Hi y'all, it's been brought to my attention that this video failed to bring more of a critical discourse on the underconsumption trend and also did not call out some of the more problematic aspects. Aestheticizing poverty or having middle/upper class people opt-in to ways of consuming when it's convenient and subsequently opt-out when the trend has died down. Many folks can not simply opt out when underconsumption isn't trending anymore and this is just one example. I personally feel like it was an oversight to not discuss this trend with a more critical lens. While I might think it's nice to see less overconsumption on my feed, seeing normal homes, and people using their stuff, this trend is a trend and is not without problems. Thank you to everyone who pointed out this oversight.
You could make a second video highlighting more problematic aspects of trends like this. I've also noticed a lot of the products still tend to be "luxury" items, and not something from like Family Dollar.
i think we need a pt 2 to this then :) really love your takes and have been inspired to unfollow a lot of accounts simply just for the asmr enjoyment but still showed/supported amazon affiliate links/overconsumption/hauls and trying to find that but in sustainable accounts who also make asmr type content too!
ugh ty for contributing meaningfully to this conversation! I loveddd the critique Isaias Hernandez provided & that u supported. If we could rlly take this beyond short-sighted consumer trends to sincerely understand broader systemic problems of capitalism, it would avoid aestheticizing/ cosplaying poverty for the sake of views and instead point to further reading/action.
i would love seeing a video on that aspect of this trend and trends like fast-fashion punk clothing and balenciaga dirty shoes sort of thing, i think theres an intersection thare, even if its small.
Honestly wish my garage didn’t come with the clutter and junk that my parents left me with, but I didn’t help when I grabbed some paving stones from my local buy nothing group that have just sat for quite some time now awaiting installation 😅
omg I was hoping you'd talk about this! it's so nice to see just, regular people with their used, "non-aesthetic" stuff that is so much more genuine than most influencer content
I also feel a delicious sense of voyeurism I don’t at all feel when watching people’s haul try-ons etc. These items say a lot more about that individual person than all the new pink and beige plastic items people are forever buying from Amazon and modeling for the camera for one minute
Professional organizer and Certified Konmari consultant here. My rule of thumb for items that people really like (hobby-related, clothing, shoes, stationary, books, etc) was to NEVER buy more storage. You are only allowed to have as much as you can fit in your current space because the more storage you create, the more you acquire to fill it up.
Such a cool profession!!! I use this tip in my own life. I have a full wardrobe. I will not purchase any more clothes. The things I'll try to buy will be things to replace the others that don't fit, that are in a really bad shape. I have two coats from my grandmother and one from when i was 9 years old (that i've modified). I treasured those
I started doing this with my stationery and paper hobby things, firstly bc I didn’t have room for more storage either lol! Not within arms reach where I work anyways. It’s worked out great. So far I’ve been able to put most of it up for free on marketplace. Someone always comes and gets it! So it doesn’t sit around waiting to be taken to the thrift, or kept just bc it’s not worth enough to sell.
lol. I used to work in a thrift store and discovered I have hoarder habits. I’m clearing a lot out slowly and sticking with the mindset “if it doesn’t fit (like in the closet or bookshelves) either it or something else has to go, don’t keep getting boxes to stick it in!”
Pottery nerd addition: sometimes chips on dishware can make the plate/bowl/mug no longer food safe, since the glaze is what keeps it non-porous and prevents the growth of bacteria. But you can still use chipped dishware for plant pots, a place to keep pencils on a desk, et cetera. A chip on the bottom of a mug is fine, a chip on the part where your food/drink goes might warrant demoting it to a different function. Still doesn't mean you have to throw any damaged item into the trash lol.
Hi! Do you have any tips for a non-potter to make a chipped mug cut-safe? Like I'd love to continue using chipped dishes (that are food safe) but I'm terrified of cutting myself. Is there a solution?
I totally get and agree with people saying it feels a little icky because this is just how a lot of people have to live, and aeatheticizing it is weird, however - this is the sort of world we live in (particularly in richer countries). People are SO obsessed with aeathetics and influencers that I dont know if theres a way to reach people OTHER than aeatheticizing it. Trying to drown out an overconsumption trend with an underconsumption or "normie core" trend feels helpful and well intentioned to me regardless, so long as those creators really do live that life.
Ooh thats just a good find as a potential pitfall in a overall good trend. Semi similar to “minimalist because rich” trend, so it’s important to maintain distinction from minimalist stuff
exactly. it doesn't feel like an aesthetic in the same way other aesthetics are, it's more like a tongue in cheek aesthetic, sarcastically pointing out that we don't all live like this
"this is just how a lot of people have to live". but why are we saying have to? there is literally nothing wrong with it. by saying have to we are implying that this is a problem.
@@ag4444Ahah yeah, this wording bothered me too. I think the ‘lifestyles’ shown are pretty much the norm for lower middle-class and you can be happy and comfortable living like this
I'm not a fan of the 'core' label but I also understand why it's used. This trend is new to me (I'm not on TikTok) but it is a relief to see a bit of normality and common sense.
What is your issue with core? First comment I've seen like this so I'm curious. Mind you I'm not American so that might be why I don't know why it's problematic
@@aesinam Ultimately it's not the word 'core' as such but that everything must be in a category, labelled as x, y or z. Then again, trends have always had a label 😁 This is the latest one! And I'm not American either (European) 💖
as a south american girlie, this trend is 50/50 for me tbh. i kinda like the idea, but here's the thing: this is how people live outside rich countries. i don't mean poor people, i mean most people because we do not have the same purchasing power. the main wealth gap between me and some middle class american is less so the big spending, but the daily "cheap" things. there is no going to target or tj max and buying $20 things for us, you know? everything is expensive and nonessential. all my towels are older than me, which is not only fine, but normal and expected. all the furniture is hand me down because the ikea equivalent costs more than minimum wage. and like i am privileged as hell by comparison, living in a big city and having a stable-ish income. sometimes tiktok trends feel a bit condescending, like, american (and often European) folks discover the obvious. i get that compared to the average it's underconsumption, but it isn't.
she did mention how when people spend too much time online what they think of as normal consumption changes. this doesn't mean everyone suddenly buys more but that we all suddenly think a level of buying that is still normal over here isn't normal and we are consuming less than others when we aren't
thank you for your valuable perspective. it is true that in America our perspectives are often self-centered. much is taken for granted. I am so grateful you have all you need ❤
@@morethan1i meant 50/50 on it being "trendy" as if it isn't the norm anywhere else. i was trying to express that the difference between frivolous and average goes deeper outside the us. we don't really have the means to choose, i suppose, not to the same level. but i'm pro this trend as well, considering it helps people, no matter how much they overconsume, to reevaluate their habits
I recently read a quote of a Japanese philosophy that basically said how you treat things is how you will treat people, meaning don’t be so quick to dispose/upgrade, and give something a long a life as possible by admiring the imperfections. Then when it can no longer serve its purpose, give it a new life. This has been a paradigm shifting concept for me.
I'm in people's homes constantly (I have a dog walking/pet sitting business) and practically everyone has random mugs and mismatched towels. I'm especially grateful for the ratty old towels for cleanup or drying a dog after a rainy walk! Some people are much more tidy and matchy-matchy than others, but no real people with normal jobs/kids/pets live influencer aesthetic lives. Even the most beautifully decorated, tidiest homes have random, dinged mugs and water bottles or grody old sneakers people use for gardening.
The trick with towels, especially when you have pets, is to go with white towels. I have these beautiful, lush, oversized white towels for me. And I have cheap white Family Dollar white towels for pet messes. And slightly more expensive white towels for dog and cat baths. But all the towels look similar so it's more cohesive.
i think an interesting thing to analyze about "underconsumption" is people's access to quality hand-me-downs. Whether that be from thrift shops, facebook marketplace, family members, it genuinely is more difficult to not overconsume when you can't afford to purchase quality items, and don't have a support system that can give you old, high quality items that have been in the family for a long time. Items that can't handle consistent wear but are cheap may increase someone's likelihood to overconsume
Agreed! You can’t have gifted/hand-me-down items when you don’t have a support system who had/has access to those things. Buying large items secondhand can only work if you have a way to get them home.
I think we are confusing regular consumption with overconsumption. It’s perfectly fine to buy something new. As of right now I’m looking at my living room and I see 2 ikea kallax that are 15-20yo. I don’t know exactly cause they were my husband’s way before we met. I had to reinforce one of them but now they still have a lot of years in front of them. I put another kallax in my boy’s room; before it had been a closet in my first home, it was in the entrance of my second home, it has been in our kitchen for a couple years, then a “catch it all” in the attic and now it’s for toys storage. And it still has a lot to give. Oh, and all If the pieces we used to change these items according to our needs (door, handles, drawers) have been rotated between all of them. Same with clothes. I mostly wear fast fashion cause I want to “terminate” the clothes I got when I was overconsuming. And guess what, I’ve been wearing the same hm tank top for 12yrs, it held me through 2 pregnancies, I moved up and down 4 sizes and it might not be in tiptop shape right now..but just yesterday I was looking at a new tank top (same exact model cause I like basic stuff) and said to Myself I didn’t need it, mine can still hold up AT LEAST until I’m done stretching its collar to breastfeed my son. All of this to say, as long as you’re buying things you’re gonna use for a long time, and maybe learning how to fix them Or modify them To suit your evolving needs, di t feel bad for buying what you need even if it’s some thing new!
Excellent excellent point. And something I didn’t understand for a long time. I always wondered why people didn’t just use towels and pans they got from their mom, who had lots of mismatched towels because she got towels from her mom. I realized that her mom moved far away and so left behind things like towels . And maybe their mom’s mom didn’t give them the cast iron frying pans they bought in the 1940s. For example I now have both the cast iron ones from my grandmother and the lagostina (very good quality and quite expensive) ones my mom bought in 1992. Before that she used aluminum ones that I actually would be happy to use but they’ve all disappeared during the panic that they were giving people Alzheimer’s. And all the Non stick ones are trash. No one has any to pass on. My mom is 82 and has lots of newer towels but still a few of the 1950s ones from her mother by the way. They’re so psychedelic swirly colours, even though they are frayed and faded, I love them.
I think you misunderstood undercomsumption- which is not buying unnecessary items that just end up in the landfills, being intentional on what you buy. So if you are intentional with what you buy and making sure you use it always, then its underconsumption- using an item until it give uo
i don't understand the comments saying that this is romanticizing how poor people live. this is how i grew up, upper middle class. it's a mindset about continuing to use things while they still are useful rather than always searching for something new and better, and it's also about connecting with your family, friends and neighbors to give your items a new home when you do want a change. people seem like they really underestimate how common and widespread these behaviors are because we see wealth displayed as overconsumption online nowadays, but part of becoming and staying wealthy is limiting your spending. i like this trend because it shows the reality of how many people live and encourages it over overconsumption. i hate to see you amend a good video with an unnecessary apology.
Oldest thing I own: my mom's baptism towel. From when she was a BABY. She's almost 70. My "underconsumption core" is definitely squeezing every last drop out of the products! And reusing food containers for storage. I had no idea this even existed, and thought it was awesome. So thanks for this video!!
The oldest thing I own is the bedroom set that my husband's *great* grandad bought second hand: solid wood, still going strong! We got lucky with that one, but on the more "normal" side, I have hot dog tongs that are at least 20 years old and a wide-mouth funnel that is close to 30.
The oldest thing I own must be the ca. 40 year old electric bread slicing machine. It is great. Our electric Coffee bean mill from the 70s broke Last year 😢
Got a lot of 100+ year old books, a 100 year old cat plushie my great grandmother made, and a house over 120 years old. Our town is older, so most of the houses are over 100 years old. Medieval coins and artifacts.
As a person over 60, I'm laughing at the fact that having a lamp from 2010 is considered a special thing. I and many of my friends have and have used for years, many, many furniture and decor items from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and our household items. It's great this is being recognized as a smart thing, but it's certainly only a "trend" if you're in your 20s. The rest of us have been regularly doing this for decades and not for video likes/follows.
I'm a millennial and for most of college I used my parents' hand-me-down furniture and appliances from the 70s at least. Any time they would upgrade they would give me or my sister the old thing. To be honest, a lot of furniture is just not built to last anymore. Something that was made in the 90s that is 30-years-old now is not likely to still be standing. Blame the society that put profit over quality on that, not the adults who had to live through what our culture has become over the last few decades.
Yeah the normal thing in my family and friend circle is to keep things until they fall apart and cannot be repaired. My parents fridge is 30 years old, I use towels from the 80s. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
I'm 35 but my father is 75, so I was raised with using things until they couldn't be repaired anymore/just couldn't keep them. Even when we couldn't keep something say due to jot having enough room after moving, you try to find a family member who can take it. The lamps in my living room were my maternal grandmother's she bought in the 50s right after she got married. Our master bed dressers and kitchen table were my husband's parents wedding gifts(now divorced and they both remarried back in the mid 80s) and he has had them since he moved out at 18 back in 1998. Aside from electronics, nothing in our home is newer than 1970s and I love it. Everything made since the 90s has been clap board trash. If it isn't heavy, real wood or steel/copper, I don't want it. Most of my pans are cast iron I inherited or thrifted, except my egg pan. My dream is to one day buy a post WW2 sprawling ranch on 2-3 acres and have nothing in it that was made after 1975 haha. I would love to have a cabinet TV again too.
