Consider This from NPR Why Americans Love To Shop And What It's Doing To The Planet
Dec 2, 2021
In this insightful discussion, journalist J.B. MacKinnon, author of "The Day the World Stops Shopping," examines America's deep-rooted consumer culture. He reveals how shopping became ingrained in society after World War II, driving an alarming rise in consumption that fuels economic growth but cripples the environment. MacKinnon highlights the paradox of consumerism versus sustainability, advocating for a shift towards mindful purchasing, and discusses the unexpected environmental improvements seen during the pandemic, urging a rethink of our consumption habits.
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Post-War Consumption Boom
- Post-WWII, a thriving economy led to increased consumption, shifting from rationing to buying as a civic duty.
- The market exploded with new products, exemplified by Tupperware and new shortening.
9/11 and Consumption
- After 9/11, President Bush urged Americans to shop, framing it as a patriotic act against terrorism.
- This mirrored the post-WWII emphasis on consumption as a driver of economic recovery.
Consumption-Driven Economy
- Government and corporations created a culture of consumption that now drives the American economy.
- This reliance on consumption poses a dilemma given its environmental impact.
