Increasing Consumerism
Leads to Increasing Junk
A definition of consumerism states, “the belief that the
buying and selling of large quantities of consumer goods is beneficial to an
economy or a sign of economic strength”. Well, the very definition starts with a hypothesis that it is a
belief. So what is the real thing? Is
increased consumerism, really doing good to the economy. Let us consider this
in the light of the following facts.
In olden days, a product that was bought usually lasted for a very
long time. Anything for that matter, be it clothes, cutlery, furniture,
electronic appliances or whatsoever, the durability of the product was a very
important criteria in the buying decision. However, today things have changed.
We are looking at fashion, trend, the latest in lifestyle, and other external
parameters rather than the inside stuff. So, the concept of longevity of a
product is not of vital importance, anymore.
This in turn has encouraged the manufacturer to make products of
inferior quality, because he knows that the consumer is not going to use it for
long. By doing so, the manufacturer gets a twin benefit. The first benefit is; he is able to reduce
the cost of production and is in a position to offer the product to the
customer at a very cheap price. For example, in case of a mobile phone, the
manufacturer is aware that the person is not going to use the same phone for
more than 3 years. So he decides the components to be used for this product
based on this criterion and thereby is able to produce the product at a much
cheaper price. From the point of the consumer, the consumer is happy that he
has got a product with maximum features, for a minimum price. The second
benefit is; as the manufacturer uses inferior quality components, the product
becomes non functional in a few days. Nowadays you cannot find anyone to get it
repaired, so you are forced to go for a new purchase. This means added business
volume for the manufacturer.
The concept of repair and mending is slowly moving out of our
culture. Just the same way it happened to advanced countries some years back.
So there is no much option except to “use and throw”.
Look at the ways our lives have evolved. Not very long back, we
had cobblers who could mend our shoes, tailors who could alter our dress that
did not fit, mechanics who would repair our Radio or TV. But today, when you
take a product for repair, one of the common responses you could hear is, “You
could get a new one for the cost of the repair”. If you ask, “So what do I do
with this?” you will get an instant reply, “Just throw it as junk.”
What is the bottom line? It is a huge waste on natural resources
and manpower of the country, which are our core assets. We deplete the natural resources and waste
human labour, imprudently. The consumer ends up spending more for less value,
leading to depletion of his savings. The junk disposed becomes a major
environmental hazard. Now tell me, is this beneficial to the economy?
The answer is a definite NO. Just because we have an increased affordability
does not mean we should have a careless attitude, towards buying. Next time
before you buy, ask yourself do I really need it. Don’t buy something, just
because it is available cheap. Don’t be carried away with free offers. Nothing
is offered free. The cost of the free has been built in the product price.
Think twice before you buy.
D. Senthil Kannan,
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