I definitely needed this slap in the face. My views of shopping and consumption have become sooo warped and with the way things cost these days I need to change my habits.
We refer to our dinning room table as the "Depression Table" because my great grandmother bought it during the Great Depression. She raised my grandma at that table. My grandma raised my mom at that table. My mom raised my brothers and I at that table and now I am raising my kids around that table ❤
I have this neurotic “maximizing” approach to life, which to me is buying the most affordable version of something, using it until it’s completely gone, and then finding a use for its packaging. I have always done this, to cause as little waste as possible and spend as little money as possible. I was poor for most of my life and this habit has followed me into adulthood where I preserve the items I have and try to spend as little as possible. I have some furniture that if I’m dying to change my aesthetic for some reason, I can sand the paint off of them OR paint them. Or I can simply thrift decor from local antiques or Facebook. Recently, I just repainted my dresser to an off white with splashes of vague color brushed in. It has a very antique beach look. It’s beautiful! But if I decide to change up the look, I can easily just sand it and paint it white again. If I redecorate, I try to put the old decor in a box. Edit: I wanted to add my thoughts that people who are picking battles with under consumption core saying it’s “harmful” and “aesthetisizing poverty” need to get a grip. I grew up eating out of reused country crock containers and stuff, and I’m not offended by these people discovering this way of life. Because at the end of the day, something that saves the environment being a trend is a good thing. It saves the environment and saves money, and that’s a net good. If that trend is how people discover that as an option, so be it.
I think underconsumption was part of the backlash towards minimalism, going to a extreme by not buying what you actually need and would make your life functional, let alone easier. I think that's what draw a line between those minimalist that count the items they have from those that buy mindfully, that neither under or over consume.
This is a really good point! A common criticism I saw of that type of minimalism was that it's very privileged. Because there's this idea of "I'm getting rid of this, and if I need one in the future I'll just buy a new one". Which is not only not an option for low income folks, but further adds to the problem of overconsumption. Meanwhile, underconsumption core would be "I'm holding onto this, so if I need it in the future, I won't need to buy a new one" Granted there's obviously nuance there, depending on the item(s), but still.
I suspect this is one of those instances where the average is skewed by a small number of very very high consumers the same as average salaries, wedding cost etc. medians are more useful for these things but never used.
I have a t shirt that I wear only for pajamas as it is pretty worn that was a gift from a friend when I was 15, I am now 47. I also have a clothes iron have had since I was 16, so 31 years. I just replaced my hair dryer , way too late honestly, that I had purchased when I was 17. But I must say that I hate replacing older items because the craftsmanship just isn't what it once was.
@fridafrancisco2753 PACT Clothing. I noticed their leggings aren't as thick as they used to be, but I have clothing items almost 10 years old from them.
I still have my Nintendo DS lite, bought with the money of my first weekend job as a teenager ❤ 17 years ago! I'm gonna be devastated if it breaks... I still regularly play Pokemon on it 😄
I love this! I’m a shoe lover, and I would say my shoes are expensive for daily wear. Here I am cleaning all my suede heels back to new and super glueing the inside soles back down. I pay a pretty penny, I use my things until they have absolutely no life left. I went shopping second hand and bought all new clothes a few days ago. Never worn, name brand, department store tags still attached. Great for me, but overconsumption is huge. I try to be conscious. Sometimes I fail, but I try.
Ya I walked holes in two of my favorite pais of boots. No way to save them again. R.I.P shoes may you be recycled and given a new life in another form. My down fall is buying groceries. I'm trying to go to the store more often so I buy less. Only try to buy 3 days at a time instead of a week. Too much food goes to waste. Things go bad the second you get home.
I still have alot of clothes from high school (I am 40.) Back then they were a quality that doesn't exist today. Some have had to be mended or taken in but I get alot of compliments which is nice. Edit- what kind of glue do you use to glue the soles back on? I have a few pairs that "talk"
I have the feeling that some social media people threw away all their “normal,” “non aesthetic” household items and bought all new items/decor when they started social media, and now of course have to keep up with “trends.”
The oldest thing I own is a pink hair comb. It was mine from when I was a baby back in 1989. I still use it every day, and it is in excellent shape. It does it job perfectly and has helped untangle my hair through every season of my life. I also still have the pillow cases from when I was a baby that my mom handmade using random character fabric. My kiddo has used them now, and they are so soft and 100% functional.
I think we're missing a big discourse of responsibly buying new things that we enjoy when old things have become well used/worn/loved is okay! It's important to be responsible, financially/morally/environmentally etc. But it's okay to buy a single stanley cup when your old nalgene gets moldy and old.
I have no Stanleys, but I do have a soon to be 29 or 30 year old pair of Nalgenes that we regularly use. They were safe from the BPA recalls of the early 2000s because they were made with the milky, not see-through, plastic. We certainly do each now have one (our children each 2, because they use / forget them more frequently and need 2 or just a backup until they get back to the lost and found) insulated stainless steel water bottles ($10 a piece?) because their ability to keep water ice cold with how hot our summers are regularly now can't be beat. The only way I could see a Nalgene getting moldy is if it was not being properly washed or not being regularly used (and left somewhere where mold could grow). If your lid breaks (the lid itself or the loop that attaches it to the bottle), Nalgene will replace it at no charge to you. Navigate to the bottom of their website and look for the warranty section.
My 10yr old Nalgene broke when I dropped it one day at work. Nalgene replaced it for Fred cause giant chunks of the body aren't supposed to come out when you drop them.
@@mwahl1686 Okay I was just using that as an example, the statement still stands that regular and responsible consumption shouldn't be looked down upon. I don't own a stanley cup either, but I'm not going to immediately assume anyone who DOES have one is overconsuming only for aesthetic reasons.
an underconsumption habit i do: when i have a liquid product that is old/expired or i don't like anymore (like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, lotion) i use it to shave my legs. it also acts a type of consequence to buying/having too much bc i have to wait to go thru it when all i want to do is throw out/replace. makes me think twice about buying new products bc i have to go thru the whole thing one way or another.
Be careful buying second hand/thrift shop items. Goodwill for instance does not clean or wash anything before it is shelved. Bed Bug infestations are CRAZY right now, they are spreading everywhere. Ive seen/heard about tons of landlords having tenants flee their bedbug infested apartments, so the landlord will put everything next to the road for free, or dump everything at a thrift store. My rule of thumb is I dont buy anything I cant hose down thoroughly, spray with bleach, and let sit outside for at least a week. A bedbug infestation is not worth it. I make up for not thrifting by not buying anything that I dont need to legitimately replace. I dont buy clothes for fashion, I dont buy household decorations for the aesthetic, I buy what I need and only what I need.
Maybe it depends where you live. In my whole life I had one friend get bed bug bites ... I think it was from a hotel stay. I have thrifted for 25 years and never had an issue with bugs in what I've purchased (no mattresses, mind you).
Clothes and some items you should wash before usage Anyway. Clothing you can even put in the freezer to be sure you killed anything that could be inside. Mattress are probably something you shouldn't just buy second hand for hygiëne reasons. Sweat does get in there. And of course bugs.
I lived in a college town with alot of internationals. Getting your home fumigated 3x and taking apart the bed frame help me get rid of bed bugs and washing my bedding. I also put my clothes in my car where it got 120F° And I'm highly alergict to their bites. By doing this i didnt have to throw anything away. Just the fabric cover on the bottom of my sofa
The love and attention that goes into collecting dents and scratches. The comfort of your grandma's dining room table, the same table you learned to write at. Sitting at it and seeing the little marks you carved into it when you were 7.
I started my own trend, Everytime im influenced by something i go “shopping” to see if i can recreate. I wanted new travel toiletry bags….cleaned out my travel supplies, i have it. I wanted new shampoo, i reorganized my hair drawer, i wanted a shark hair drier, i tried the hairstyle i wanted to do anyway with tools i already have. I actually enjoy underconsumption content it’s a great reminder. Also, eventually these content creators are gonna need a way to rid themselves of all the stuff they get and i can wait til it’s discussed. Also, i looooovvveeee old towels. They are the best ones. People with a closet full of brand new towels scare me tbh. I buy towels and will use them on repeat until aged appropriately. 😂 i leave new towels for guests. If i haven’t toed my hair black with a towel, or accidentally bleached it, i actually don’t wanna use it. 😂
I’m 42 and this video is the moment that just now made me feel old 😂 Most people my age live like this normally and the fact it is a trend or has to be discussed opens my eyes. It also makes me sad that people think “influencers” live that way and are real. Get out there and make your own real lives, and meet real live friends. It will boost your serotonin ❤
I am taking a similar approach to preparing for my first baby. I am not planning to buy a lot of the things you "need" and really focus on what is essential. We are also buying most of everything second hand since there is SO much out there that is gently used, barely use or never been used. There is a lot of great stuff out there if you are patient and willing to look!
Essentials: clean warm water, diapers, diaper rash cream (can be used for many different uses), climate specific clothing (7 onesies + 7 baby tights for most places), bucket/washing machine + detergent, $300 emergency fund in pocket for random things you happen to find out you need atm (usually random healthcare related things recommended by doctors/nurse). If you drive a car, car seat. For mother: large pads/disposable underwear, healthy food stack nearby :)
You know what’s crazy, I just took a whole deep dive of this topic and I just saw your video popped up!! I absolutely love it!! Overconsumption is so overrated and mindlessly sending is so overwhelming. I definitely love the underconsumption core💕💕
this trend is, in a way, so comforting to see. i use up everything i have until i can't possibly use it one more time and repair and upcycle things. i have always loved thrifting (it's like an adventure!) and it's my first option whenever i'm in need of something. as a result i have a whole lot of mismatched stuff that i think go together perfectly precisely because they don't. good ol' punk energy ya know lol, thank you for the video!
I am a newly underconsumer. I recently cut open a tube of skincare and have thrown away a few empties. Im very pleased wuth myself bc i have always been "I want to try something new" and never got the opportunity to finish it. But now I'm sticking with products that were originally lack luster abd by the end of them realizing theyre actually good and repurchasing them.
Trends are so weird. In 2020 Champion was a huge brand that previously had been sold at Walmart but had now gotten pretty pricey. Not that many years back Stanley, a huge tool brand in the 80s and early 90s was also the brand sold at Walmart. Now people are paying hundreds for cups! Crazy world we live in😂
Well, I know I am guilty of being influenced to consume. I never bought seasonal decor except for Christmas/fall. And then one day I saw a video on Valentine’s decor and it was downhill from there. And don’t get me started on my Bath and Body Works “collection “. I like your point about how this drive to be aesthetic is unrealistic. Growing up, maybe the living room and dining room were decorated but I can’t remember anybody decorating the bathroom or laundry rooms the way they do now. Maybe matching bathroom rugs but that’s it.
Underconsumption/normal consumption tiktok is not about flexing but really about shining a light on overconsumption and how not-normal that is. It's a wakeup call for audiences that are easily influenced by content creators and brands online. Regardless of what constitutes a normal amount consumption, we can all agree on what over consuming is. This is especially relevant in the makeup community. The underconsumption trend is reminding people that having 2-4 blush options can be "normal", but having 20, 50 or 100 blushes is not. It's a reminder that you should be in control of what you have, and you're not meant to buy and collect every new makeup launch, because makeup is meant to be used.
I’ve been loving your videos, and they’ve made me think about my own consumption. I’ve got a perfume I don’t like and normally I’d just buy a new one and let the one I don’t like collect dust but I’ve decided to just use what I have. When I finish the perfume I don’t like, I’ll get a new one
I’d love to see a video on the overconsumption of media aka how everyone will watch a new series in like a day and how it’s very rare for people to wait for a new episode/ streaming services and how there’s just sooo many of them
@@jossykerflossy915 I can't sit and watch an entire movie because ironically I feel they're too long. I used to have that guilt, one of the manifestations/causes of my anxiety.
i'm from Poland and the underconsumption core trend just reminded me of growing up. my family wasn't poor but due do my father abusing us financially (not just finacially), we actually were poor (well, he wasn't). towels cut in smaller pieces to make up for kitchen cleaning rags, no bathroom rug because that was also an old towel, mugs, cooking stuff and furniture being handed down by family members that could afford new furniture, people from small towns and villages literally were taking furniture that was by the trash if it was in good enough condition. skin care was water and soap, my mom didn't even own make up removal. so for me it's not really underconsumption, it's just how people lived (and a lot of them still live this way because habits stay) and no one really saw those every day things as something "under". why try to buy new stuff when money is really tight when you can make up for it with what you already have
Oldest thing I own is the teddy-bear I got as a gift when I was born. Funny thing, I'm moving right as this is become popular, so my way of trying to participate is to only buy what I truly need before moving and making sure to don't support coporations in the process, by buying everything secondhand. (It's kinda difficult, but going well). I also wanted to make a point I haven't yet heard against this trend. I think the trend could lead some people to try and use up/wear down stuff faster to achieve the look we see in videos. Although it's not classically aesthetic, there is something nice about objects that look used. I believe that if that's the case it goes against the whole point, thereby defeating the purpose of under-consumption. Just something to keep in mind I think. And of course, great video as always:)
Living with minimal consumption is how people truly get rich. My parents are millionaires and my mom's car is an 08. They had hand me down furniture up until recently and never wore expensive clothing, new cars or bought lots of decorations while they were building wealth.
