We live in times where decisions to buy are not fully taken on basis of need. The way market dynamics around selling are defined, the consumers are mostly driven to buy rather than choosing to buy. Talking from economic perspective this can be positive but if we see the sustainability of this lifestyle, it rings few alarming bells.
For sure humans are capable of producing a lot of things and in huge quantities. However, many; if not all of them need the resources which are not fully man-made. Nature contributes a lot in this production. Also, the production leaves the wastes which are forced on to the nature. So, when the human mind thinks that he can consume because he can pay for it, there is a gross mistake in that thought process.
Buying capacity should not define the quantum of our purchases. Choosing wisely as a consumer can lead to a significant change in overall market dynamics. With the expanse of online shopping and at the blink deliveries, we are mostly fanciful customers. We see something, we like it, we feel the need for it and snap. It was just ordered. The only rigorous part in this entire exercise is spending the money. And if we have money, we see it as no problem.
There has been talks about minimalism for some time now. It is indeed the need of hour. Humans have to take responsibility of a sustainable lifestyle. We are co-habitants on earth and not only habitants. There is an idea manifested in the Isha Upanishad (First Mantra, second part)
“tena tyaktena bhunjitha”
This preaches about the life of renunciation. Leading a life where we are not greedy to have more. Mahatma Gandhi has mentioned in his commentary on this mantra, “There is enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed”. The market and industry are creating a hoarding mindset in us.
Shifting our perspective as a buyer from money to need can help a lot.
Recycling was one thing which was common part of routine life a decade ago. Things were reused in many ways to ensure they are utilized well. Over last decade “use and throw” lifestyle has amplified. The risk of waste management is the result of this “use and throw” practice.
Recycling the routine items should be made part of life. If we give some thought to it, we can see that nature has invested a lot in production of things that we use. Utilising it to full capacity will do justice to the effort of production.
Making simple changes in life can make big difference, when we all take that responsibility. Carrying your own bags, ensuring water is properly used and recycled in home, using the emptied cans for storing new items etc. can be a few simple things we can do. The main part is to become mindful of this needed change and then we can do it. Humans are anyways famous to do what they decide. Hope we make this decision faster unless we turn into monsters as consumers.
Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?