I am frustrated how much power influencers have over collective consciousness. The discussion around systemic over-consumption has been going on for decades in social justice organizations and amongst environmental activists, and that is going unrecognized. The dialogue happening on socials right now regarding over-consumption is highly individualist, classist, and just scrapes the surface of a systemic issue. Capitalism thrives on the process of over-production, meaning things are mass produced to a rate that is too high for all to consume, therefore, products are in excess while we believe in a fake scarcity model. There is product waste accumulating constantly, even if we decide not to purchase it. Individuals making more conscious choices of what they consume and finding more sustainable options is great - support the small companies not contributing to environmental harm and the exploitation of workers like corporations are. Buy from woman owned, black owned, and queer owned businesses if that is what you choose. I’m here for it. News flash, though, your individual choices are not what challenges capitalism. That is not what places pressure on systems of oppression and exploitation. That’s a tough pill to swallow, right? It’s hard to not be demoralized when reading that, but it’s the harsh truth.