This is such an interesting conversation. I was a child in the 70s and in high school in the 80s. Clothing and shoes were a larger percentage of income at that time (no Wal-Mart or Shein etc.). I usually had around 4 pairs of shoes at a time (sneakers, sandals, winter boots, flats or clogs) but they were very well made/good brands, and I had 3 pairs of jeans for school. So the jeans had to be re-worn during the week, with different shirts. I still don't have a lot of clothing, but our adult kids sure do! I have always had only used/thrifted/hand me down furniture. My problem areas are perfume and makeup. I keep everything else down to a reasonable amount (kitchenware, no excess decor, old towels) but in those two areas I have far too much. I do love perfume, that is my weakness. But having watched these changes over the years I think (1) shopping became a hobby for people when they had more free time/stores were open later - and now the internet; (2) cheaply made products became more common - importing from other countries with different labor standards; and (3) credit became a thing in our culture so people started taking out loans for furniture (not me!) and other items, which was unthinkable in the 60s/most of the 70s. My grandparents and parents always bought good quality items, but only what was necessary, and kept it for as long as possible. There was no rotating of piles of junk, which seems constant now. That cycle can be so destructive and wasteful. But then I have to declutter expired makeup, so yes, it is a problem. I will do better. (edit for typos)
P.S. and during my lifetime, they started building houses much larger, on average. There simply was not room for so much in prior years for the average family.
People now are paying for make up in installments -be it PayPal, scalapay or whatever, it really grinds my gear when people do t get that paying 15 a month for 3 months with scalapay for a blush is basically going into debt for a 45 blush. Which you most likely didn’t even need to begin with.
Oldest item - my husband still wears a collared long-sleeve shirt that he wore in a photo holding his newborn daughter 24 years ago. I inherited my grandmother's living room tables and dining room set from the 1960s.
Quick rant about what these trends can do to you at 40: My dads ex wife has her own counseling business in a giant building with a yoga studio but is living with her parents in debt and needs my dads help every now and then which he does to benefit my half sister. She makes well over 100k but is majorly influenced by trends at age 40. She’s not on TikTok as far as I know but does have some media and always finds the next big thing. When my dad started dating her we thought she was the coolest thing with how youthful and relatable she was and how she always wanted to go shopping. I was a tomboy at the time but she fantasized over dressing a girly girl so she’d spend hundreds of dollars every time getting me things that I might wear. Some I did to make her happy but they weren’t my style and it started to feel wasteful as I aged. When I was 16 I began to dread shopping days that she’d drag me on. It felt toxic but I didn’t know why. I wasn’t on the internet and wasn’t influenced by overconsumption or the dangers of it but my mind just felt tired and overwhelmed by it. Getting new things caused so much anxiety. When Christmas time came we’d do 11 hour shopping days and that’s no exaggeration. We’d leave in the morning and be gone past midnight because there was a mall that stayed open late around the holidays. She’d buy things for people she didn’t even like or who she barely knew. Every year, my father, sisters and I were so overwhelmed with the gifts that the living room took hours to clean. It was all trendy weird gadgets none of us needed, extremely expensive high end makeup, hair clips, and just a ton of little things. The crazy thing is my dad and her split when I was 17, I’m 23 now and she still sends me a giant gift basket every birthday and for every holiday. But she overspent so much of my dad’s account when they were married that she drained our college funds trying to hide her addiction via transferring… so I never know what to think of it. Last gift I received was 5 pairs of blue light glasses that came in some kit of multiple colors. I believe she took it a step further and was influenced by mommy bloggers and that’s why she wanted a baby. After the cute baby fever photoshoot phase ended, she’s not around that much for my sister. Sorry for the tangent, but this is why I love this content. I’m glad I learned it from an example I don’t wanna be. And also, it was a blessing in disguise. She took money my dad had put away to help with college, but it would’ve never been enough and I would’ve had loans. I went to tech school and make a comfortable wage now as a small business owner. Thanks for the content, Shawna ❤
I like the fact you make a parallel between minimalim and underconsumtion aka using your stuff. I always liked minimalism but if the 'backup" item (like, an other towel) is already in your house, you should keep it because one day you'll have to change your old towel. I would love to declutter a bit my home because I have way too much of certain items (soap, graphite pens) but I want to use it, not throw it
I own towels and clothing 20yrs old but "Under consumption"... growing up the people around me did this and it was just called being poor. It is considered being successful to stop over using everything and having mix match households. My friends/family rarely bought a new dish or car or anything. I am breaking the habits of not owning pjs and wearing old clothes to bed. I am breaking the habits of holding on to a dish cloth wayy past it's prime. I am breaking the habit of buying cheap fast fashion and wearing it until it becomes my pjs. I am breaking the cycle of keeping every jar and plastic food/butter containers I have after consuming an item. I am breaking the habits of feeling scarcity. Scarcity is a mindset. It's a sickness. You are constantly worried about not having anything... and it robs you a joy. It can go both ways... over consumption and under consumption. There needs to be balance. If I can afford to toss a jelly jar or a butter dish. I do. I had to cull my laundry over the weekend and tell myself it's ok to let go. I use to only own 1 pair of shoes a season...and wear them until they fell apart. It was the theft of joy. Now I own many different types of shoes I can love and care for...
Cull your laundry. You deserve better than clothes with holes and I'm glad you can afford it now. But as a financially lucky person who grew up with a frugal mother, nothing's wrong with keeping that Country Crock container. Works just like Tupperware. 😊
@hcf4kd1992 I refuse to clutter my house with old food containers anymore. I have had to learn to just let go of stuff. It's a fight in my head but I am better mentally for it.
Reading this made me tear up a little because I'm in the same boat and am struggling to find balance; I do NOT want to pass this trauma on. I want to be able to keep what makes sense to reuse/repurpose or what I need to while also being able to let go of things that are causing clutter to both my home and mental health. What you said about the pjs really hit home because I've never bought a set of pjs due to always repurposing old clothes as pjs which is why I still have a collection of t-shirts from over 20 yrs ago that I use for sleepwear and feel paralyzed at the thought of discarding. There's two sides to the coin, right? There's a reason so many people from poorer backgrounds grow up to be hoarders without noticing it! I still have to remind my parents that we don't need more storage, we need to get rid of old things that no longer serve us by remaining in our space. Good luck on your journey!
The average person consumes SO much today, it's really mind boggling compared to even a few decades ago. People talk about the "good old days" when a single family income could support a family of 5 comfortably, but what they fail to realize is that people had so much less stuff and buying disposable stuff constantly was not the norm. In the 1950s middle class kids had a "play" outfit, a "church" outfit, and a "school" outfit, one jacket, etc. You had the same Christmas decorations for 40 years, same table linens, same furniture, same glassware. If an appliance broke it was repaired, you didn't buy a new one, it was such a different time and everyone bought so much less stuff. Versus today I have working class friends that expect every family member to be able to have a new iphone, huge piles of christmas presents, wardrobes full of clothes, brand new decor/decorations yearly, new sheets and towels, etc. (of course part of this is also lower quality/cheaper things that don't last).
I remember seeing the underconsumtion trend a few days ago and the only ones I have seen people reasonably criticizing are people using old electronics with exposed wires because that's actually dangerous. (Such as a hair dryer) 😅 I'm not sure what the oldest thing i own is.. but i have a couple things from a pottery painting place at the mall from 3rd grade, so 1999/2000: a vase and a salad bowl that i painted fun colors.
I’m not sure what my oldest item in my home is but I definitely am in the camp of thrifting and vintage items as underconsumption and buying what I can afford as and when. When my partner and I were beginning to date I played a fun game of “guess where this item came from” because I have the most random items in my home that I inherited. As my mum and aunt have cleared my Granny’s house they’ve asked the grandkids if they want anything, from furniture pieces down to marbles and pens. My partner quickly learned the correct answer was either “Facebook” or “Dead Granny” and chuckles whenever I pick up something else and ask the question. My favourites are my Granny’s kitchen timer, and a shuttle from a loom that was on her shelves as it’s part of our heritage from working in the mills during the Industrial Revolution.
This video is fascinating to me because this is being discussed by a younger generation as a "trend" rather than a lifestyle choice. I grew up in an upper middle class home, and my parents have had the same furniture since the 80s. Their dining table was handed down to them by their parents. They have never purchased a new vehicle, and they drive theirs into the ground before replacing them. They DIY'd, garage sale hopped, went to auctions & estate sales, and thrifted back when goodwill actually had affordable prices. They rarely buy anything unnecessary. And they are boomers that have lived like that their ENTIRE lives. This is not new. This is not a trend. And I think it's great to see it being showcased, particularly in opposition to these influencer videos that are perpetually selling more "stuff". But stop calling it a trend. Many people live this way daily. And it's not just because they can't afford not to.
Just helped my friend's parents pack/declutter for a move. We found birth announcements from 30 years ago (obvious hoarder treasure) but I found SO MANY usable things!!! Having too much stuff ensures that it won't get used or appreciated. That baptismal blanket is now a coaster.
This is a conversation I didn't know I needed. I grew up in hoarder poverty and that had a huge affect on how I bought things once I moved out on my own. I became minimalist and I still use that mindset when I'm considering buying things. But I didn't actually pay attention to how normalization of overconsumption has influenced me.
Hi Shawna, I think you are awesome and provide a much needed voice in today’s world!! I’m not your in your usual demographic,so some of the oldest things I own are super old, lol , because I am gen X My kitchen table was my grandparents, dating back to the 1960’s, and I have a t shirt from a punk concert I went to in 1988, to name a few!!
The oldest thing i own and use all the time is my sewing machine. She's several generations old. she needs servicing and tuning but still works. I still love my tervis cups. I was a little taken aback when the Stanley cup came on the scene like it was a new concept and i was bored with how plain they look then confused when people started making after market doodads to attach to them. Tervis did all that and are actually really cute with the designs. They're just plastic instead of metal. Maybe the plastic isn't sturdy enough for some people to use every day but for the most part, mine have survived 4 kids and me so they're doing something right after all these years.
The main difference to me is that I see a lot of minimalists getting rid of functional items or throwing things away. It seems to me that the idea of minimalism is to acquire less but it often starts by creating waste through decluttering. I’m a maximalist in that I own a lot of stuff. I didn’t pay for much of it but I refuse to throw it away. I like my things. But to an outsider I may look like an overconsumer despite not bringing new things into my home.
thank you!!! I LOVE it, too. I'm subscribed to Drama Kween here on youtube and was sad to see her trying to put a negative spin on this topic and berating it. It honestly angered me because the online climate has been desperately needing a trend/movement like this one, kickstarting consumerism to go in a better direction, and trying to kill it before it's barely even gotten off the ground feels irresponsible and pessimistic at best. I'm glad to see others talking positively about the impact of this trend.
I just watched drama kween’s take about this before shawna’s vid. I think drama kween gave both the pros and cons about this trend and all are valid imo. It’s nice to see people be influenced with this trend to try and change their lifestyle and possibly stop overconsuming but then again, it’s a trend. If this goes out of trend, are those same people gonna go back to overconsume?
@@sarahaque1382I just don't understand how this trend has anything to do with glorifying poverty. If anything it's helping normalize the level of consumption you've got when you don't have extra money to spend. It's not people trying to look poor, it's just people showing that they use their products and advocating that it's okay not to buy new shoes every season??
My boyfriend and I love your channel, and watch you every night after dinner. You bring a little bit of sanity to our world. Life has gotten a little isolating since we left shopping as a “hobby” behind. My oldest item is a necklace given to me by my grandma. It’s been with me for 21 years, and I wear it everyday. ☺️
My oldest item is my bed. An heirloom from probably around the 1880s to 1900s. As for the oldest of my personal items (things I bought), I really couldn't say. I have a few clothing items I bought in the late 90s to early 2000s, and a few pieces of jewelry I bought for myself when I was a senior in college (more than 20 years now). I've had the same pots and pans since my parents bought them for me when I graduated high school (not quite 30 years). I love to see these commentaries on consumerism. It's really gotten crazy and I'm glad more folks have started to recognize it. It may be a trend, but one hopes it will stick with a lot of people. I'm a huge proponent of using what you have, even if it's not for the originally intended purpose. One hopes that in seeing this lovely rise in critical commentary on the problems with over-consumption, people will begin to think more creatively about what they have and what's available, and how it might be used. Resourcefulness is the crux of our species, and if we lose that entirely, where will we be?
My oldest belonging is a nearly 150 year old sewing machine and table passed down separately through my mum and dad's family. They got down to me and are still used on pretty much everything I make. The machine is mostly newer parts from all saints displays but it's a dream and electricity free so I can sew whenever
I have chairs that were my grandmother's - over 100 years old. I'm also still using a bath towel which belonged to my parents - it's about 50 years old and still serviceable. Currently wearing a hoodie that is travelling the opposite way through the generations - originally belonged to my oldest child, then to the younger one - it's about 15 years old.
hi shawna! your videos have helped me sm. I was wondering if you would ever do a video on overconsumption in the college sphere? I'm going to be a senior in college and it always feels like I have to spend so much on decorations for my dorm or other unnecessary things for college students.
Not sure if this qualifies, but I love using random trash I find around the house (wrappers, bottle caps, cork, old magazines, scarps from crafts, empty pens, etc.) dried paint, broken things that can’t be repaired, trash I find outside, things like that -to make art with. I love art and I do buy a lot of new supplies like thread and yarn and beads and paint, but it’s even more creatively inspiring to look at trash and think “what can I make with this?” instead, on the kind of artworks where that is possible. It makes the end product really unique too. Examples of how I have done this include putting lots of trash with interesting textures on a canvas with acrylic paint over it! Saves on paint you would use for making the texture too!
