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Original poster

To think consumerism is spiralling out of control??

184 replies

Notcontent · 31/10/2018 19:43

Just thinking about this tonight, as it’s Halloween and it seems bigger than ever before, with more decorations and more people buying sweets and stuff in general. The same at Easter this year - there was so much Easter related stuff for sale. People are also buying huge quantities of what is literally disposable fashion - clothes that are only worn once and then thrown out.

How did this happen?

OP posts:
newtlover · 31/10/2018 19:44

Capitalism innit
But it's not obligatory to take part
You can show your children it's more fun to make your own stuff

HoraceWimpIsThisYourLife · 31/10/2018 19:45

I agree. We’ve lost the art of reusing something and want everything new all the time. It doesn’t stop there, we all want to own a house each, a car each etc.

It’s sad

Caprisunorange · 31/10/2018 19:46

Not at all. People are much more conscious of their consumption than they were 10 years ago.

Bluntness100 · 31/10/2018 19:46

I've not reallynoticed this and haven't ever met anyone who buys an item of clothing and throws it out. You must mix in very affluent circles.

gigi556 · 31/10/2018 19:46

I think it's like this all the time.... 😢

Caprisunorange · 31/10/2018 19:47

And watch- this thread will be full of people who don’t participate in the culture you describe so maybe it’s not as prevelant as you like to think?

WeirdAndPissedOff · 31/10/2018 19:48

I agree. It's not just holidays, though - it's everything.
I agree that you don't have to take part, but it's the ever shortening lifespans of items which also have an effect - particularly white goods and technology.

Crinkle77 · 31/10/2018 19:48

That's why I hate Christmas. The commercialisation has ruined it. It just promoted greed and encourages to buy loads and loads of stuff.

HoraceWimpIsThisYourLife · 31/10/2018 19:48

I’m sure I heard on the radio that this is the biggest Halloween in terms of money spent in a long time. Not sure where they got their data from though.

MenstruatorExtraordinaire · 31/10/2018 19:49

We have a Halloween box. I've compiled it from car boot sales over the past 15 years. Comes down once a year and there's great excitement as it's unpacked and things are remembered.

Same with our Christmas stuff.

MenstruatorExtraordinaire · 31/10/2018 19:51

If I see something Halloweeney reduced to 10p next week I'll buy it and pop it in the box ready for next year.

missyB1 · 31/10/2018 19:52

Well it is like that for some people but not all. Ds has gone trick or treating in an old costume (I flatly refuse to buy a new one every year). And Christmas is still a religious festival in our house.

Unicornandbows · 31/10/2018 19:55

100% op..

I would urge people to watch 'the true cost' on Netflix, shows consumerism at its peak.

rainbowquack · 31/10/2018 19:55

I agree. We are a mend and make do or upcycle sort of family.

You don't need to participate.

Squeegle · 31/10/2018 19:56

Considering we are all worried about plastic, I was gobsmacked to see so much plastic tat being flogged (and bought) this Halloween

CherryPavlova · 31/10/2018 19:58

Yes, yes and yes again. People using credit cards and debt to make ridiculous purchases. Hundreds of pounds spent on Christmas presents for babies who neither need nor want plastic tat.
A culture of disposing rather than mending.
Shocking for the planet.

whatsthestory123 · 31/10/2018 19:58

agree op

there are just to many money spending events,one after another there just seems like there no break from it

Original poster
Notcontent · 31/10/2018 19:59

Well, no I am not participating in it and have now made a conscious effort not to buy plastic tatt from shops like Tiger, etc.

OP posts:
RayRayBidet · 31/10/2018 20:00

I'm more disturbed by the likes of primark, h&m and zara to be honest.

Jackshouse · 31/10/2018 20:00

Things are relatively much cheaper to the 80s or previous. We currently have some of the cheapest food in the world are spending a lot in term of % of income on food so we have more money to spend on other ‘stuff’.

I also think social media which is very visual and the ‘keep up with the Jones culture’ is also partly to blame.

Twork · 31/10/2018 20:03

Yes and no. It is obscene but I do think people are starting to be aware of it and are rejecting some of the pressure and expectations.

Babykoala1 · 31/10/2018 20:07

I think a lot of it is just about posting pictures on social media. Baffles me why people buy a halloween costume for a baby? Seen loads of (very cute) little pumpkins on facebook but really what is the need? I also hate when it's a birthday or Christmas and people post pictures of all the unwrapped presents. Its insane and just comes across as showy and competitive.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 31/10/2018 20:08

Yup. I saw something on Facebook where someone announced their pregnancy by having the scan picture put on specially made marshmallows. Who the hell is going to a) want that, or b) eat that?? Spend loads of money buying a specially made food at huge expense that no one is going to eat??!!!

The world’s gone mad, the planet’s going to hell in a handcart, and it’s all because of stuff. Stuff for everything. Every minor occasion has a cart load of stuff to #makememories with. I feel sorry for our children and our grandchildren. And no, you don’t have to do it, but everyone else still does, so my kids think they’re the ones who are missing out.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 31/10/2018 20:09

Yep! My favourite example of this is Christmas Eve boxes...presents before a day of presents Hmm

liquidrevolution · 31/10/2018 20:13

Our washing machine has broken. Its 6 years old. Been told by an engineer its better to buy a new one. Ridiculous really. Things just arent built to last now.

I agree with the tat and the stuff. It is everywhere. I dont buy it. Apart from Christmas tree baubles but they are naice ones