderful stuff."
And the subreddit r/AntiConsumption illustrates this notion beautifully. Its 294K members criticize, question, and discuss everything consumerism-related, and provide clear-cut examples of how the system degenerated. What I like about this online community is that it isn't ringing alarm bells, declaring the end of times. Instead, it invites us to take a step back and look at the reality we have created for ourselves.
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Thought This Belonged Here… It Drives Me Nuts How There Is Such A Purchase-Culture Around Fitness And Health
Useless Stuff Indeed
To learn more about r/AntiConsumption, we contacted its moderator, u/NihiloZerowe. "There is a broad range of subject matter that gets discussed in the subreddit," they told Bored Panda. "You often see posts from people who are sick of litter, who are discontent with the dominant economic order, and who dislike excess packaging. There are a fair number of vegans in the sub and many subscribers are concerned about global warming and ecological degradation. Occasionally, someone will promote some sort of boycott or protest. I'd say the sub definitely leans left, but I don't ban people who want to argue about some sort of idealistic capitalist ecotopia. One thing that makes the sub stand out from other similar subs is that we don't have much tolerance for green consumerism. Trying to market your 'eco-groovy' new product in r/AntiConsumption will probably not help your sales very much."
u/NihiloZerowe also tries to avoid moderating the subreddit with a heavy hand. They believe that "even seemingly inane posts can spur discussion, bring in new subscribers, and lead people to other posts discussing more substantial topics." To be honest, I can't remember a Reddit community this big and active with just one person looking after it. But it looks like u/NihiloZerowe is doing one hell of a job.
"Some people don't like memes but if those memes drive traffic... Then I see that as a positive. To the extent that the content gets a bit monotonous (e.g., MY USB STICK CAME IN A BOX THAT COULD HOLD A BUICK!). I encourage people to post the content that they'd prefer to see discussed. If you don't like something in the sub then downvote it, mark it as read, and move on. Or maybe explain why you don't like something. I really like to see debate and discussion in the sub and try not to stand in the way of that. As long as the posted content isn't overtly bigoted or an advertisement in disguise, I'll usually let it stay up so that subscribers can vote and respond to it as they see fit."
Great To See Out Society As A Whole, Progressing
In other countries you can get arrested when getting stuff out of Supermarkt dumbsters.
There Are So Few Spaces Like This Left
So sad but true, I remember community centers that has activities for free, now you gotta pay for certain things
Put The Small Biz Before Big Biz
I absolutely agree but I have one huge concern: If I buy five things on line from five different web sites it means I’ve given my credit card info to five different people I have probably never dealt with before.
In a way, economic anthropologist, author, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Dr. Jason Hickel, agrees with the subreddit. According to him, the great challenge of the 21st century is learning to consume less. "In recent years, scientists have published estimates of the world's total consumption of material stuff, including everything from fish to livestock, minerals to metals, forests to fossil fuels. It comes to more than 80 billion tons of stuff per year. A sustainable level of consumption is about 50 billion tons per year, scientists believe. We are overshooting the mark by 60%," Hickel explained.
"This means we are eating away at the web of life on which we all depend for our survival. This might sound impossibly abstract, but we can see the consequences around us. Fish stocks are collapsing. Pollinators are dying off. Agricultural topsoils are turning to dust. Huge swathes of coastal ocean have become dead zones."
Remember Kids, “Vegan Wool” Is Plastic. And When It Breaks, It’s Decomposition Will Not Be Friendly
They are not wrong. I largely buy second hand, and almost only leather, these things have had a whole life before me, and will have a whole other one after.
My Work Is Required To Have Paper Charts And Maps, But They Expire Every Couple Months. I Take The Expired Charts And Use Them As Wrapping Paper
Old Bag New Life So My Mom Spent The Day Removing The Old Straps From Her Swimming Bag And Replaced Them With What She Had At Home: Some Old Cargo Straps. I Think The Colors Work Really Great With Each Other! Please Give Her A Thumbs Up!
From everything they've seen on the sub, u/NihiloZero expects that society will consume less in the not-so-distant future. But with that being said, the moderator doesn't think it'll be caused by some sort of positive cultural shift.
"Rather, I believe that resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and political instability around the world will break down the modern system of consumerism as we know it. I believe the hiccups in the supply chain that we're seeing right now as a result of the pandemic are small potatoes compared to what's coming. It would be nice if we could make a smooth transition to smaller self-sufficient and sustainable communities, and I won't try to stop you if that's what you're trying for, but I really don't expect such a transition to be smooth, if it ever happens at all," they explained their thoughts.