The oldest item in my house is a bible from 1901. I’m not religious but I have read it. This is followed up closely by a cookbook from 1923. It was my grandmothers and survived a house fire. The oldest non book item is an igloo cooler from the late 80s/early 90s. It still has the sticker on the front and I grew up with it.
I love this trend, but I would also love to see underconsumption videos that show you CAN still have an aesthetic. Literally every piece of furniture in my home is secondhand (usually from auctions or Facebook marketplace), but it’s all antique and chosen specifically for its combination of beauty and function. Same goes for the artwork and frames in my house. We only own one duvet and duvet cover for our bed, but it’s a beautiful, handmade, 100% linen duvet that was not inexpensive, but has lasted about us many years and will continue to last many more years so cost-per-use is extremely small. To me, underconsumption isn’t about having *nothing* pretty or matching, it’s about not replacing items unnecessarily or buying multiples of things you only need one of.
This is very me. When I show friends my apartment for the first time I point out where I got ever piece of furniture, usually off facebook marketplace or handmade by family/friends, and the story of how we got it. Its never dull. I love it.
I don’t know if I understand the criticism of this video. I think it’s okay that this is “trendy.” Between the two honestly right now this is refreshing. I think what’s important to remember is that consumption is nuanced and the goal is to look at things like this and not let them blindly influence you one way or the other, but to look at YOUR life and see what you want YOUR consumption habits to be. It’s okay that you only have 3 makeup products even if they’re all luxury, maybe that’s where you like to concentrate YOUR spending, and you make sacrifices elsewhere. I think it’s okay to judge unnecessary excess and wastefulness but I don’t want to be in the habit of taking small joys away from people. You’re not a bad person if it makes you happy to see a matching set of coffee mugs in your cabinet. And you’re not a good person just because you exclusively shop at the goodwill. The goal should be mindfulness, meaning and consideration in the things we consume but deprivation will only make us resentful. Life is short and hard enough, get the things that make you happy, decorate your home so that you can enjoy it. Give where you can, save where you can and invest in your future (financially, mentally, physically) and somewhere in there don’t forget to actually LIVE ❤
I have a Stanley and a hydroflask (only one of each) so like yes I have a “trendy” water cup and water bottle but I’ve had them for over 5 years and not had to buy a new one.
I guess just some things are trendy and expensive AND high quality and like I try not to get swept up in the trends and only buy if it’s something I need. I use mine every day.
Hydro flasks really do take a beating! I take mine to work every day. Unfortunately I've seen some new models on sale with like straw sippy lids and stuff and it annoys me because it means extra parts to clean. The hydro i have from 2020 is just: bottle, lid, gasket. So easy to clean and i appreciate it's not a ton of extra parts to fuss with.
I use my hydroflask daily, as well! I remember buying it because I was on the golf team in college, and the fact that I could keep ice for a whole day practice or meet was what sold me. I bitched and moaned at the price as a minimum wage, part time worker and full time student (I still would bawk at it today lol) but have not needed a new water bottle in 10 years!
The best thing about having random sets (towels, glasses, mugs, plates, silverware, etc.) is; when you break something or it wears out; your set is still complete. It would stress me out so much if I had matching sets; I would be so afraid to drop, loose or ripp it.
As someone who enjoys painting their nails, I found my self buying more polish when i found a brand i liked because I liked the color, i would wear it once then not use it again and before I knew it I had over 20 polishes. Now I am just trying to back off and use what I have 😅.
Actually… if “underconsumption” gets traction (for whatever reason - minimalism, debt/budget, or just habit from seeing it growing) we as consumers are leveraging the very soul of free market capitalism by radically decreasing demand. Wouldn’t that be fun, ripping the rug out from under it? ETA the assignment: 1. I have an Abercrombie & Fitch cabled men’s wool sweater that was a gift to me in 1992. It is ratty AF. I’ve mended it countless times, dyed it to cover yellow spots where laundry detergent with optical brighteners dripped on it before it was put away for the season, etc. Still wear it, mostly around the house. 2. I have ladder back chairs with rush seats that were from a house my parents bought from an elderly woman in 1976. Those are known as Mrs. Johnston’s chairs. 3. The oldest, but I don’t have it anymore… a dresser that was my great-grandmother’s. My grandmother took it (40s) and it was in her basement holding laundry stuff when my mother stole it (70s). Then it came to me when I bought my first home (90s). When I downsized to my current home, my daughter claimed it (kind of aggressively, ‘23). It is known as Ma’s dresser and is now with the 5th generation of women in my family. 😊
One of the oldest things I own is a synthetic knit black halter top from 1996. I hand washed it over and over and I still get so many compliments when I wear it.
I've been more aware lately of how much I prioritize aesthetics. I spend so much time looking for things that really speak to me, that feel "perfect" and "just like me", and my house is pretty carefully curated. I am grateful that I have the privilege to be able to do this, because I know the lifestyle I live is definitely not accessible for everyone, and I am also finding that I might need to loosen up a bit. I don't need to have every single thing in my home be aesthetically pleasing, and just the right item for just the right place. I recently went to my aunt and uncle's home and was a little horrified by how "perfect" the place was. It's literally designed to sell (which I think they were intending to do) and it's so minimalist it doesn't feel like anyone actually lives there. It's so gray and sterile and there's no character in it at all. I don't want my home to feel that way. Since I have 5 birds, it's not really possible for me to keep it that pristine at least, but it really was a good reminder that I can work with what I have instead of purchasing more in pursuit of "perfect". :)
I literally have a pair of slip-on sandals that are almost 6 years old. I have gone on 20+ vacations with them, worn them in my everyday life, AND did the Mackinaw Bridge walk with them on. (I only walked halfway and back.) But still. And i STILL wear them to this day!
The oldest thing I own is a tiny Persian rug, which my mom was given by her grandparents when she moved out (it was in their flat before that) and which I eventually rescued when my parents wanted to throw it out. I am not sure when it first made it into the family, but it should be 70-80 years old at least. It's pretty worn, but it is a nice rug.
I love this trend sm! I was hoping for you to make a video about it while I was binging on your other vids haha. It takes the pressure out of me from overconsumption and encourages me to use up everything I have. Thanks for this vid!
thinking about back when I was a kid and went to other friends houses, I always felt so much more comfortable at the houses that reflected my own - mismatched cups/mugs, linens, furniture. I remember being impressed and envious by houses that were beautiful and aesthetic but also like I couldn't have fun or play there.
I have a 28-year-old stuffed cat, given to me when I was born, and that’s for sure the thing I’ve had the longest. I think the oldest thing I own, though, is corningware baking dishes from the 50s, passed down to me from my grandmother relatively recently.
I’m a college student and recently went through all of my belongings after my first year; I realized all the gobs of stuff i didnt bring to school I frankly didnt need or miss. i was SO bad about buying anything that i thought was cute and new, even if i found it at a thrift store (have always and will always love to thrift first!). I also had a bad habit of buying for events or seasons, for example: “this top would look great with these shorts on my beach vacation.” Ok sure, but Anna your beach vacation is 5 days and you said the same thing about 15 outfits. “Do i have something similar or something of the same functionality” is the main question i ask myself to not impulse buy or get something I think is “cute”!
I love the homework! I think the oldest things I own are a family heirloom crocheted blanket and also my dresser in my bedroom which has been passed through my family since the 60s! As far as underconsumption habits - most of my lunches get taken to work in old Chinese food containers! Also I love that a lot of “luxury” skincare products are starting to be made as refillable containers, I’ve started to prioritize those brands! Kiehls and Josie maran have been my faves in that realm
The oldest thing I own in general is a bayonet from the American Civil War. The oldest thing I own that I actually use regularly is my mom's vintage recipe tin she was gifted when she got married in 1976.
Girl everytime I buy something I ask myself what Shawna would think 😂😂 I’ve saved so much money thanks to you and your videos. I wish they taught about consumerism in schools
The oldest item I have in my place is a Danish teak wood coffee table from the 1950's. It started life in my parents home, migrated to my brother's condo, and finally ended up in my first apartment; it's been with me ever since. One technique I use to underconsume is to have a "one-spend" day. So one day out of the week is set aside for purchasing non-essentials and I make a specific list of these items, but every other day is for non-essential items only. Even though I give myself permission to do this once every week, I've found that I often don't have the desire to do so.
"We have normalized overconsumption so much so that all of the normal consumption seems like underconsumtion". Not only that, people have been commenting "poverty" on these reels just cuz it was not aesthetic. On instagram men and some entitled women be acting like they are shitting aesthetic
two things after thinking about this video for a bit - 1) its fascinating to me that the one influencer still shows “i have one stanley” like thats one of the recent colors youre still buying new stuff thats just consumption, what happened to all the other cups youve had did you throw them away to have one stanley? 2) its telling sometimes when an influencer doesnt have a professional job (i work in finance in an office) and can wear casual or street clothes all the time - i have essentially three “wardrobes” - work clothes (formal, slacks and button downs and blouses, not suitable for everyday casual life) - casual clothes (jeans and shorts and shirts and casual dresses) - and my workout/cleaning/pajamas. There are a couple of more dressy outfits but those have been acquired over almost ten years and get used rarely so they dont really count. When you can wear street style or casual clothes every day, its easy to “just have one week!” and have that be like four shirts, three leggings and two dresses but like not all of us live lives that can fit there - my gym clothes arent appropriate for the workplace (and especially not for face to face client meetings!) and my office clothes would look ridiculous on me if i was for example on a trip to the grocery store. It’s also easy to just own one or two pairs of shoes/bags/etc if you basically wear “collegewear” and its really funny watching influencers try to act like theyre better than you bc they dont need business formal or even business casual clothes for their regular everyday life and can get away with athleisure wear 24/7
I have a "business dress" job and I paired down to 2 colors of slacks and 5 blouses. I have 4 colors of cardigan that work with all 5 tops but emphasize different colors within the shirts. It took my closest co-worker 3+ years to realize I wore the same pieces each week. I mix it up by using my sweaters that I also use on the weekends. My current job is less formal but I still have those pieces, I just get to use my nicer weekend tops too now.
Hi y'all, it's been brought to my attention that this video failed to bring more of a critical discourse on the underconsumption trend and also did not call out some of the more problematic aspects. Aestheticizing poverty or having middle/upper class people opt-in to ways of consuming when it's convenient and subsequently opt-out when the trend has died down. Many folks can not simply opt out when underconsumption isn't trending anymore and this is just one example. I personally feel like it was an oversight to not discuss this trend with a more critical lens. While I might think it's nice to see less overconsumption on my feed, seeing normal homes, and people using their stuff, this trend is a trend and is not without problems. Thank you to everyone who pointed out this oversight.
You could make a second video highlighting more problematic aspects of trends like this. I've also noticed a lot of the products still tend to be "luxury" items, and not something from like Family Dollar.
i think we need a pt 2 to this then :) really love your takes and have been inspired to unfollow a lot of accounts simply just for the asmr enjoyment but still showed/supported amazon affiliate links/overconsumption/hauls and trying to find that but in sustainable accounts who also make asmr type content too!
@@poisonkatz I second this! This sounds like a concept that can do some real good as long as people are doing it for the right reasons.
ugh ty for contributing meaningfully to this conversation! I loveddd the critique Isaias Hernandez provided & that u supported. If we could rlly take this beyond short-sighted consumer trends to sincerely understand broader systemic problems of capitalism, it would avoid aestheticizing/ cosplaying poverty for the sake of views and instead point to further reading/action.
i would love seeing a video on that aspect of this trend and trends like fast-fashion punk clothing and balenciaga dirty shoes sort of thing, i think theres an intersection thare, even if its small.
flexing in 2014: showing off your lambo
flexing in 2024: showing off your empty garage
Honestly wish my garage didn’t come with the clutter and junk that my parents left me with, but I didn’t help when I grabbed some paving stones from my local buy nothing group that have just sat for quite some time now awaiting installation 😅
Haha Lambos are so Andrew Tate chic 🤢🤢
I want a minimal home but a nice car
omg I was hoping you'd talk about this! it's so nice to see just, regular people with their used, "non-aesthetic" stuff that is so much more genuine than most influencer content
I also feel a delicious sense of voyeurism I don’t at all feel when watching people’s haul try-ons etc. These items say a lot more about that individual person than all the new pink and beige plastic items people are forever buying from Amazon and modeling for the camera for one minute
So much of life is not-aesthetically-pleasing, but it's beautiful and enjoyable nonetheless! ❤
@@HeyLauraVanyes!!!!
36:52 Very interesting point! Esp at the End!
Professional organizer and Certified Konmari consultant here. My rule of thumb for items that people really like (hobby-related, clothing, shoes, stationary, books, etc) was to NEVER buy more storage. You are only allowed to have as much as you can fit in your current space because the more storage you create, the more you acquire to fill it up.
Such a cool profession!!! I use this tip in my own life. I have a full wardrobe. I will not purchase any more clothes. The things I'll try to buy will be things to replace the others that don't fit, that are in a really bad shape. I have two coats from my grandmother and one from when i was 9 years old (that i've modified). I treasured those
I started doing this with my stationery and paper hobby things, firstly bc I didn’t have room for more storage either lol! Not within arms reach where I work anyways. It’s worked out great. So far I’ve been able to put most of it up for free on marketplace. Someone always comes and gets it! So it doesn’t sit around waiting to be taken to the thrift, or kept just bc it’s not worth enough to sell.
lol. I used to work in a thrift store and discovered I have hoarder habits. I’m clearing a lot out slowly and sticking with the mindset “if it doesn’t fit (like in the closet or bookshelves) either it or something else has to go, don’t keep getting boxes to stick it in!”
