Spaceship Earth: The Smart Consumer and Anti-Consumption

If you have ever spent some time around leftists, maybe you have heard the phrase, “there is no such thing as ethical consumption under capitalism.” This idea originates primarily from the fact that those who produce goodsdo not receive their fair share, as their employer takes a significant cut without actually producing anything. Other blaring forms of unethical production also exist, which in turn create unethical consumption. Buying things made with child labor, things made in sweatshops or things made in a manner that is toxic to the planet are all inexcusable acts, and thus refusing to buy them becomes the only moral action. Of course, individuals can only sacrifice so much in the pursuit of morality, as in the case of phones and computers. However, in the case of products less essential for modern life, sacrifices should certainly be made.

This is where anti-consumption comes into play. When we find that the products we consume are produced unethically, the moral path is to avoid consumption. This means not buying clothing from most major retailers. Instead, it is better to ask yourself if that new shirt is something you actually need. Engaging in clothing swaps or only buying things second-hand are good options to extend the lifetime of products in a way that is also environmentally friendly and ethical.

As companies have grown larger and larger over the years, the tactic of boycotting has become more difficult. It is simply too difficult at this point in time to organize people from all around the world against companies' immoral behaviors. This leaves us with two options. The first is a long-term solution which changes the ways in which we produce things. By unionizing workplaces and putting the methods of production into the hands of the workers, we can guarantee that production is done in a non-exploitative way. It makes no sense for a worker to pay themselves unfairly or to damage the environments that they live and work in. However it is all too common that when CEOs and shareholders are in charge of production, ethics are replaced by the profit motive.

The other short term solution is anti-consumption. Simply stop buying things that are not necessary and talk to those around you about why you are making the decisions that you are making. With the rise of advertising and fad culture on social media, we are pressured to consume constantly. However, these spaces can also be used to share the injustices performed by corporations in an attempt to change them for the better.

Whether one chooses anti-capitalism or anti-consumption, complacency is not the answer. As the oceans become more full of trash than fish, we must work to stop our constant consumption, and to pursue paths that are sustainable and ethical. Resist advertising and support those trying to make changes within the corporations that are creating the mountains of unnecessary goods in the first place. Change is the product of the actions of many individuals coming together for a common goal, and united, it is possible to make a change for the better.