‘Underconsumption’ Movement Gains Traction As People Push Back Against Overconsumption (40 Pics)
InterviewThe human population is consuming more than it ever used to, and at a quicker pace than the planet's resources can regenerate. At such a rate, we will need 1.7 Earths to maintain our levels of consumption. This makes it absolutely clear that if we want to keep living on this planet, our habits need to change.
Therefore, Gen Z is taking matters into their own hands with the ‘underconsumption core’ trend on TikTok. Tired of influencers proudly displaying hundreds of skin care products and clothing pieces, they are showing their own well-used products and modest wardrobes. It’s their way of saying that we need to consume less. Otherwise, soon we won’t have a planet to live on.
Scroll down to find ways to cut costs and help the Earth, and be sure to check out a conversation with crochet designer, upcycler, thrifter, and founder of Studio Lieselottie Sophie Klein from Budapest and TikToker Lisa, who embraced minimalism and participated in this trend. Some of their ‘underconsumption’ examples can be found below, too!
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I love those little, tiny jelly jars. They're perfect for when there's just enough left-over dip or salsa for a work snack the next day.
I've always done this. There's always a couple of days of whatever trapped inside!
To learn more about why the young generation felt the need to break the overconsumption cycle and how others can do that too, we reached out to two Gen Z representatives who do their best to consume less and shared their experience on TikTok.
Crochet artist and thrifter Sophie Klein from Budapest told Bored Panda that she has been on this journey for the last 6 to 7 years. “I started when I moved out for the first time and had to make a lot more decisions about what and how I consume. The constant talk about global warming and how we destroy our planet with our consumerism made me very anxious, so I decided to change something about the way I live.”
We do this too! Same with other plastic bags, we also use those to line trashcans.
Yup. I've used the same blow dryer for twenty-odd years. Still has teeth marks in the cord from the dear family dog that passed away in 2009. Dryer still works just fine.
At first, she was tempted to dive in head first and go zero-waste, but she quickly realized that putting so much pressure on herself might deter her from sustaining such a lifestyle.
“So I decided to only buy second-hand clothing because the fashion industry has one of the biggest negative impacts on our environment. I'm also trying to produce less trash, using reusable things like jars and containers, tote bags instead of plastic, etc.”
I got my tv in about 2009! Still runs perfectly but my dad thought it was too small so we use a larger one in the lounge room (though not too large, because the gap in my tv cabinet is not that big). I don't think I've ever bought new tech unless they old one had broken.
Sophie decided to participate in the ‘underconsumption core’ trend because she believes that it has the power to change the way people view consumerism. “It takes us out of the constant flow of advertisements we see on social media and hopefully inspires people to change their consumer behavior because we tend to rely on the dopamine we get from new things to make us happy, but as we all know, that’s not what gives us satisfaction long-term.”
She also mentions, “It was very refreshing to see people doing the polar opposite of what most influencers are doing on social media (selling).”
You can buy good quality once; or buy cheap and replace often. Sam Vimes said this MUCH better!
I have been using the same towels for at least 10 years. The end edges on some of them are frayed but still usable. I had to replace some of my wash cloths because of getting worn down beyond being usable.
Meanwhile, TikToker Lisa has been living this way out of necessity for the majority of her life. “I was taught to use up everything we had before buying new stuff and to be very mindful of what we buy! I wanted to share my thoughts on the „trend“ since I’ve noticed a lot of people in poverty or lower-wage classes get judged or shunned because of what they call a „frugal“ lifestyle, and I wanted to say that it’s absolutely okay to fully use your things until they aren’t usable anymore.”
I have multiple, because they were gifts, but like candles, I don't use them much. I mostly kept the ones I did (donated a few others) because I collect bottles and these look nice. One though I love because it reminds me of being a teenager (I got it for my 14th birthday).
Or if you buy/are gifted a product with nice packaging, reusing the packaging! My sponge dish thing is an old hummus container, but it was ceramic and if you think I'm chucking that out?