What Up Water Homies
But sadly a lot of people don't have access to healthy tapwater for various reasons, ranging from incompetent authorities not able to set up a functioning water supply system to incompetent authorities wilfully poisoning their citizens with lead.
Our Economy Thrives Off Insecurities
Just Came Across This And I Just Wanted To Share It
u/NihiloZero said the community of the subreddit "can be a bit holier-than-thou sometimes."
"You see a fair bit of gatekeeping and fingers pointed at those who are deemed to be conspicuous consumers. The anti-capitalists don't like the capitalists. The vegans don't like animal eaters. The pedestrians don't like the filthy motorists. We probably get a relatively high number of luddites commenting in the sub. Related to all the "anti-" positions... we also get a fair number of trolls who like to push the buttons of the true believers. But, really, I think the sub is mostly comprised of people who are sick of the violence, destruction, and waste in the modern world. Sometimes we can laugh about it, sometimes we can't. Sometimes we're serious and sometimes we're not," the moderator explained.
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Me Everytime There Is A Discussion About Straws
Bamboo or metal straws are a good option and BTW - there are some people with physical issues who do better drinking from a straw
We're not talking about people that need it, it's about all the entitled people who don't.
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The idea that an average person not using straws, or doing literally anything else will have any impact on the environment is a capitalist lie. 70% of the pollution is created by just 100 companies. Stop bitching at each other and focus on them.
Thank you! Capitalism’s goal here is to make people fight each other over meaningless things so that no one holds the system accountable for major things. Why are we fighting plastic straws instead of the military-industrial complex?
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The problem I have is me not using a single use plastic straw is not going to have any effect on anything other than my own discomfort/pain. There are much more sustainable ways to do almost everything however until the very few big companies who own almost everything are willing to change things then nothing we do is going to make a difference. You realise that 75% of greenhouse gases are produced by like 3 companies and yet we have been told that we can make a difference! It's a capitalist lie that we have been fed our whole lives!
I've just gone through a three-year orthodontic treatment during which time I wasn't allowed to drink sodas, mineral water and beer without a straw. So I bought one single straw made of hard durable plasic, hand rewashed and used it. One single straw at home through three years. It can be done.
I can’t give up my plastic straws. I’m sorry! My autism hates paper straws because is the way they feel on my tongue when they absorb moisture. It’s the same reason I hate the feel of wooden spoons. And straws are more hygienic than drinking from the glass- ask any bartender. On a busy night they just rinse glasses in sanitizer liquid and call them clean. But I do have some reusable straws for home use!
Cool if you are not disabled. I am an adult but my disabilities make it difficult to drink without a straw just like tins of other disabled people. Let's keep our eyes and rage directed at the corporations that are the root cause of this disaster
I'm in a quandary. I have plastic straws left over from before paper straws were an easy to get option and we had to get straws for my nan who had Alzheimer's and a straw was the only way we could keep her hydrated (so, about 14 years ago?). These straws exist. I don't have a Delorean to go back to before they were manufactured, so they will ultimately, eventually, inevitably end up in landfill if they cannot be recycled, whether I use them or not. Right now, they're in a cupboard, but they can't stay there forever.
Okay, but if you actually want to use a straw just buy a metal one, they're like six bucks and you can use them over and over again
I mean people with disabilities exist also, and so do many alternative straws, but some straws can't be used with hot drinks and some can't be used with cold. Also in my career, where I work in fashion, I'm involved in shoots for ads and films and fashion shows. Models and actors have to be ready hours before we shoot and they need to eat and drink in between, so they have to be careful to not mess up their makeup or else it's a huge delay to redo it. So straws are used often. Most times the model/actor has their own bottle with an attached straw, but they still have straws on standby if needed. I know it sounds silly, but even a 20 minute delay can cost the production house a lot of money as they rent spaces, equipment, props, pay people by the hour.
If one has dental issues, then staws helps a lot. Keeps minimal exposure with a drink.
Stop being so negative… they are some good alternative for straw now and if we want to drink straw we can :) If that makes us happy what’s the problem?
Maybe leave off with the profanity to sound more like an adult and not a petulant 13 year old?
I use metal and hard plastic straws! Hard plastic is still plastic, but mine have lasted for years with no signs of damage. Not super cheap, but if you wash them you’ll save a ton of money.
