preview

Consumerism: Good or Bad?

Better Essays

In today's society consumerism is often portrayed to be a negative aspect of people's lives and purchasing behaviors which inevitably leads to materialism. Many of these viewpoints can be analyzed as being subjective in that they focus primarily on "frivolous" products and "debts" created, but yet fail to acknowledge the processes of the concept of Consumerism. Consumerism is defined as, "The movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and marketing, product guarantees, and improved safety standards; and the theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial." (dictionary.com). The definition of consumerism and the image depicted by a large majority …show more content…

Many innovations and successes of mankind can be credited to consumerism and the information given to consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and marketing, product guarantees, and improved safety standards; and the theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial by consumerism. Consumerism benefits the environment through several approaches. Marketing for recycling over the past decade has increased with the awareness of environmental issues being spread globally. Consumerism has also pushed marketers to use other tactics of honest advertising which are more environmentally efficient such as using the internet instead of printing magazines and newspapers. With society utilizing technological advances in computers and the internet, these methods of marketing have been proven to be just as effective as traditional methods and much more environmental friendly. Personal health and hygiene can be accredited to consumerism as well as environmental issues. Toothpaste commercials are commonly scene through television advertisements. These advertisements are honest and promote a good personal hygiene. The "Got Milk?" commercials aid in self well-ness and bone preservation globally. Worldwide the environment, personal health, and hygiene are improving with the continuous growth of consumerism. "The middle class in America has never had so much disposable income,"

Get Access