She also agrees that this trend, which might not look serious to some, has the power to convince others to be self-aware about the products we already have. She has even seen people starting Project Pan/NoBuyMonth ever since ‘underconsumption videos went viral.
I had to get a new phone a few months ago in part because my battery wasn't holding a charge. Probably lasted me at least 5 years, maybe longer.
”Project Pan/NoBuyMonth is a project where you don't buy anything new for a set period of time, usually a month, and try to use up as many products as you have until you reach the „Pan," the metal in which most make-up is filled in,” Lisa explained.
The advice Sophie has for anyone wanting to cut costs and help the planet is to reflect on what they’re consuming too much of and what they’re willing to change. “Am I able to eat less meat? When I go shopping, what is the thing that creates a lot of trash? Can I easily exchange plastic bags, cups, and boxes for reusable items? Do I really need the latest microtrend, or can I make do with the piles and piles of clothes I already have?”
Someone put a dining table out for the bin men, so we rescued it. Fits the space and vibe perfectly and extends with two extra leaves if necessary
Lisa suggests making lists and thinking about what one actually needs on a day-to-day basis. “I would also recommend NoBuyMonth or Project Pan since it's a fun challenge but also makes you a bit more mindful of the things you use, and it gets exciting whenever you fully empty a shampoo bottle, for example!”
My nonna had hers for 60+ years, the only thing that needed mending was the handle (which my nonno fixed with wire and solder). Mine is going on 15 years.
Depending on the issues probably could of bought a couple cheap hinges! Do like the way it looks tho'
“Repurpose clothing or donate to your local thrift store or shelter!” she adds. “I used to have an abundance of clothing, which I wouldn’t get to wear everything since I had so much! I donated over 70% of it to a local charity store and gave the rest to my friends and family!”
I have some dragon fruit skin I am planning on using to dye clothes.
Lastly, Sophie concluded by saying, “It’s a process, and trying to be perfect from the start puts a lot of pressure on everyone, so try to change what you can, and you will automatically take on a less consumption-focused take on life.”
You must have other bottles of lotion too????? 1 16 OZ bottle, every day, whole body, for 2 years, not possible 🧐
Terrible set of posts. Half of them are just things that anyone with half an ounce of common sense should be doing anyway (e.g. re-using stuff) and the other half are completely fake, like only one luxury candle, only one massively expensive designer bag, ooh, look at me, I'm so trendy, all the other bags are ones I never use. Quite pathetic, many of them.
How is this underconsumption? This is just common sense and regular living.
This makes you realise how much OVERconsumption has become the norm, really
Load More Replies...I am not liking this post. Because almost of these things, I already do. Now I feel weird about it.
No need to feel weird! It's great that you do them!
Load More Replies...How I live my life and have for many years is a TikTok trend. I have arrived! Nice to know people are now learning from us boomers even if they want the credit.
Yes! Exactly! But now it's "trendy", you know, when we used to do it it was lame and shameful and smelled like we were poor!
Load More Replies...Overconsumption is killing the planet. Most people don't notice it, because waste and not-sold items (including food including meat for which animals were killed for waste) are quickly taken out of sight in overconsuming societies.
I don't see why you were down voted. What you said is 100% true.
Load More Replies...I was looking for a replacement for the Patagonia courier bag I've had for 14 years because it got a couple of holes in it. Tiny holes. In the end I just laundered it in the washer and sewed up the tiny holes. Reason? Patagonia doesn't make those courier bags anymore.
Maybe I'm missing something but wearing one pair of sandals all summer while you still have a closet overflowing with shoes doesn't seem like underconsumption. Or showing off the one bag you use while there see several in the background....???
"... Gen Z is taking matters into their own hands with the ‘underconsumption core’ trend on TikTok". BP thinks TikTok is the pinnacle of innovative civilization. Gen Z also powers the fast fashion trend, also TikTok. Shall we just stop attributing characteristics to whole arbitrarily dated generations? Edit: Fixed one of my grammar errors.
These are great ideas, but a bunch of them I would go for the more expensive but higher quality, longer lasting option.
