I know that many people live in many other countries besides the United States that have much less than we do here, which makes me wonder how much we actually need, versus how much we want. For example, many people get the newest phones every year, while others get new phones every 2 or more years. This is a great example of the things we do not necessarily need, but we want. However, something like clothes is a harder topic to discuss because it depends on how you view it. Everybody needs clothes and that is a necessity, but what we don't need, are clothes that are new, when we already have perfectly fine clothes at home. I'm not saying that you can't buy new clothes, but I am encouraging you to be more aware of how many more clothes you buy than you actually need. There are a lot of people that buy a coat, and wear it for the next 3 years of their life because they don't have the money, but also because it is a waste to get something new that does the exact same thing as the thing you already have. Furthermore, I highly suggest growing thrifting instead of buying new clothes. When we buy new clothes, especially from fast fashion brands, we are encouraging companies to continue to mass produce their products which can take a toll on the environment. What do you think is an example of something people need versus something people want?

I think that your post is very insightful and brings up a lot of good points. I completely agree with you, I think that people most definitely buy new cell phones way too often. I think that it is also a great idea to get vintage cloths instead of buy the latest fashions. I did a little research and it can also help to wash the cloths we already have with cold water. Also if you have and older sibling hand me downs are great. I think that it is okay to treat yourself once in a while as long as you think that you're really going to use it. Thanks so much for sharing this information!

sorces: https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/2 … footprint/

I believe that your post states this issue perfectly. We are blessed to live here in the United States, a first world country, but most people do not see how those in Third World countries are struggling. Just because you have to ability to buy what you want, does not mean that you should. There are many ways to live conservatively that greatly benefit the Earth. Some of these ways include buying clothes from thrift stores instead of new, using your own sustainable garden instead of buying fresh produce, and by using a hand me down system. The most effective way is by using the hand me down system. In my family, only the oldest born gets a new phone. Over the years, the phones get passed down through the siblings as a new phone comes out. This prevents product waste and prevents families from wasting money. It also reduces the demand to use energy, materials, and water to create these products. Same system works for clothing. Clothing can be passed down from families and even family friends. By using these solutions, you might not have latest gadets, clothing, or trends, but you are saving the planet.

Sources: https://medium.com/@tabitha.whiting/sho … f1cabee982