I’m writing an essay about minimalism and its ties to sustainability and my thesis is : “Minimalism as a means of living simply, has the ability to oppose consumerism and aid in ecological preservation.”
I’m thinking to organize my body paragraphs as follows:
– History of consumption and how it led to the minimalism act
– Physical and environmental impacts of consumerism and minimalism
– How consumerism has influenced our way of thinking (focusing heavily on materials and less on non material things like the environment) and how minimalism can aid ones mental health to better connect us to nature.
I am expected to have at least 5 main points for my body paragraph and am looking to do more of a compare and contrast approach in writing this essay. I’m just not sure how to organize my points without repeating myself too much because its expected to be two thousand words. I have attached a brief outline to organize my thought process. Below is what I have so far for my intro (first two paragraphs) and first body paragraph. Please let me know what you think and how I should continue my essay, thank you!
Minimalism: The Next Best Trend
In a world where there are constant pressures to keep up with the ever-evolving fashion trends, fads and crazes, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The act of consumerism has taken the world by storm as a culture of excessive consumption and disposability. Consumerism is the belief that a large portion of one’s well-being is attributable to higher levels of consumption of material goods and services (Hayes 2022). It has caused economic growth, job opportunities, and allowed a plentitude of options in terms of expressing oneself. Although consumerism is a world of glamorized lifestyles, it is not as glamorous as it is made out to be. More often than not, the pursuit of new products and services has become a way of life despite its lack of personal fulfillment and freedom. It has led to an ever-growing increase in environmental degradation, resource consumption, and psychological problems ( ). With this multitude of consequences, consumerism is not cut out to be sustainable in the long run.
In search of a more simple lifestyle, minimalism has emerged to combat the consumerist way of living. Minimalism is a movement that emphasizes a life that is simple, sustainable, and focuses on mindfully curated consumption (Wilson 2021). Contrary to the effects of consumerism, minimalism promotes sustainability through the practice of reducing waste, energy consumption and promoting a circular economy. It is driven by a desire to eliminate any discontent, reclaim one’s time and contribute beyond oneself (Millburn & Nicodemus). Minimalism as a means of living simply, has the ability to oppose consumerism and aid in ecological preservation.
In the 1920’s, consumerism emerged as a new phenomenon and saw its rise in America as it became major force in society. This was a period that was famously known as the roaring twenties. Technological advancements and innovations brought an increase in consumer goods and directly affected the economy. Production rates drastically increased and goods became more convenient and accessible to a larger population. With increases in job opportunities and pay, there was more disposable income for people to spend their money freely. This allowed people, especially the middle class to purchase products that were previously thought to be associated with the rich.
As companies began to flourish with the rise in sales, American businesses were able to expand and outsource to other areas of the world. Outsourcing reached countries such as China and Mexico where the costs of developing products were cheaper through lower wages making products even more affordable ( ).
(And then section where the rise of minimalism is explained)