Im a professional organizer too!!!!! I love my career!
So much this!!!!
I have the rule: if I am not willing to make room for it. I don’t want it 😊
Pottery nerd addition: sometimes chips on dishware can make the plate/bowl/mug no longer food safe, since the glaze is what keeps it non-porous and prevents the growth of bacteria. But you can still use chipped dishware for plant pots, a place to keep pencils on a desk, et cetera. A chip on the bottom of a mug is fine, a chip on the part where your food/drink goes might warrant demoting it to a different function. Still doesn't mean you have to throw any damaged item into the trash lol.
ohhh I did not know this! Thank you for sharing
I have several mugs that cracked or broke or whatever but I planned succulents in them and they look great!
Hi! Do you have any tips for a non-potter to make a chipped mug cut-safe? Like I'd love to continue using chipped dishes (that are food safe) but I'm terrified of cutting myself. Is there a solution?
@@patricija8530A kintsugi kit
Chips and cracks also make some of them no longer microwave or stove or oven safe as well
I totally get and agree with people saying it feels a little icky because this is just how a lot of people have to live, and aeatheticizing it is weird, however - this is the sort of world we live in (particularly in richer countries). People are SO obsessed with aeathetics and influencers that I dont know if theres a way to reach people OTHER than aeatheticizing it. Trying to drown out an overconsumption trend with an underconsumption or "normie core" trend feels helpful and well intentioned to me regardless, so long as those creators really do live that life.
It reminds me a bit of project pan, the goal to use something up. It’s good for the environment and your wallet. Not a bad thing imo
Ooh thats just a good find as a potential pitfall in a overall good trend. Semi similar to “minimalist because rich” trend, so it’s important to maintain distinction from minimalist stuff
exactly. it doesn't feel like an aesthetic in the same way other aesthetics are, it's more like a tongue in cheek aesthetic, sarcastically pointing out that we don't all live like this
"this is just how a lot of people have to live". but why are we saying have to? there is literally nothing wrong with it. by saying have to we are implying that this is a problem.
@@ag4444Ahah yeah, this wording bothered me too. I think the ‘lifestyles’ shown are pretty much the norm for lower middle-class and you can be happy and comfortable living like this
I'm not a fan of the 'core' label but I also understand why it's used. This trend is new to me (I'm not on TikTok) but it is a relief to see a bit of normality and common sense.
What is your issue with core? First comment I've seen like this so I'm curious. Mind you I'm not American so that might be why I don't know why it's problematic
@@aesinam Ultimately it's not the word 'core' as such but that everything must be in a category, labelled as x, y or z. Then again, trends have always had a label 😁 This is the latest one!
And I'm not American either (European) 💖
@@aesinammy issue with it is the need to micro label and categorize everything.
as a south american girlie, this trend is 50/50 for me tbh. i kinda like the idea, but here's the thing: this is how people live outside rich countries. i don't mean poor people, i mean most people because we do not have the same purchasing power. the main wealth gap between me and some middle class american is less so the big spending, but the daily "cheap" things. there is no going to target or tj max and buying $20 things for us, you know? everything is expensive and nonessential. all my towels are older than me, which is not only fine, but normal and expected. all the furniture is hand me down because the ikea equivalent costs more than minimum wage. and like i am privileged as hell by comparison, living in a big city and having a stable-ish income.
sometimes tiktok trends feel a bit condescending, like, american (and often European) folks discover the obvious. i get that compared to the average it's underconsumption, but it isn't.
Lol Americans definitely always "discover" the obvious
she did mention how when people spend too much time online what they think of as normal consumption changes. this doesn't mean everyone suddenly buys more but that we all suddenly think a level of buying that is still normal over here isn't normal and we are consuming less than others when we aren't
I agree with you that this should just be called normal. It doesn't need a new fancy label attached.
thank you for your valuable perspective. it is true that in America our perspectives are often self-centered. much is taken for granted. I am so grateful you have all you need ❤
@@morethan1i meant 50/50 on it being "trendy" as if it isn't the norm anywhere else. i was trying to express that the difference between frivolous and average goes deeper outside the us. we don't really have the means to choose, i suppose, not to the same level. but i'm pro this trend as well, considering it helps people, no matter how much they overconsume, to reevaluate their habits
I recently read a quote of a Japanese philosophy that basically said how you treat things is how you will treat people, meaning don’t be so quick to dispose/upgrade, and give something a long a life as possible by admiring the imperfections. Then when it can no longer serve its purpose, give it a new life. This has been a paradigm shifting concept for me.
This is a beautiful thought. I’ve never thought about it quite like that. Thank you for sharing.❤
Me too, from Shunmyo Masuno!
Wabi-Sabi is a great concept we in the west should practice.
@sailorplutoes I understand this on such a personal level. I’m the same way. 😩
@sailorplutoes I understand this on such a personal level. I’m the same way. 😩
I'm in people's homes constantly (I have a dog walking/pet sitting business) and practically everyone has random mugs and mismatched towels. I'm especially grateful for the ratty old towels for cleanup or drying a dog after a rainy walk! Some people are much more tidy and matchy-matchy than others, but no real people with normal jobs/kids/pets live influencer aesthetic lives. Even the most beautifully decorated, tidiest homes have random, dinged mugs and water bottles or grody old sneakers people use for gardening.
The trick with towels, especially when you have pets, is to go with white towels. I have these beautiful, lush, oversized white towels for me. And I have cheap white Family Dollar white towels for pet messes. And slightly more expensive white towels for dog and cat baths. But all the towels look similar so it's more cohesive.
I'm a residential cleaner. This is so true.
i think an interesting thing to analyze about "underconsumption" is people's access to quality hand-me-downs. Whether that be from thrift shops, facebook marketplace, family members, it genuinely is more difficult to not overconsume when you can't afford to purchase quality items, and don't have a support system that can give you old, high quality items that have been in the family for a long time. Items that can't handle consistent wear but are cheap may increase someone's likelihood to overconsume
Yes!! I get furniture from ikea because I don’t have a car to transport thrifted furniture in and it’s too expensive to rent one
Agreed! You can’t have gifted/hand-me-down items when you don’t have a support system who had/has access to those things. Buying large items secondhand can only work if you have a way to get them home.
I think we are confusing regular consumption with overconsumption. It’s perfectly fine to buy something new. As of right now I’m looking at my living room and I see 2 ikea kallax that are 15-20yo. I don’t know exactly cause they were my husband’s way before we met. I had to reinforce one of them but now they still have a lot of years in front of them. I put another kallax in my boy’s room; before it had been a closet in my first home, it was in the entrance of my second home, it has been in our kitchen for a couple years, then a “catch it all” in the attic and now it’s for toys storage. And it still has a lot to give. Oh, and all
If the pieces we used to change these items according to our needs (door, handles, drawers) have been rotated between all of them.
Same with clothes. I mostly wear fast fashion cause I want to “terminate” the clothes I got when I was overconsuming. And guess what, I’ve been wearing the same hm tank top for 12yrs, it held me through 2 pregnancies, I moved up and down 4 sizes and it might not be in tiptop shape right now..but just yesterday I was looking at a new tank top (same exact model cause I like basic stuff) and said to
Myself I didn’t need it, mine can still hold up AT LEAST until I’m done stretching its collar to breastfeed my son.
All of this to say, as long as you’re buying things you’re gonna use for a long time, and maybe learning how to fix them
Or modify them
To suit your evolving needs, di t feel bad for buying what you need even if it’s some thing new!
Excellent excellent point. And something I didn’t understand for a long time. I always wondered why people didn’t just use towels and pans they got from their mom, who had lots of mismatched towels because she got towels from her mom. I realized that her mom moved far away and so left behind things like towels . And maybe their mom’s mom didn’t give them the cast iron frying pans they bought in the 1940s. For example I now have both the cast iron ones from my grandmother and the lagostina (very good quality and quite expensive) ones my mom bought in 1992. Before that she used aluminum ones that I actually would be happy to use but they’ve all disappeared during the panic that they were giving people Alzheimer’s. And all the Non stick ones are trash. No one has any to pass on. My mom is 82 and has lots of newer towels but still a few of the 1950s ones from her mother by the way. They’re so psychedelic swirly colours, even though they are frayed and faded, I love them.
I think you misunderstood undercomsumption- which is not buying unnecessary items that just end up in the landfills, being intentional on what you buy. So if you are intentional with what you buy and making sure you use it always, then its underconsumption- using an item until it give uo
i don't understand the comments saying that this is romanticizing how poor people live. this is how i grew up, upper middle class. it's a mindset about continuing to use things while they still are useful rather than always searching for something new and better, and it's also about connecting with your family, friends and neighbors to give your items a new home when you do want a change. people seem like they really underestimate how common and widespread these behaviors are because we see wealth displayed as overconsumption online nowadays, but part of becoming and staying wealthy is limiting your spending. i like this trend because it shows the reality of how many people live and encourages it over overconsumption. i hate to see you amend a good video with an unnecessary apology.
The oldest things I own are probably trilobite fossils that date back millions of years.
damn, this is cool
That's amazing!!! Trilobites are my fave
Aha yeah, I have a few from Kangaroo Island, they are super cool for sure.
You win!! 👍🏻👍🏻
Me too😂 they're cute
Oldest thing I own: my mom's baptism towel. From when she was a BABY. She's almost 70.
My "underconsumption core" is definitely squeezing every last drop out of the products! And reusing food containers for storage. I had no idea this even existed, and thought it was awesome. So thanks for this video!!
The oldest thing I own is the bedroom set that my husband's *great* grandad bought second hand: solid wood, still going strong! We got lucky with that one, but on the more "normal" side, I have hot dog tongs that are at least 20 years old and a wide-mouth funnel that is close to 30.
The oldest thing I own must be the ca. 40 year old electric bread slicing machine. It is great. Our electric Coffee bean mill from the 70s broke Last year 😢
Got a lot of 100+ year old books, a 100 year old cat plushie my great grandmother made, and a house over 120 years old. Our town is older, so most of the houses are over 100 years old. Medieval coins and artifacts.
Lifestyle creep is definitely a relevant topic in anti-consumption discourse!
As a person over 60, I'm laughing at the fact that having a lamp from 2010 is considered a special thing. I and many of my friends have and have used for years, many, many furniture and decor items from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and our household items. It's great this is being recognized as a smart thing, but it's certainly only a "trend" if you're in your 20s. The rest of us have been regularly doing this for decades and not for video likes/follows.
Exactly
I'm a millennial and for most of college I used my parents' hand-me-down furniture and appliances from the 70s at least. Any time they would upgrade they would give me or my sister the old thing. To be honest, a lot of furniture is just not built to last anymore. Something that was made in the 90s that is 30-years-old now is not likely to still be standing. Blame the society that put profit over quality on that, not the adults who had to live through what our culture has become over the last few decades.
I'm 40 and still have stuff from my parents and grandparents. I also hate most shopping, so for me if something works, why would I replace it?
Yeah the normal thing in my family and friend circle is to keep things until they fall apart and cannot be repaired. My parents fridge is 30 years old, I use towels from the 80s. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
I'm 35 but my father is 75, so I was raised with using things until they couldn't be repaired anymore/just couldn't keep them. Even when we couldn't keep something say due to jot having enough room after moving, you try to find a family member who can take it. The lamps in my living room were my maternal grandmother's she bought in the 50s right after she got married. Our master bed dressers and kitchen table were my husband's parents wedding gifts(now divorced and they both remarried back in the mid 80s) and he has had them since he moved out at 18 back in 1998. Aside from electronics, nothing in our home is newer than 1970s and I love it. Everything made since the 90s has been clap board trash. If it isn't heavy, real wood or steel/copper, I don't want it. Most of my pans are cast iron I inherited or thrifted, except my egg pan. My dream is to one day buy a post WW2 sprawling ranch on 2-3 acres and have nothing in it that was made after 1975 haha. I would love to have a cabinet TV again too.
I definitely needed this slap in the face. My views of shopping and consumption have become sooo warped and with the way things cost these days I need to change my habits.
We refer to our dinning room table as the "Depression Table" because my great grandmother bought it during the Great Depression. She raised my grandma at that table. My grandma raised my mom at that table. My mom raised my brothers and I at that table and now I am raising my kids around that table ❤
This is so sweet, oh my gosh. Good job!!
Wow
I have this neurotic “maximizing” approach to life, which to me is buying the most affordable version of something, using it until it’s completely gone, and then finding a use for its packaging. I have always done this, to cause as little waste as possible and spend as little money as possible. I was poor for most of my life and this habit has followed me into adulthood where I preserve the items I have and try to spend as little as possible.
I have some furniture that if I’m dying to change my aesthetic for some reason, I can sand the paint off of them OR paint them. Or I can simply thrift decor from local antiques or Facebook. Recently, I just repainted my dresser to an off white with splashes of vague color brushed in. It has a very antique beach look. It’s beautiful! But if I decide to change up the look, I can easily just sand it and paint it white again.
If I redecorate, I try to put the old decor in a box.
