Rethinking Consumption

For most of us, consumption is an afterthought at best. Many people thoughtlessly consume anything, from media to food and clothing. We don’t take the time to consider our choices and ponder why we make these choices. Our modern environment made us susceptible to well-crafted narratives encouraging us to purchase products, consume information, and think a certain way. Unsurprisingly, we see many zombies walking while deeply engrossed in their mobile devices, consuming mass-market unhealthy food, and wearing on-trend clothing that will be passé after a year at best.

I chanced upon this interesting research paper on fast and slow fashion: Slow Fashion Is Positively Linked to Consumers’ Well-Being:
Evidence from an Online Questionnaire Study in China. In this paper, the researchers suggest thoughtful choices in purchasing practical, good quality, stylish but not trendy clothing, and specific knowledge on how the article of clothing should fit and be worn influences how we positively perceive life. In other words, our consumption choices affect our sense of well-being.

Remember, you are what you think, eat, and consume. Taking the time to think about your choices will show you who you are now. This can be used to reflect on who you are and who you want to be and make considered and consequently better choices as you continue your journey in life. We are what we do.