this post was submitted on 20 Feb 2024
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Given I'm not sure if you mean 'the problem of rampant consumerism' or 'not solving the problem via rampent consumerism' I'll put up thoughts on either front.
On the first, a sizable part of that could be reduced by returning to a 'buy it for life' mindset in our society. I always like to use an example of Grandma's kitchen table. Some people have the nice oak piece that's been passed through a few generations, scuffed and stained maybe, but as solid as ever. Many now though obtain the cheapest particle-board garbage they can from the local Walmart and see it as normal to have to replace it after a couple years. That disposable lifestyle doesn't help anyone other than the retailers and producers of cheap useless junk, nobody is going to be looking to build family memories at some glorified card table.
On the second, no, people buying for the sake of buying isn't going to solve things, but at least we can make the choices available less destructive overall. In some cases 1000 small actions are just what's needed of no one thing can do it all.
Yes to both and more.
We need laws to change the consumption and waste and subsequent damage problems. No more stuff because it’s built poorly, intentionally so you buy more stuff to only end up in the water, air, & ground.
Laws that reward repairs let alone legalise it. No more replacements.
Laws that change the grids energy production.
Laws that make corporations liable for damages on a global scale so the costs outweigh the risk and harm can be unwound with the cost recovered.
We dont need more stuff. We need EVs just to replace the current broken stuff and even then only if it cant be fixed (that means using carbon reduction like catalytic converters on steroids). Its to consider all the carbon creation chains for stuff. From digging it up, to its waste, and recycling.