Consumerism and Throwaway Society Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and phrases related to consumer society, spending habits, materialism, and their environmental and societal consequences.

to decrease the correlation between consumption and happiness

To reduce the link or mutual relationship between purchasing goods and achieving a sense of well-being or joy.

to evoke a feeling of control and self-efficacy

To call forth or produce an internal sense of mastery, agency, and belief in one's capability to manage life and decisions.

to reward oneself for something you have achieved at school / at work

To treat oneself to a special purchase or experience in recognition of an accomplishment or success achieved in education or career.

to combat chronic dissatisfaction

To fight against or try to relieve a persistent, long-lasting state of being discontented or unfulfilled.

to cause a domino effect of problems on society

To trigger a cumulative chain reaction where one event or behavior initiates a series of successive problems throughout a community or culture.

worrying rates of obesity

Alarming or concerning statistical levels of severe overweight and associated health risks among children and adults.

to lead to pollution and resource depletion

To result in environmental contamination as well as the exhausting or running out of raw natural materials.

oceans are slowly but surely becoming a giant waste disposal pit

An expression describing how marine environments are progressively turning into massive dumping grounds for plastic bottles, chemicals, and other refuse.

to widen the gap between the rich and the poor

To expand the economic divide between wealthy and disadvantaged populations, making financial disparities more prominent.

to be aware of the power of advertising

To consciously recognize and understand how marketing messages and promotional campaigns influence consumer desires and behavior.

to appreciate what you have

To recognize the value of and be grateful for one's current belongings and circumstances rather than constantly yearning for more.

to retrain oneself

To intentionally condition or teach oneself new behavioral patterns, such as managing money and curbing unnecessary spending.

to consider each and every item you buy

To deliberate and carefully reflect upon every single purchase before deciding to spend money.

to show off one's wealth

To ostentatiously display one's affluence or expensive possessions, such as designer clothes, luxury cars, or lavish vacations, to impress others.

to be (non-)materialistic

To place (or conversely, avoid placing) excessive value, focus, and importance on physical possessions, wealth, and consumer goods.