What is the impact of consumerism and waste products on the environment?
Answers
• A consumer is someone who buys and uses goods and services. Consumers are not only found in human society but also in other societies. Consumerism also encompasses the evolving set of activities of government business enterprise and independent consumer organization that are designed to protect the rights and interests of consumers. Hence consumerism is a global problem affecting every section of the society.
Product is something that is made, grown or obtained in large quantities so that it can be sold. Production is the basis for consumption. Production increases when the demand for a particular product increases. This increase in production is sustainable only when the quality of the product is maintained; the price is regulated and advertising claims are fair.
Efficient consumerism is the most essential element to minimize waste and to promote the economy of a nation. Inefficient consumerism results in the following problems:
-Uncontrolled manufacture of foods leading to inferior quality
-Rampant adulteration leading to health and hygiene problems
-Improper services resulting in dissatisfaction and stress
-Production of lots of waste leads to depletion of natural resources and environmental imbalance
Suggestions for efficient consumerism:
1. Standards should be verified before buying or accepting a product from market.
2. In every possible way waste must be minimized.
3. Waste minerals have to be recycled.
4. Strict laws must be implemented.
With the increase in consumerism, the amount of waste generated will increase.
The two functions are directly proportional to each other.
Even if the waste generation increases minutely, the total pollution in the environment is likely to increase which will severely affect the health and life of humans, animals and plants.