Edit: I wanted to add my thoughts that people who are picking battles with under consumption core saying it’s “harmful” and “aesthetisizing poverty” need to get a grip. I grew up eating out of reused country crock containers and stuff, and I’m not offended by these people discovering this way of life. Because at the end of the day, something that saves the environment being a trend is a good thing. It saves the environment and saves money, and that’s a net good. If that trend is how people discover that as an option, so be it.
I think underconsumption was part of the backlash towards minimalism, going to a extreme by not buying what you actually need and would make your life functional, let alone easier. I think that's what draw a line between those minimalist that count the items they have from those that buy mindfully, that neither under or over consume.
This is a really good point!
A common criticism I saw of that type of minimalism was that it's very privileged. Because there's this idea of "I'm getting rid of this, and if I need one in the future I'll just buy a new one". Which is not only not an option for low income folks, but further adds to the problem of overconsumption.
Meanwhile, underconsumption core would be "I'm holding onto this, so if I need it in the future, I won't need to buy a new one"
Granted there's obviously nuance there, depending on the item(s), but still.
@@Totally_Glitched yes, I didn't even mention the decluttering part, but you're so right about it.
I agree with this distinction
70 new garments a year is normal?... That can't be right
...I don't think I own 70 garments, period. Maybe if I count socks individually.
I suspect this is one of those instances where the average is skewed by a small number of very very high consumers the same as average salaries, wedding cost etc. medians are more useful for these things but never used.
I buy maybe 2-5 new items a year.
I have a t shirt that I wear only for pajamas as it is pretty worn that was a gift from a friend when I was 15, I am now 47. I also have a clothes iron have had since I was 16, so 31 years. I just replaced my hair dryer , way too late honestly, that I had purchased when I was 17. But I must say that I hate replacing older items because the craftsmanship just isn't what it once was.
Agreed! Same goes for clothing... underwear bought in the 2000's is holding up better than underwear bought 6 months ago...
Yes!!! I have shirts that are over 30 years old.
@fridafrancisco2753 PACT Clothing. I noticed their leggings aren't as thick as they used to be, but I have clothing items almost 10 years old from them.
The oldest thing I own is my OG Nintendo DS 🤣 still has a Hannah Montana sticker on it
ok, I love this!!!
I still have my Nintendo DS lite, bought with the money of my first weekend job as a teenager ❤ 17 years ago! I'm gonna be devastated if it breaks... I still regularly play Pokemon on it 😄
I love this! I’m a shoe lover, and I would say my shoes are expensive for daily wear. Here I am cleaning all my suede heels back to new and super glueing the inside soles back down. I pay a pretty penny, I use my things until they have absolutely no life left. I went shopping second hand and bought all new clothes a few days ago. Never worn, name brand, department store tags still attached. Great for me, but overconsumption is huge. I try to be conscious. Sometimes I fail, but I try.
Ya I walked holes in two of my favorite pais of boots. No way to save them again. R.I.P shoes may you be recycled and given a new life in another form.
My down fall is buying groceries. I'm trying to go to the store more often so I buy less. Only try to buy 3 days at a time instead of a week. Too much food goes to waste. Things go bad the second you get home.
I still have alot of clothes from high school (I am 40.) Back then they were a quality that doesn't exist today. Some have had to be mended or taken in but I get alot of compliments which is nice.
Edit- what kind of glue do you use to glue the soles back on? I have a few pairs that "talk"
trying is the most important part. ❤ "I can't do it all, but I do all I can."
@@XCaptianXChaosX I use Loctite superglue. I place a rock on top of the sole for about a day, and wear them again.
I have the feeling that some social media people threw away all their “normal,” “non aesthetic” household items and bought all new items/decor when they started social media, and now of course have to keep up with “trends.”
Yesss I always think this. Like who really lives in a house like those? They look completely modern, empty, and not lived-in.
@@socoamarettojustine like hotels
The oldest thing I own is a pink hair comb. It was mine from when I was a baby back in 1989. I still use it every day, and it is in excellent shape. It does it job perfectly and has helped untangle my hair through every season of my life. I also still have the pillow cases from when I was a baby that my mom handmade using random character fabric. My kiddo has used them now, and they are so soft and 100% functional.
I think we're missing a big discourse of responsibly buying new things that we enjoy when old things have become well used/worn/loved is okay! It's important to be responsible, financially/morally/environmentally etc. But it's okay to buy a single stanley cup when your old nalgene gets moldy and old.
I have no Stanleys, but I do have a soon to be 29 or 30 year old pair of Nalgenes that we regularly use. They were safe from the BPA recalls of the early 2000s because they were made with the milky, not see-through, plastic. We certainly do each now have one (our children each 2, because they use / forget them more frequently and need 2 or just a backup until they get back to the lost and found) insulated stainless steel water bottles ($10 a piece?) because their ability to keep water ice cold with how hot our summers are regularly now can't be beat. The only way I could see a Nalgene getting moldy is if it was not being properly washed or not being regularly used (and left somewhere where mold could grow). If your lid breaks (the lid itself or the loop that attaches it to the bottle), Nalgene will replace it at no charge to you. Navigate to the bottom of their website and look for the warranty section.
My 10yr old Nalgene broke when I dropped it one day at work. Nalgene replaced it for Fred cause giant chunks of the body aren't supposed to come out when you drop them.
My motto, "Use what I have, borrow what I can, buy what I need."
@@mwahl1686 Okay I was just using that as an example, the statement still stands that regular and responsible consumption shouldn't be looked down upon. I don't own a stanley cup either, but I'm not going to immediately assume anyone who DOES have one is overconsuming only for aesthetic reasons.
an underconsumption habit i do: when i have a liquid product that is old/expired or i don't like anymore (like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, lotion) i use it to shave my legs. it also acts a type of consequence to buying/having too much bc i have to wait to go thru it when all i want to do is throw out/replace. makes me think twice about buying new products bc i have to go thru the whole thing one way or another.
That is a very good tip!
😅 i thought I was the only one doing this ❤
This is a great idea!! Thanks for sharing
Honestly I use a gentle face wash like cetaphil as a shaving cream 🤣 it last a long time!! 😅 you don’t need to get a shaving cream 😊
I do the same :)
I'm planning to sew in a new piece of elastic into my very stretched out fitted sheet to avoid buying a new one
There are kits you can buy. They are usually for people who’s sheets don’t fit their fatter new mattresses. You sew them in to the corners.
@M_SC I only spent $1.40 for elastic
Very nice
Be careful buying second hand/thrift shop items. Goodwill for instance does not clean or wash anything before it is shelved. Bed Bug infestations are CRAZY right now, they are spreading everywhere. Ive seen/heard about tons of landlords having tenants flee their bedbug infested apartments, so the landlord will put everything next to the road for free, or dump everything at a thrift store. My rule of thumb is I dont buy anything I cant hose down thoroughly, spray with bleach, and let sit outside for at least a week. A bedbug infestation is not worth it. I make up for not thrifting by not buying anything that I dont need to legitimately replace. I dont buy clothes for fashion, I dont buy household decorations for the aesthetic, I buy what I need and only what I need.
Maybe it depends where you live. In my whole life I had one friend get bed bug bites ... I think it was from a hotel stay. I have thrifted for 25 years and never had an issue with bugs in what I've purchased (no mattresses, mind you).
Clothes and some items you should wash before usage Anyway. Clothing you can even put in the freezer to be sure you killed anything that could be inside.
Mattress are probably something you shouldn't just buy second hand for hygiëne reasons. Sweat does get in there. And of course bugs.
Bedbugs are easy to see if you look for them. They aren’t really sneaky creatures. Just inspect throughly
Agreed. I don’t buy anything I can’t clean to my satisfaction.
I lived in a college town with alot of internationals. Getting your home fumigated 3x and taking apart the bed frame help me get rid of bed bugs and washing my bedding. I also put my clothes in my car where it got 120F° And I'm highly alergict to their bites. By doing this i didnt have to throw anything away. Just the fabric cover on the bottom of my sofa
The love and attention that goes into collecting dents and scratches. The comfort of your grandma's dining room table, the same table you learned to write at. Sitting at it and seeing the little marks you carved into it when you were 7.
I started my own trend, Everytime im influenced by something i go “shopping” to see if i can recreate. I wanted new travel toiletry bags….cleaned out my travel supplies, i have it. I wanted new shampoo, i reorganized my hair drawer, i wanted a shark hair drier, i tried the hairstyle i wanted to do anyway with tools i already have.
I actually enjoy underconsumption content it’s a great reminder.
Also, eventually these content creators are gonna need a way to rid themselves of all the stuff they get and i can wait til it’s discussed.
Also, i looooovvveeee old towels. They are the best ones. People with a closet full of brand new towels scare me tbh. I buy towels and will use them on repeat until aged appropriately. 😂 i leave new towels for guests. If i haven’t toed my hair black with a towel, or accidentally bleached it, i actually don’t wanna use it. 😂
I’m 42 and this video is the moment that just now made me feel old 😂
Most people my age live like this normally and the fact it is a trend or has to be discussed opens my eyes. It also makes me sad that people think “influencers” live that way and are real. Get out there and make your own real lives, and meet real live friends. It will boost your serotonin ❤
I am taking a similar approach to preparing for my first baby. I am not planning to buy a lot of the things you "need" and really focus on what is essential. We are also buying most of everything second hand since there is SO much out there that is gently used, barely use or never been used. There is a lot of great stuff out there if you are patient and willing to look!
Essentials: clean warm water, diapers, diaper rash cream (can be used for many different uses), climate specific clothing (7 onesies + 7 baby tights for most places), bucket/washing machine + detergent, $300 emergency fund in pocket for random things you happen to find out you need atm (usually random healthcare related things recommended by doctors/nurse). If you drive a car, car seat. For mother: large pads/disposable underwear, healthy food stack nearby :)
There is so much stuff that you just don't need and will never use. Good luck!
You know what’s crazy, I just took a whole deep dive of this topic and I just saw your video popped up!! I absolutely love it!!
Overconsumption is so overrated and mindlessly sending is so overwhelming. I definitely love the underconsumption core💕💕
this trend is, in a way, so comforting to see. i use up everything i have until i can't possibly use it one more time and repair and upcycle things. i have always loved thrifting (it's like an adventure!) and it's my first option whenever i'm in need of something. as a result i have a whole lot of mismatched stuff that i think go together perfectly precisely because they don't. good ol' punk energy ya know lol, thank you for the video!
I am a newly underconsumer. I recently cut open a tube of skincare and have thrown away a few empties. Im very pleased wuth myself bc i have always been "I want to try something new" and never got the opportunity to finish it. But now I'm sticking with products that were originally lack luster abd by the end of them realizing theyre actually good and repurchasing them.
Shawna has such original content, I can count on her videos to spice up my feed and cause me to think about something new! Great work!
Trends are so weird. In 2020 Champion was a huge brand that previously had been sold at Walmart but had now gotten pretty pricey. Not that many years back Stanley, a huge tool brand in the 80s and early 90s was also the brand sold at Walmart. Now people are paying hundreds for cups! Crazy world we live in😂
Well, I know I am guilty of being influenced to consume. I never bought seasonal decor except for Christmas/fall. And then one day I saw a video on Valentine’s decor and it was downhill from there. And don’t get me started on my Bath and Body Works “collection “. I like your point about how this drive to be aesthetic is unrealistic. Growing up, maybe the living room and dining room were decorated but I can’t remember anybody decorating the bathroom or laundry rooms the way they do now. Maybe matching bathroom rugs but that’s it.
Underconsumption/normal consumption tiktok is not about flexing but really about shining a light on overconsumption and how not-normal that is. It's a wakeup call for audiences that are easily influenced by content creators and brands online. Regardless of what constitutes a normal amount consumption, we can all agree on what over consuming is. This is especially relevant in the makeup community. The underconsumption trend is reminding people that having 2-4 blush options can be "normal", but having 20, 50 or 100 blushes is not. It's a reminder that you should be in control of what you have, and you're not meant to buy and collect every new makeup launch, because makeup is meant to be used.
I’ve been loving your videos, and they’ve made me think about my own consumption. I’ve got a perfume I don’t like and normally I’d just buy a new one and let the one I don’t like collect dust but I’ve decided to just use what I have. When I finish the perfume I don’t like, I’ll get a new one
I can't wait for Stanley's to go out of fashion so I can thrift one.
its already happening
Lol, same, I wanna see what the hype is about! By at least holding one at the thrift store.
Yeah, but the most useful ones with a proper screw top aren’t cool so even thrifted I’ll pass.
I was too but I got lucky and won a company branded knock off one during queer bingo at work!
Don't, somebody tested them and discovered alot of them have lead. Get a Yeti instead, tested safe.
I’d love to see a video on the overconsumption of media aka how everyone will watch a new series in like a day and how it’s very rare for people to wait for a new episode/ streaming services and how there’s just sooo many of them
I used to have that problem, now it's TH-cam
It's called Binge-watching(Binge-watch,Binge-watched).
I hate binge watching. Feels ridiculous. But I can’t sit still to watch a complete movie. I feel guilty not doing something productive
@@jossykerflossy915 same it takes me and my partner like three days to finish a movie 🫣
@@jossykerflossy915 I can't sit and watch an entire movie because ironically I feel they're too long. I used to have that guilt, one of the manifestations/causes of my anxiety.