Except in my gut, where they degrade but so does my ability to function. I can't imagine rice-based pasta holding up as long. But there's so many different solutions out there, there's one to suit every need
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It's not about an adult thing! There are drinks you cannot drink without straw! Banning straws completely is not a solution and definitely not the biggest problem here! I'm using metal cause i also hate the paper ones
Banning SINGLE USE straws most certainly is an awesome step and a good solution. Straws are unneccesary. If you need to use one for what ever reason then make sure you bring your own. And show me the drink you can't drink from a glass like a grown up. I'm genuinely curious.
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Paper straw suck though. They have biodegradable straws made of cellulose. F* paper straws.
Paper straws are biodegradable and made of cellulose...
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Aardvark makes fantastic paper straws that do not disintegrate for a lot longer than it takes to finish your drink.
omg yes. we have lids at work that have a little sip thing in them, specifically to reduce people using straws (we swapped to paper straws too), and people still insist on a straw. or the people who get straws for hot drinks, the straw is paper, it will immediately disintigrate!
I have glass straws that I have been using for over 8 years and I have never broken a single one. Easy to clean, see through, durable, awesome. I'm not graceful either, I have dropped them, smacked them against things, put them in the dishwasher with the silverware, microwaved them (on accident but it was still perfect, smushed ice with them all the time. No issues. Now I need to knock on wood so I didn't jinx my straws.
I get where she is coming from, but sometimes you need a straw. Like I have sensitive teeth and if I don't use a straw I can't drink most cold or hot stuff. I use metal or silicone straws but I get it, most people don't need them.
In case no one has said it, quadriplegics need access to plastic straws, there's risk of infection or injury with re usable ones.
Part of the problem is restaurants who refuse to wash the outside of the glass. If you put your mouth on the rim, you can taste it.
I appreciate the sentiment, but I have to have a straw to drink. I own three stainless steel straws and I love them.
Metal straws that are already bent are best in my opinion! I spill like everything all the time, no matter what the straw or lid situation may be, but bent metal straws almost never spill!
Children sip. That’s what a sippy cup literally is. I’ll enjoy my reusable straws while you gasp and gulp on the edge of your child cup.
Here in the Netherlands most drinks are without straws. Our glasses aren't half liters too heavy for kids to lift. Straws are mostly used in kids tetrapack drinks, and milkshakes. Milkshakes would taste very different without a straw. Then it would just be melted icecream... But bamboo, metal or better: PASTA straws would work well too.
I was given like a pasta thing with a hole in it. Just a regular piece of uncooked pasta. Best straw I've ever had that is both safe and sturdy
McDonald’s old plastic straws were recycling, they then changed them to paper, which isn’t .
It is very difficult and expensive to recycle plastic straws. They cannot be recycled with regular plastic items.
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I am one of the rare people in the world that seem to not like straws, but I do like licorice and will bite the ends off and use them as straws because, straws should be fun. A black licorice and a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate, yummy!
Problem with that is portability. I wish cold drinks came with the same sipping cap on them that hot drinks do.
Can you not buy a reusable cup that fits the bill? Not having a go - genuine question.
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Seems that she do not have kids that yet can't sip like an adult because they are not yet adults.
Living In The 20's
Since /r/AntiConsumption is about to hit 300,000 subscribers, u/NihiloZero wanted to use the opportunity and encourage everyone who enjoys its content to become a member.
"Please don't let me dissuade you from working on sustainable projects or promoting them in the sub," they added. "We've got a lot of subscribers who are into that sort of thing and would likely give you feedback. Some of it might be positive, and some of it might be negative, but you're likely to get feedback either way!"
Found On Fb
My Sister’s Gender Reveal “Party”. Her Doctor Wrote The Baby’s Gender On A Piece Of Paper. At The End Of The Day The Whole Family Joined A Video Call Where She Unfolded The Paper! That Was It!
This
To Keep Prices High
Consumption Is Most Ravenous At The Top Of Society, Consuming Small-Businesses Too
This "Low Plastic" Pen Is A Perfect Metaphor For Environmentalism Under Capitalism
Not Perfect Anti Consumption, But I Used Black Takeout Containers And Old Greeting Cards To Give Out Homemade Cookies This Year
We Need A Different Economy
Restaurant Ask Customers To Stop Wasting Buffet Food
Not Sure What They're Expecting
the space between no ads and paying your artists well while keeping the app free is very small... i dunno how i feel about this because the reason why spotify and youtube are basically free is ads, and the reason why premium paid versions exist is so the artists are still paid
Did You Know That You Can Rewear Clothes? This Changes Everything
The True Cost Of Stuff
I hate Black Friday, and how religious holidays has become commercialized , yes the day after thanksgiving is Black Friday, the start of the holiday season ( Xmas for me) I know that Black Friday isn’t a religious holiday, didn’t mention that
Makes Sense
What A Beautiful Billboard
It's a joy you can experience yourself, without any cost! You can buy my e-book here!!!
