What is Sustainable Consumption?

A main focus of my Sustainability Transformation Action Research Team (START) project is consumption. More specifically, I am interested in Sustainable Consumption
(And maybe one day, completely sustainable lifestyles!)

Now in order to understand the term itself, I decided to look up the words individually first.

Sustainable - the ability to be maintained at a certain level 

Consumption - the use of a resource 

So, when the two words are put together, the main idea of Sustainable Consumption is to use resources at a maintainable level. 

For the most part in my classes, we study all sorts of resources that should be consumed sustainably (coal, oil, fish in the ocean, to name a few) but just aren't. Sometimes the doom and gloom can really sink in when you learn about international consumption that most times you can't personally control. 

Source: http://environmentalgeography.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/p0352.gif 

After the doom and gloom Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) students usually brainstorm a number of possible solutions to most environmental issues. Many times, these possibilities turn into action via grassroots movements. Other times though individuals become aware of solutions within themselves. In my opinion, when it comes to consumption, THERE'S HOPE because as an individual, you can control exactly what you consume, when you consume it, and how much of it you consume.

[Story time] In my personal life, I came to this realization that I could at least control my own consumer during my freshman year at George Mason University. For my English 101 class, we were given the opportunity to watch some lectures, and while I don't remember what lecture series it was, I do remember that a woman named Annie Leonard was there. And she talked about the Story of Stuff (see video below).

This 21 minute video definitely opened my eyes to the way people have been consuming items, and more specifically, how I may have been consuming items unsustainably. 

Since watching this video, I changed to an ESS major. Now in my last semester as an undergrad I know that the video along with my classes has shaped the way I look at stuff. I have tried to change my ways to try consuming less and consuming products that are more environmentally friendly. It is a hard task not knowing what really are environmentally friendly options, but my goal is to try and really weed out those optionsto pass on to the next person, in hopes that more and more people look at living sustainably in a heavily consumerist world.


Focusing back on my START project, I have chosen to start this blog to have not only more sustainable topics/informational posts like this one, but also "tips and to-do's" for actions towards more sustainable consumption. In addition, for Earth Month and Week at George Mason University, I will be posting various event opportuities (and summaries for those unable to attend) throughout April. It should be a great month and I hope to inform (maybe even sustainably entertain others!)