Having random stuff, towel or cup collection is so cool especially when every piece has its own story
Keep this content coming. We the people need more balance !
i'm from Poland and the underconsumption core trend just reminded me of growing up. my family wasn't poor but due do my father abusing us financially (not just finacially), we actually were poor (well, he wasn't). towels cut in smaller pieces to make up for kitchen cleaning rags, no bathroom rug because that was also an old towel, mugs, cooking stuff and furniture being handed down by family members that could afford new furniture, people from small towns and villages literally were taking furniture that was by the trash if it was in good enough condition. skin care was water and soap, my mom didn't even own make up removal. so for me it's not really underconsumption, it's just how people lived (and a lot of them still live this way because habits stay) and no one really saw those every day things as something "under". why try to buy new stuff when money is really tight when you can make up for it with what you already have
Oldest thing I own is the teddy-bear I got as a gift when I was born. Funny thing, I'm moving right as this is become popular, so my way of trying to participate is to only buy what I truly need before moving and making sure to don't support coporations in the process, by buying everything secondhand. (It's kinda difficult, but going well).
I also wanted to make a point I haven't yet heard against this trend. I think the trend could lead some people to try and use up/wear down stuff faster to achieve the look we see in videos. Although it's not classically aesthetic, there is something nice about objects that look used. I believe that if that's the case it goes against the whole point, thereby defeating the purpose of under-consumption. Just something to keep in mind I think.
And of course, great video as always:)
Living with minimal consumption is how people truly get rich. My parents are millionaires and my mom's car is an 08. They had hand me down furniture up until recently and never wore expensive clothing, new cars or bought lots of decorations while they were building wealth.
This is such an interesting conversation. I was a child in the 70s and in high school in the 80s. Clothing and shoes were a larger percentage of income at that time (no Wal-Mart or Shein etc.). I usually had around 4 pairs of shoes at a time (sneakers, sandals, winter boots, flats or clogs) but they were very well made/good brands, and I had 3 pairs of jeans for school. So the jeans had to be re-worn during the week, with different shirts. I still don't have a lot of clothing, but our adult kids sure do! I have always had only used/thrifted/hand me down furniture. My problem areas are perfume and makeup. I keep everything else down to a reasonable amount (kitchenware, no excess decor, old towels) but in those two areas I have far too much. I do love perfume, that is my weakness. But having watched these changes over the years I think (1) shopping became a hobby for people when they had more free time/stores were open later - and now the internet; (2) cheaply made products became more common - importing from other countries with different labor standards; and (3) credit became a thing in our culture so people started taking out loans for furniture (not me!) and other items, which was unthinkable in the 60s/most of the 70s. My grandparents and parents always bought good quality items, but only what was necessary, and kept it for as long as possible. There was no rotating of piles of junk, which seems constant now. That cycle can be so destructive and wasteful. But then I have to declutter expired makeup, so yes, it is a problem. I will do better. (edit for typos)
P.S. and during my lifetime, they started building houses much larger, on average. There simply was not room for so much in prior years for the average family.
People now are paying for make up in installments -be it PayPal, scalapay or whatever, it really grinds my gear when people do t get that paying 15 a month for 3 months with scalapay for a blush is basically going into debt for a 45 blush. Which you most likely didn’t even need to begin with.
Oldest item - my husband still wears a collared long-sleeve shirt that he wore in a photo holding his newborn daughter 24 years ago. I inherited my grandmother's living room tables and dining room set from the 1960s.
my uncle bought the shirt in the 80s. he didn't wear it often. I found it 8 years ago at my grandmother's house and have been wearing it ever since.
Quick rant about what these trends can do to you at 40:
My dads ex wife has her own counseling business in a giant building with a yoga studio but is living with her parents in debt and needs my dads help every now and then which he does to benefit my half sister. She makes well over 100k but is majorly influenced by trends at age 40. She’s not on TikTok as far as I know but does have some media and always finds the next big thing. When my dad started dating her we thought she was the coolest thing with how youthful and relatable she was and how she always wanted to go shopping. I was a tomboy at the time but she fantasized over dressing a girly girl so she’d spend hundreds of dollars every time getting me things that I might wear. Some I did to make her happy but they weren’t my style and it started to feel wasteful as I aged. When I was 16 I began to dread shopping days that she’d drag me on. It felt toxic but I didn’t know why. I wasn’t on the internet and wasn’t influenced by overconsumption or the dangers of it but my mind just felt tired and overwhelmed by it. Getting new things caused so much anxiety. When Christmas time came we’d do 11 hour shopping days and that’s no exaggeration. We’d leave in the morning and be gone past midnight because there was a mall that stayed open late around the holidays. She’d buy things for people she didn’t even like or who she barely knew. Every year, my father, sisters and I were so overwhelmed with the gifts that the living room took hours to clean. It was all trendy weird gadgets none of us needed, extremely expensive high end makeup, hair clips, and just a ton of little things. The crazy thing is my dad and her split when I was 17, I’m 23 now and she still sends me a giant gift basket every birthday and for every holiday. But she overspent so much of my dad’s account when they were married that she drained our college funds trying to hide her addiction via transferring… so I never know what to think of it. Last gift I received was 5 pairs of blue light glasses that came in some kit of multiple colors. I believe she took it a step further and was influenced by mommy bloggers and that’s why she wanted a baby. After the cute baby fever photoshoot phase ended, she’s not around that much for my sister. Sorry for the tangent, but this is why I love this content. I’m glad I learned it from an example I don’t wanna be. And also, it was a blessing in disguise. She took money my dad had put away to help with college, but it would’ve never been enough and I would’ve had loans. I went to tech school and make a comfortable wage now as a small business owner. Thanks for the content, Shawna ❤
Oh my, reading a true story like this kinda feels unreal 😱
I like the fact you make a parallel between minimalim and underconsumtion aka using your stuff. I always liked minimalism but if the 'backup" item (like, an other towel) is already in your house, you should keep it because one day you'll have to change your old towel. I would love to declutter a bit my home because I have way too much of certain items (soap, graphite pens) but I want to use it, not throw it
I own towels and clothing 20yrs old but "Under consumption"... growing up the people around me did this and it was just called being poor. It is considered being successful to stop over using everything and having mix match households. My friends/family rarely bought a new dish or car or anything. I am breaking the habits of not owning pjs and wearing old clothes to bed. I am breaking the habits of holding on to a dish cloth wayy past it's prime. I am breaking the habit of buying cheap fast fashion and wearing it until it becomes my pjs. I am breaking the cycle of keeping every jar and plastic food/butter containers I have after consuming an item. I am breaking the habits of feeling scarcity. Scarcity is a mindset. It's a sickness. You are constantly worried about not having anything... and it robs you a joy. It can go both ways... over consumption and under consumption. There needs to be balance. If I can afford to toss a jelly jar or a butter dish. I do. I had to cull my laundry over the weekend and tell myself it's ok to let go. I use to only own 1 pair of shoes a season...and wear them until they fell apart. It was the theft of joy. Now I own many different types of shoes I can love and care for...
Cull your laundry. You deserve better than clothes with holes and I'm glad you can afford it now.
But as a financially lucky person who grew up with a frugal mother, nothing's wrong with keeping that Country Crock container. Works just like Tupperware. 😊
@hcf4kd1992 I refuse to clutter my house with old food containers anymore. I have had to learn to just let go of stuff. It's a fight in my head but I am better mentally for it.
Keep only what you need
Reading this made me tear up a little because I'm in the same boat and am struggling to find balance; I do NOT want to pass this trauma on. I want to be able to keep what makes sense to reuse/repurpose or what I need to while also being able to let go of things that are causing clutter to both my home and mental health. What you said about the pjs really hit home because I've never bought a set of pjs due to always repurposing old clothes as pjs which is why I still have a collection of t-shirts from over 20 yrs ago that I use for sleepwear and feel paralyzed at the thought of discarding. There's two sides to the coin, right? There's a reason so many people from poorer backgrounds grow up to be hoarders without noticing it! I still have to remind my parents that we don't need more storage, we need to get rid of old things that no longer serve us by remaining in our space. Good luck on your journey!
The average person consumes SO much today, it's really mind boggling compared to even a few decades ago. People talk about the "good old days" when a single family income could support a family of 5 comfortably, but what they fail to realize is that people had so much less stuff and buying disposable stuff constantly was not the norm. In the 1950s middle class kids had a "play" outfit, a "church" outfit, and a "school" outfit, one jacket, etc. You had the same Christmas decorations for 40 years, same table linens, same furniture, same glassware. If an appliance broke it was repaired, you didn't buy a new one, it was such a different time and everyone bought so much less stuff. Versus today I have working class friends that expect every family member to be able to have a new iphone, huge piles of christmas presents, wardrobes full of clothes, brand new decor/decorations yearly, new sheets and towels, etc. (of course part of this is also lower quality/cheaper things that don't last).
I remember seeing the underconsumtion trend a few days ago and the only ones I have seen people reasonably criticizing are people using old electronics with exposed wires because that's actually dangerous. (Such as a hair dryer) 😅 I'm not sure what the oldest thing i own is.. but i have a couple things from a pottery painting place at the mall from 3rd grade, so 1999/2000: a vase and a salad bowl that i painted fun colors.
I’m not sure what my oldest item in my home is but I definitely am in the camp of thrifting and vintage items as underconsumption and buying what I can afford as and when. When my partner and I were beginning to date I played a fun game of “guess where this item came from” because I have the most random items in my home that I inherited. As my mum and aunt have cleared my Granny’s house they’ve asked the grandkids if they want anything, from furniture pieces down to marbles and pens. My partner quickly learned the correct answer was either “Facebook” or “Dead Granny” and chuckles whenever I pick up something else and ask the question. My favourites are my Granny’s kitchen timer, and a shuttle from a loom that was on her shelves as it’s part of our heritage from working in the mills during the Industrial Revolution.
This video is fascinating to me because this is being discussed by a younger generation as a "trend" rather than a lifestyle choice.
I grew up in an upper middle class home, and my parents have had the same furniture since the 80s. Their dining table was handed down to them by their parents. They have never purchased a new vehicle, and they drive theirs into the ground before replacing them. They DIY'd, garage sale hopped, went to auctions & estate sales, and thrifted back when goodwill actually had affordable prices.
They rarely buy anything unnecessary. And they are boomers that have lived like that their ENTIRE lives.
This is not new. This is not a trend. And I think it's great to see it being showcased, particularly in opposition to these influencer videos that are perpetually selling more "stuff". But stop calling it a trend. Many people live this way daily. And it's not just because they can't afford not to.
Just helped my friend's parents pack/declutter for a move. We found birth announcements from 30 years ago (obvious hoarder treasure) but I found SO MANY usable things!!! Having too much stuff ensures that it won't get used or appreciated. That baptismal blanket is now a coaster.
This is a conversation I didn't know I needed. I grew up in hoarder poverty and that had a huge affect on how I bought things once I moved out on my own. I became minimalist and I still use that mindset when I'm considering buying things. But I didn't actually pay attention to how normalization of overconsumption has influenced me.
Hi Shawna, I think you are awesome and provide a much needed voice in today’s world!! I’m not your in your usual demographic,so some of the oldest things I own are super old, lol , because I am gen X
My kitchen table was my grandparents, dating back to the 1960’s, and I have a t shirt from a punk concert I went to in 1988, to name a few!!
I appreciate you sharing some of your oldest stuff with me! I especially love hearing about your band t-shirt from the 80s!
The oldest thing i own and use all the time is my sewing machine. She's several generations old. she needs servicing and tuning but still works.
I still love my tervis cups. I was a little taken aback when the Stanley cup came on the scene like it was a new concept and i was bored with how plain they look then confused when people started making after market doodads to attach to them. Tervis did all that and are actually really cute with the designs. They're just plastic instead of metal. Maybe the plastic isn't sturdy enough for some people to use every day but for the most part, mine have survived 4 kids and me so they're doing something right after all these years.
The main difference to me is that I see a lot of minimalists getting rid of functional items or throwing things away. It seems to me that the idea of minimalism is to acquire less but it often starts by creating waste through decluttering. I’m a maximalist in that I own a lot of stuff. I didn’t pay for much of it but I refuse to throw it away. I like my things. But to an outsider I may look like an overconsumer despite not bringing new things into my home.
thank you!!! I LOVE it, too. I'm subscribed to Drama Kween here on youtube and was sad to see her trying to put a negative spin on this topic and berating it. It honestly angered me because the online climate has been desperately needing a trend/movement like this one, kickstarting consumerism to go in a better direction, and trying to kill it before it's barely even gotten off the ground feels irresponsible and pessimistic at best. I'm glad to see others talking positively about the impact of this trend.
I just watched drama kween’s take about this before shawna’s vid. I think drama kween gave both the pros and cons about this trend and all are valid imo. It’s nice to see people be influenced with this trend to try and change their lifestyle and possibly stop overconsuming but then again, it’s a trend. If this goes out of trend, are those same people gonna go back to overconsume?
Nah she's right it's weird seeing someone only talk about the pros and it's not that black and white
@@sarahaque1382I just don't understand how this trend has anything to do with glorifying poverty. If anything it's helping normalize the level of consumption you've got when you don't have extra money to spend. It's not people trying to look poor, it's just people showing that they use their products and advocating that it's okay not to buy new shoes every season??
My boyfriend and I love your channel, and watch you every night after dinner. You bring a little bit of sanity to our world. Life has gotten a little isolating since we left shopping as a “hobby” behind.
