Confronting the deep problem of consumption: Why individual responsibility for mindful consumption matters

Abstract

Decades of intentional cultivation of consumerism, materialism, affluence, and hedonism, fueled by advertising messages, have created a consumption culture that is not sustainable anymore. In addition to the problems of climate change, there are also significant social costs associated with overconsumption and harmful consumption. We identify the causes of the consumption problem and why individual consumers must take responsibility to avoid harmful consumption for their own and societal well‐being. Although multi‐faceted action by governments, marketers, and civil societies is essential, a bottom‐up transformational movement is also required to drive the mindful consumption mindset. Top‐down measures of technology‐led efficient product solutions and consumer nudging strategies have had limited success compared to the rate at which the problem is compounding. Thus, we suggest four critical interventions to socialize the bottom‐up mindful consumption movement—education for transformative social learning; alternative hedonism; advertising, tv, and social media messaging; and creating an engagement forum for all like‐minded people devoted to the cause. Through socializing the bottom‐up mindful consumption movement, these interventions will encourage a cultural shift toward alternative lifestyle conceptions of well‐being, leading to increased sustainable consumption behavior and eudaimonia.

Investigating the role of green behavior and perceived benefits in shaping green car buying behavior with environmental awareness as a moderator

“…While making greener purchases, buyers consider benefits like decreased exposure to hazardous materials, a lesser ecological imprint, and better living conditions. These benefits can outweigh the expenses and provide a strong rationale for green-buying behavior [ 40 ]. A significant factor influencing consumers' green purchasing decisions is perceived benefits.…”

Global nutrition challenges: A public health review of dietary risks and interventions

“…By recognizing the complexities of global nutrition challenges, implementing evidence-based interventions, and engaging stakeholders across sectors, we can bridge the gap between nutrition and public health. A healthier world requires a collaborative effort that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic conditions, ultimately creating an environment where individuals have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make choices that nurture their well-being (Parvatiyar and Sheth, 2023). The journey toward global nutrition and public health synergy is a collective responsibility, one that holds the promise of a healthier and more resilient future for all.…”

Young children associate buying with feeling richer

“…Future work adapting the present designs to adult samples could provide useful insights. More generally, people who feel happy after refraining may be better positioned to reduce their consumption, which is necessary for environmental sustainability (Parvatiyar and Sheth, 2023).…”