Affluenza

Affluenza is a serious social disease caused by excessive consumerism in affluent countries. Young people are particularly susceptible because of the
pressure to fit in. Advertisers take advantage of that and bombard
them with messages that only certain music, trainers, fashion, mobiles and who knows what will make them cool.

A growing number of people are opting out of this mindless consumption and choosing "voluntary simplicity" instead. They are shopping less, spending more time with friends and family and finding all kinds of other ways to enhance their lives. They are consciously refusing to be dictated
to by marketing execs bent on selling more and more products.

Opinion: consumerism

I think corporations have found a lock into mass consumerism being the only mass movement of people; whether they're all going to buy this or whether they're all going to reject that. When you're talking about consumerism: leading people to buying something that they think they need to make them feel better about themselves, I think you've got to watch it. – Chuck D, Public Enemy

How to cut your consumption

Overconsumption harms you, your finances and the planet. But there is help. Read on for ways to reduce how much you rely on buying more stuff, and some to help other people buy less, too.

• Borrow, don't buy Games, videos, DVDs, CDs and books can all be borrowed from the library, friends and family. Remember to give things back, and have a few good things to loan out yourself.
• Get out of the impulse purchase habit When you see something you want, don't buy it right away. Think about it, check you need it, and then come back for it.
• Go charity and secondhand Books, clothes and many other things are cheaper and more interesting if you buy secondhand. Plus, it's for charity, so you can feel better about the spending.
• Join your local Freecycle Freecycle is a big online community where people post things they have that they don't want any more, and things they need, but don't have. Try Oxford Freecycle, Banbury Freecycle, Witney Freecycle, Vale of the White Horse Freecycle, or search to find one nearer to you.
• Stop with the smokes and snacks and drinks They don't just make you fat and unhealthy, they're also costing you the earth. If you don't believe it, try keeping a record of how much you spend on them in a week!