Mindful Consumption: The Real Solution for Sustainability

Consumption is as universal as breathing air, and public policy is deeply rooted in consumption. Over-consumption, however, has serious consequences for our environment and future. In the ideological debates concerning consumption, sustainability is hardly addressed. This video, the first in a series of three, sets up the conversation regarding sustainable consumption, while considering the relationship of consumption with society and the economy, and highlighting the different types of overconsumption (Acquisitive, Repetitive and Aspirational).

The second in a series of three videos considering Consumption and Sustainability, this lecture picks up where the previous one left off. Specifically, the various forces driving global over-consumption are dealt with, which include the rise of the roommate family, wants becoming needs, and the desire for convenience, amongst others. Additionally, the direct impact of overconsumption on society and the environment is concerned, along with a treatment of its effect on the individual consumer.

The third lecture, the last in the series on consumption and sustainability, focuses on solutions to promote Mindful Consumption. Prof. Sheth presents the benefits of promoting sustainable consumption for businesses (including lowering marketing costs and avoiding lawsuit settlements), as well as the need for public policy for this purpose. Finally, ten ways to promote mindful consumption are discussed, including Social Media campaigns, Shared Consumption, promoting a mindful consumption movement and developing a mindful consumption index.