Agreed! I don't have a need to buy the latest and greatest stuff, but I *do* spend money on quality items. Example: I carry a Katr Spade bag (bought from an outlet store). Didn't buy it because I liked Kate Spade necessarily, but because it's genuine leather with quality hardware. Been carrying it for 3+ years now and it's just starting to show its age.
Load More Replies...I remember wondering if it was worth the cost to get a drink at a theme park in their "collectible" cup with lid. Well, it's about 25 years old now, used fairly constantly all that time. I guess $7 for that drink was a good deal after all.
I love the 'cost per use' idea. This $7 cup sounds like its true cost is tiny fractions of a dollar for each use. That's good value.
Load More Replies...We never did school clothes shopping. Just bought them whatever they needed when it throughout the year as it was needed. Older now and it def instilled a don't need it until it's legit needed attitude that's def transferred into adulthood.
I think what some of these posts are missing about minimalism (which is what underconsumption is, just titled differently) is that it’s not about strict restriction, it’s about ensuring that everything you do have serves a purpose. So if you have 1 coat, and it works through all the seasons, you don’t need another one. But if you have 1 coat, and it doesn’t work through all the seasons, it’s absolutely fine to have another coat. Same goes with every other category - appliances, bags, etc. Don’t leave yourself with less, prepare yourself with what you need. If you find yourself not using something, remove it from your collection. If you find yourself thinking “I could really use this thing”, add it to your collection.
I take socks that can't be darned anymore, cut them into wide strips, crochet around them and voila - a blanket!
NONE OF THESE THIBGS ARE “UNDERCONSUMPTUON.” 🤣 It’s just common sense.
Most of these are just plain common sense, it doesn't mean you are doing anything more than your grandparents did.
I'll confess, I was lured in by the siren song of Temu. Now, I'm gathering up all the cheesy, poorly made, unusable c**p I bought there and either pitching or donating it. Never again.
I organize makeup in a silverware tray and costume jewelry in old boxes that checks came in. Both fit in very shallow drawers - or stack well in deeper drawers.
Why can't humans just be happy with what they've got? (include me in this) The pendulum always have to swing from one extreme to the other and there doesn't seem to be anything in between this. Apparently, the new "trend" among YTers and Instagrammers is to actually sell everything because they've realized they're "not happy". Umm you don't say, Sherlock?! You've been faking it for the last couple of years and now you're not happy and want to sell everything? Good for you, that you have decided that yet another trend is needed so that kids can obssess over it and go and sell everything from their school computer to undies..Oh! And you will of course make money from all LAJKES.
OK, going by the title (haven't gone through it yet). It's a good idea - mainly because it is a kick in the greedy nuts of Retailers. Eye watering prices and #shrinkflation which especially targets the common man, and the more peeps that decide to limit their spending the more it impacts avaricious Retailers, IMO.,
Oh wow, should be able to afford that house soon AAAAAAAAND everything just got bought up by a huge investment company that made billions by hoovering up every house within a hundred miles and hiking the rent through the roof because the government has its mouth full of juicy free corporate pipe and doesn't care about struggling families . . . . . . .
Terrible set of posts. Half of them are just things that anyone with half an ounce of common sense should be doing anyway (e.g. re-using stuff) and the other half are completely fake, like only one luxury candle, only one massively expensive designer bag, ooh, look at me, I'm so trendy, all the other bags are ones I never use. Quite pathetic, many of them.
How is this underconsumption? This is just common sense and regular living.
This makes you realise how much OVERconsumption has become the norm, really
Load More Replies...I am not liking this post. Because almost of these things, I already do. Now I feel weird about it.
No need to feel weird! It's great that you do them!
Load More Replies...How I live my life and have for many years is a TikTok trend. I have arrived! Nice to know people are now learning from us boomers even if they want the credit.
Yes! Exactly! But now it's "trendy", you know, when we used to do it it was lame and shameful and smelled like we were poor!
Load More Replies...Overconsumption is killing the planet. Most people don't notice it, because waste and not-sold items (including food including meat for which animals were killed for waste) are quickly taken out of sight in overconsuming societies.