My oldest item is a necklace given to me by my grandma. It’s been with me for 21 years, and I wear it everyday. ☺️
So happy to hear you both enjoy my videos! I love hearing about your necklace too ☺
My oldest item is my bed. An heirloom from probably around the 1880s to 1900s. As for the oldest of my personal items (things I bought), I really couldn't say. I have a few clothing items I bought in the late 90s to early 2000s, and a few pieces of jewelry I bought for myself when I was a senior in college (more than 20 years now). I've had the same pots and pans since my parents bought them for me when I graduated high school (not quite 30 years).
I love to see these commentaries on consumerism. It's really gotten crazy and I'm glad more folks have started to recognize it. It may be a trend, but one hopes it will stick with a lot of people. I'm a huge proponent of using what you have, even if it's not for the originally intended purpose. One hopes that in seeing this lovely rise in critical commentary on the problems with over-consumption, people will begin to think more creatively about what they have and what's available, and how it might be used. Resourcefulness is the crux of our species, and if we lose that entirely, where will we be?
My oldest belonging is a nearly 150 year old sewing machine and table passed down separately through my mum and dad's family. They got down to me and are still used on pretty much everything I make. The machine is mostly newer parts from all saints displays but it's a dream and electricity free so I can sew whenever
I have chairs that were my grandmother's - over 100 years old. I'm also still using a bath towel which belonged to my parents - it's about 50 years old and still serviceable. Currently wearing a hoodie that is travelling the opposite way through the generations - originally belonged to my oldest child, then to the younger one - it's about 15 years old.
hi shawna! your videos have helped me sm. I was wondering if you would ever do a video on overconsumption in the college sphere? I'm going to be a senior in college and it always feels like I have to spend so much on decorations for my dorm or other unnecessary things for college students.
Not sure if this qualifies, but I love using random trash I find around the house (wrappers, bottle caps, cork, old magazines, scarps from crafts, empty pens, etc.) dried paint, broken things that can’t be repaired, trash I find outside, things like that -to make art with. I love art and I do buy a lot of new supplies like thread and yarn and beads and paint, but it’s even more creatively inspiring to look at trash and think “what can I make with this?” instead, on the kind of artworks where that is possible. It makes the end product really unique too. Examples of how I have done this include putting lots of trash with interesting textures on a canvas with acrylic paint over it! Saves on paint you would use for making the texture too!
The oldest item in my house is a bible from 1901. I’m not religious but I have read it. This is followed up closely by a cookbook from 1923. It was my grandmothers and survived a house fire. The oldest non book item is an igloo cooler from the late 80s/early 90s. It still has the sticker on the front and I grew up with it.
I love this trend, but I would also love to see underconsumption videos that show you CAN still have an aesthetic. Literally every piece of furniture in my home is secondhand (usually from auctions or Facebook marketplace), but it’s all antique and chosen specifically for its combination of beauty and function. Same goes for the artwork and frames in my house. We only own one duvet and duvet cover for our bed, but it’s a beautiful, handmade, 100% linen duvet that was not inexpensive, but has lasted about us many years and will continue to last many more years so cost-per-use is extremely small. To me, underconsumption isn’t about having *nothing* pretty or matching, it’s about not replacing items unnecessarily or buying multiples of things you only need one of.
This is very me. When I show friends my apartment for the first time I point out where I got ever piece of furniture, usually off facebook marketplace or handmade by family/friends, and the story of how we got it. Its never dull. I love it.
I don’t know if I understand the criticism of this video. I think it’s okay that this is “trendy.” Between the two honestly right now this is refreshing. I think what’s important to remember is that consumption is nuanced and the goal is to look at things like this and not let them blindly influence you one way or the other, but to look at YOUR life and see what you want YOUR consumption habits to be. It’s okay that you only have 3 makeup products even if they’re all luxury, maybe that’s where you like to concentrate YOUR spending, and you make sacrifices elsewhere. I think it’s okay to judge unnecessary excess and wastefulness but I don’t want to be in the habit of taking small joys away from people. You’re not a bad person if it makes you happy to see a matching set of coffee mugs in your cabinet. And you’re not a good person just because you exclusively shop at the goodwill. The goal should be mindfulness, meaning and consideration in the things we consume but deprivation will only make us resentful. Life is short and hard enough, get the things that make you happy, decorate your home so that you can enjoy it. Give where you can, save where you can and invest in your future (financially, mentally, physically) and somewhere in there don’t forget to actually LIVE ❤
These feel more like a mindful or thoughtful consumption instead of an under or minimalist vibe. Really enjoyed this video and all of your discussions
I'm so glad that this topic brought me to your channel. This was such a great video! Thanks - a new subscriber
My favorite thing from this trend is seeing people thrift and give new life to old products versus everything new bought on launch day.
I have a Stanley and a hydroflask (only one of each) so like yes I have a “trendy” water cup and water bottle but I’ve had them for over 5 years and not had to buy a new one.
I guess just some things are trendy and expensive AND high quality and like I try not to get swept up in the trends and only buy if it’s something I need. I use mine every day.
Hydro flasks really do take a beating! I take mine to work every day. Unfortunately I've seen some new models on sale with like straw sippy lids and stuff and it annoys me because it means extra parts to clean. The hydro i have from 2020 is just: bottle, lid, gasket. So easy to clean and i appreciate it's not a ton of extra parts to fuss with.
@@IqueyYES this is why I love them. It has to be durable and easy to clean or I don’t want it.
I use my hydroflask daily, as well! I remember buying it because I was on the golf team in college, and the fact that I could keep ice for a whole day practice or meet was what sold me. I bitched and moaned at the price as a minimum wage, part time worker and full time student (I still would bawk at it today lol) but have not needed a new water bottle in 10 years!
The best thing about having random sets (towels, glasses, mugs, plates, silverware, etc.) is; when you break something or it wears out; your set is still complete.
It would stress me out so much if I had matching sets; I would be so afraid to drop, loose or ripp it.
As someone who enjoys painting their nails, I found my self buying more polish when i found a brand i liked because I liked the color, i would wear it once then not use it again and before I knew it I had over 20 polishes. Now I am just trying to back off and use what I have 😅.
At least you're using them. I have almost 100 bottles, but don't paint my nails! I want to, but the weeks just seem to pass by.
Actually… if “underconsumption” gets traction (for whatever reason - minimalism, debt/budget, or just habit from seeing it growing) we as consumers are leveraging the very soul of free market capitalism by radically decreasing demand. Wouldn’t that be fun, ripping the rug out from under it?
ETA the assignment: 1. I have an Abercrombie & Fitch cabled men’s wool sweater that was a gift to me in 1992. It is ratty AF. I’ve mended it countless times, dyed it to cover yellow spots where laundry detergent with optical brighteners dripped on it before it was put away for the season, etc. Still wear it, mostly around the house.
2. I have ladder back chairs with rush seats that were from a house my parents bought from an elderly woman in 1976. Those are known as Mrs. Johnston’s chairs.
3. The oldest, but I don’t have it anymore… a dresser that was my great-grandmother’s. My grandmother took it (40s) and it was in her basement holding laundry stuff when my mother stole it (70s). Then it came to me when I bought my first home (90s). When I downsized to my current home, my daughter claimed it (kind of aggressively, ‘23). It is known as Ma’s dresser and is now with the 5th generation of women in my family. 😊
One of the oldest things I own is a synthetic knit black halter top from 1996. I hand washed it over and over and I still get so many compliments when I wear it.
I've been more aware lately of how much I prioritize aesthetics. I spend so much time looking for things that really speak to me, that feel "perfect" and "just like me", and my house is pretty carefully curated. I am grateful that I have the privilege to be able to do this, because I know the lifestyle I live is definitely not accessible for everyone, and I am also finding that I might need to loosen up a bit. I don't need to have every single thing in my home be aesthetically pleasing, and just the right item for just the right place. I recently went to my aunt and uncle's home and was a little horrified by how "perfect" the place was. It's literally designed to sell (which I think they were intending to do) and it's so minimalist it doesn't feel like anyone actually lives there. It's so gray and sterile and there's no character in it at all. I don't want my home to feel that way. Since I have 5 birds, it's not really possible for me to keep it that pristine at least, but it really was a good reminder that I can work with what I have instead of purchasing more in pursuit of "perfect". :)
I literally have a pair of slip-on sandals that are almost 6 years old. I have gone on 20+ vacations with them, worn them in my everyday life, AND did the Mackinaw Bridge walk with them on. (I only walked halfway and back.) But still. And i STILL wear them to this day!
lol I own and still wear flip-flops circa 2008. basic rubber shit from gap
I abssolutley love your videos, i went shopping today with yes men and i didnt buy anything at all, love this content
The oldest thing I own is a tiny Persian rug, which my mom was given by her grandparents when she moved out (it was in their flat before that) and which I eventually rescued when my parents wanted to throw it out. I am not sure when it first made it into the family, but it should be 70-80 years old at least. It's pretty worn, but it is a nice rug.
I love this trend sm! I was hoping for you to make a video about it while I was binging on your other vids haha. It takes the pressure out of me from overconsumption and encourages me to use up everything I have. Thanks for this vid!
thinking about back when I was a kid and went to other friends houses, I always felt so much more comfortable at the houses that reflected my own - mismatched cups/mugs, linens, furniture. I remember being impressed and envious by houses that were beautiful and aesthetic but also like I couldn't have fun or play there.
I have a 28-year-old stuffed cat, given to me when I was born, and that’s for sure the thing I’ve had the longest. I think the oldest thing I own, though, is corningware baking dishes from the 50s, passed down to me from my grandmother relatively recently.
My thing that I've had the longest is also my birth stuffed cat! Love this for you.
I’m a college student and recently went through all of my belongings after my first year; I realized all the gobs of stuff i didnt bring to school I frankly didnt need or miss. i was SO bad about buying anything that i thought was cute and new, even if i found it at a thrift store (have always and will always love to thrift first!). I also had a bad habit of buying for events or seasons, for example: “this top would look great with these shorts on my beach vacation.” Ok sure, but Anna your beach vacation is 5 days and you said the same thing about 15 outfits. “Do i have something similar or something of the same functionality” is the main question i ask myself to not impulse buy or get something I think is “cute”!
The oldest thing I own is probably my cat who turns 18 years old today! Shout out to super senior pets lol
I love the homework! I think the oldest things I own are a family heirloom crocheted blanket and also my dresser in my bedroom which has been passed through my family since the 60s! As far as underconsumption habits - most of my lunches get taken to work in old Chinese food containers! Also I love that a lot of “luxury” skincare products are starting to be made as refillable containers, I’ve started to prioritize those brands! Kiehls and Josie maran have been my faves in that realm
The oldest thing I own in general is a bayonet from the American Civil War. The oldest thing I own that I actually use regularly is my mom's vintage recipe tin she was gifted when she got married in 1976.
Girl everytime I buy something I ask myself what Shawna would think 😂😂 I’ve saved so much money thanks to you and your videos. I wish they taught about consumerism in schools
The oldest item I have in my place is a Danish teak wood coffee table from the 1950's. It started life in my parents home, migrated to my brother's condo, and finally ended up in my first apartment; it's been with me ever since.
One technique I use to underconsume is to have a "one-spend" day. So one day out of the week is set aside for purchasing non-essentials and I make a specific list of these items, but every other day is for non-essential items only. Even though I give myself permission to do this once every week, I've found that I often don't have the desire to do so.
i'm just one minute in and i already love this
"We have normalized overconsumption so much so that all of the normal consumption seems like underconsumtion". Not only that, people have been commenting "poverty" on these reels just cuz it was not aesthetic. On instagram men and some entitled women be acting like they are shitting aesthetic
Im loving the new leaf on your Bird of Paradise 👏
Re: chipped mugs...I believe that chipped ceramics can harbor mold
Yeah, they can, it's good to use chipped cups for something other than food. Like holding pens or something.
two things after thinking about this video for a bit -
1) its fascinating to me that the one influencer still shows “i have one stanley” like thats one of the recent colors youre still buying new stuff thats just consumption, what happened to all the other cups youve had did you throw them away to have one stanley?
2) its telling sometimes when an influencer doesnt have a professional job (i work in finance in an office) and can wear casual or street clothes all the time - i have essentially three “wardrobes” - work clothes (formal, slacks and button downs and blouses, not suitable for everyday casual life) - casual clothes (jeans and shorts and shirts and casual dresses) - and my workout/cleaning/pajamas. There are a couple of more dressy outfits but those have been acquired over almost ten years and get used rarely so they dont really count. When you can wear street style or casual clothes every day, its easy to “just have one week!” and have that be like four shirts, three leggings and two dresses but like not all of us live lives that can fit there - my gym clothes arent appropriate for the workplace (and especially not for face to face client meetings!) and my office clothes would look ridiculous on me if i was for example on a trip to the grocery store. It’s also easy to just own one or two pairs of shoes/bags/etc if you basically wear “collegewear” and its really funny watching influencers try to act like theyre better than you bc they dont need business formal or even business casual clothes for their regular everyday life and can get away with athleisure wear 24/7
I have a "business dress" job and I paired down to 2 colors of slacks and 5 blouses. I have 4 colors of cardigan that work with all 5 tops but emphasize different colors within the shirts. It took my closest co-worker 3+ years to realize I wore the same pieces each week. I mix it up by using my sweaters that I also use on the weekends. My current job is less formal but I still have those pieces, I just get to use my nicer weekend tops too now.