You Are Enough
Problem Solved
I don’t mind trucks because I take the bus and don’t own a car. Does that count?
Croatian Company Made Their Toilet Paper Package With A Cool Dual Purpose
knowing Croatian plumbing the bag is for putting used toilet paper into
Some Decent Tips I Think
My Sister Asked Me To Buy These 2 Products For Her Birthday. This Is The Packaging For 10 Ml Of Product
This Really Hit Home For Me To See Today!
Permanent Permaculture
Gardens are a lot of upkeep. A lot of people don’t have time for them. Plus there’s the issue of finding something that will grow where you live.
Great Idea Stolen From Facebook
Bernie Showing Us All The Way
Just Ewww
Less Ads More Content Follow
Brands Aren't Your Friends
It Do Be Like That
You Know When You Can't Figure Out If Something Is Satire?
Sometimes That's Hard To Forget With All The Advertisements For Sustainable Clothing Brands
Women's clothing is less quality than man's. In my experience, my shirts get ripped and overstretched in less than a year. Boyfriend has the same damn s**t without any tiny holes in since like 2015 (the cost was the same)
This Would Be Very Depressing
“Hello? Yes, I’ve changed my mind, and I’d like to take the blue pill please.”
Bruh
I See This Every Year. Over 60,000 New iPhone & Samsung Cases Are Dumped Because They Won’t Fit The New Models
Right
And that leotard will be up her butt crack and wedged in her hooha fast than you can say downward dog, how uncomfortable and impractical. I hate the consumerism that sits behind climate change, and how so few see that this is adding to the problem.
Plastic Straws And Sandwich Cutters Aren’t The Devil
Absolutely Disgusting
Note: this post originally had 78 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I've come to the conclusion that I must be some weird subspecies of human. I'm (hopefully) about to get a better paying job and I was thinking just yesterday that I should buy myself something nice out of my first paycheck. But for the life of me, I can't think of a single 'thing' I want or need.
Well you bought this self-congratulatory post, and that's something.
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Consumerism depends on peer pressure. Fighting it isn’t about congratulating yourself for not buying stuff you don’t need: it’s about accepting others who show up with stuff that could be nicer.
There is also those who tear down perfectly fine houses to build their "dream" house or because they have nothing better to do with their time and money
One sad thing about COVID lockdowns are that people are buying more stuff online… and that this stuff mainly comes from multinational giants (like Amazon) whereas charity/second hand shops can’t operate until restrictions are lifted :-(
People need to teach their children about spending, manipulation consumerism, fads which are really wasteful.
One thing I learned about this article is people care way to much was a person does with there OWN money
the point of the article has gone way over your head hasn't it
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I feel guilty of buying useless items.. Although I don't throw it away but it just lies unused in my wardrobes.
Honestly I have no idea where this obsession to spend come from. I'm still very much the same as I was decades ago when I was a poor kid growing up. Hell I don't even have a spare business suit.
Generation X are the only ones who see through most of this BS.
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Currently spending money on garden stuff, mostly 2nd hand, and saving for a hand made musical instrument
I've come to the conclusion that I must be some weird subspecies of human. I'm (hopefully) about to get a better paying job and I was thinking just yesterday that I should buy myself something nice out of my first paycheck. But for the life of me, I can't think of a single 'thing' I want or need.
Well you bought this self-congratulatory post, and that's something.
Load More Replies... Consumerism depends on peer pressure. Fighting it isn’t about congratulating yourself for not buying stuff you don’t need: it’s about accepting others who show up with stuff that could be nicer.
There is also those who tear down perfectly fine houses to build their "dream" house or because they have nothing better to do with their time and money
One sad thing about COVID lockdowns are that people are buying more stuff online… and that this stuff mainly comes from multinational giants (like Amazon) whereas charity/second hand shops can’t operate until restrictions are lifted :-(
People need to teach their children about spending, manipulation consumerism, fads which are really wasteful.
One thing I learned about this article is people care way to much was a person does with there OWN money
the point of the article has gone way over your head hasn't it
Load More Replies... I feel guilty of buying useless items.. Although I don't throw it away but it just lies unused in my wardrobes.
Honestly I have no idea where this obsession to spend come from. I'm still very much the same as I was decades ago when I was a poor kid growing up. Hell I don't even have a spare business suit.
Generation X are the only ones who see through most of this BS.
Load More Replies... Currently spending money on garden stuff, mostly 2nd hand, and saving for a hand made musical instrument