I don't see why you were down voted. What you said is 100% true.
Load More Replies...I was looking for a replacement for the Patagonia courier bag I've had for 14 years because it got a couple of holes in it. Tiny holes. In the end I just laundered it in the washer and sewed up the tiny holes. Reason? Patagonia doesn't make those courier bags anymore.
Maybe I'm missing something but wearing one pair of sandals all summer while you still have a closet overflowing with shoes doesn't seem like underconsumption. Or showing off the one bag you use while there see several in the background....???
"... Gen Z is taking matters into their own hands with the ‘underconsumption core’ trend on TikTok". BP thinks TikTok is the pinnacle of innovative civilization. Gen Z also powers the fast fashion trend, also TikTok. Shall we just stop attributing characteristics to whole arbitrarily dated generations? Edit: Fixed one of my grammar errors.
These are great ideas, but a bunch of them I would go for the more expensive but higher quality, longer lasting option.
Agreed! I don't have a need to buy the latest and greatest stuff, but I *do* spend money on quality items. Example: I carry a Katr Spade bag (bought from an outlet store). Didn't buy it because I liked Kate Spade necessarily, but because it's genuine leather with quality hardware. Been carrying it for 3+ years now and it's just starting to show its age.
Load More Replies...I remember wondering if it was worth the cost to get a drink at a theme park in their "collectible" cup with lid. Well, it's about 25 years old now, used fairly constantly all that time. I guess $7 for that drink was a good deal after all.
I love the 'cost per use' idea. This $7 cup sounds like its true cost is tiny fractions of a dollar for each use. That's good value.
Load More Replies...We never did school clothes shopping. Just bought them whatever they needed when it throughout the year as it was needed. Older now and it def instilled a don't need it until it's legit needed attitude that's def transferred into adulthood.
I think what some of these posts are missing about minimalism (which is what underconsumption is, just titled differently) is that it’s not about strict restriction, it’s about ensuring that everything you do have serves a purpose. So if you have 1 coat, and it works through all the seasons, you don’t need another one. But if you have 1 coat, and it doesn’t work through all the seasons, it’s absolutely fine to have another coat. Same goes with every other category - appliances, bags, etc. Don’t leave yourself with less, prepare yourself with what you need. If you find yourself not using something, remove it from your collection. If you find yourself thinking “I could really use this thing”, add it to your collection.
I take socks that can't be darned anymore, cut them into wide strips, crochet around them and voila - a blanket!
NONE OF THESE THIBGS ARE “UNDERCONSUMPTUON.” 🤣 It’s just common sense.
Most of these are just plain common sense, it doesn't mean you are doing anything more than your grandparents did.
I'll confess, I was lured in by the siren song of Temu. Now, I'm gathering up all the cheesy, poorly made, unusable c**p I bought there and either pitching or donating it. Never again.
I organize makeup in a silverware tray and costume jewelry in old boxes that checks came in. Both fit in very shallow drawers - or stack well in deeper drawers.
Why can't humans just be happy with what they've got? (include me in this) The pendulum always have to swing from one extreme to the other and there doesn't seem to be anything in between this. Apparently, the new "trend" among YTers and Instagrammers is to actually sell everything because they've realized they're "not happy". Umm you don't say, Sherlock?! You've been faking it for the last couple of years and now you're not happy and want to sell everything? Good for you, that you have decided that yet another trend is needed so that kids can obssess over it and go and sell everything from their school computer to undies..Oh! And you will of course make money from all LAJKES.
OK, going by the title (haven't gone through it yet). It's a good idea - mainly because it is a kick in the greedy nuts of Retailers. Eye watering prices and #shrinkflation which especially targets the common man, and the more peeps that decide to limit their spending the more it impacts avaricious Retailers, IMO.,
Oh wow, should be able to afford that house soon AAAAAAAAND everything just got bought up by a huge investment company that made billions by hoovering up every house within a hundred miles and hiking the rent through the roof because the government has its mouth full of juicy free corporate pipe and doesn't care about struggling families . . . . . . .