(This was originally posted on the Holstee Blog)
I have recently become really interested in the comparison of Consumerism and Materialism.
First I would like to set a definition for these two words.
Consumerism: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.
Materialism: the preoccupation of society to material possessions and their physical composition.
These definitions are my own, and extracted from the many definitions of consumerism and of materialism available online. If you don’t agree with the definitions please share your own in the comments below.
I want to make a clear distinction in the definitions of each word, because I think that each word has a completely different implication but too often their use and understanding are confused.
Consumerism lends itself to overconsumption. People’s preoccupation with acquiring as a result of lust, reward, thoughtlessness or status often overshadows material beauty of items.
One who is materialistic (by the above definition) on the other hand, is obsessed with the composition of items. They ask questions like: “what is it made from?” “how is it made?”, and those who are truly absorbed in the item are passionate about keeping it beautiful.
Consumerism often leads to waste, old products becomes obsolete as a new shinier product becomes the the object of affection. A materialist, absorbed by the product of their passion is obsessed with maintenance. They are concerned for its material composition, where those materials came from, its durability, and chemical or physical properties. The true properties are appreciated on the most basic level, for what they truly are.
In the end people will always want and need to acquire new items, whether for survival, fun, trade, or curiosity.
To differentiate between a materialist and (over) consumerist:
Be aware of the material components, where they came from and how they came together and understand how to maintain it so it lasts as long as possible.
How else can we be sure the ecological impact of the creation of that product was not made in vain?
In the end its not the product that will make anyone happier, but its the experience you have with it. Its not about being shiny, its about having a story.
If you need to acquire something, make it something of value. Understand the materials and the impact on the planet. Keep it something of quality. Appreciate it.
