Overconsumption: The Hidden Cost of Excess and How We Can Turn the Tide

We all have something we tend to hoard, whether it’s perfumes, clothes, shoes, or even containers; everyone has that one thing. Not many see it as a problem, but overconsumption is flooding our “for you” pages. Labubus, Sonny Angels, Smiskis, Stanley’s, Hello Kitty blankets from Tj-Maxx, and Trader Joe’s tote bags are just some trends from recent years.

Today, overconsumption can often be linked to FOMO, the fear of missing out, or shopping addiction. Someone who prefers a regular-shaped water bottle might end up with a Stanley tumbler due to FOMO, or someone who initially had no interest in Sonny Angels might now want one after seeing it repeatedly on their “for you” page, influenced by the trend.

“I feel like people aren’t buying pieces of clothing that they love, but are buying pieces of clothing that others will love,” says Kamila Delgado, 9th Grade.

This partly explains why people resell items at high prices. They want an item so badly that they’re willing to pay anything, especially if it’s hard to find in their area. Resellers boost prices to achieve over 100% profit, which is an astonishing outcome in itself.

Trends like these often have a negative impact on the environment. Why buy a cabinet full of Stanleys if they’re meant to be reused? And then pour bottled water into that Stanley? Once the next big thing hits, all those Stanleys may end up in landfills. Shein hauls from years ago caused similar concern; people spent hundreds of dollars on Shein clothes for micro trends that faded in a month, and those clothes ultimately ended up in landfills.

“Overconsumption itself is a very popular trend that has detrimental effects on the environment,” says Isabella Paytan in 12th Grade.

Shopping addiction, however, is more complex; it’s not as easy to fix as a quick TikTok video about de-influencing. It’s a deeper issue; some find happiness and status through trendy items, and because they’re trendy, people don’t see it as so problematic to hoard objects like Labubus or other collectibles.

“It’s something else that’s pretty cute and goes just like Sonny Angels, Smiskis, Funko Pops, Mini Brands, Shopkins, etc. I think people deserve to find more stable sources of happiness and gratification than the next big ‘exclusive collectible’ that costs $70 to buy and 5 cents to make. Not to mention that your cute, fuzzy, plastic friend is going to outlive you and your descendants,” says senior Maria Fernandez-Aballi about the hype around Labubus.

Like many trends, this overconsumption fad might fade away. Another trend emerging is called “Project PAN 2025,” where people aim to use everything they’ve bought before acquiring more. These individuals go months – possibly even years – using up their accumulated items to curb hoarding. That one thing you have too much of, go through it before buying more, and that helps combat overconsumption one step at a time.