Consumerism In Brave New World

The novel, “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley, provides a theory about how modern society will lead to the demolition of humanity. Among many other aspects, Huxley criticizes the over indulgence of consumerism throughout the world. Although consumerism has proven beneficial to the industrial world, many people would agree with Huxley about the fact that consumerism is becoming increasingly problematic to global well-being. From environmental effects to social influences, there are a variety of consequences for the overuse of consumerism.
Environmental effects such as climate change and excessive waste may lead to the destruction of the earth as well as hinder the survival of humanity. Climate change is an occurrence that has caused much debate

In a modern society like the United States overconsumption is not uncommon. Industrial nations create goods faster than should normally be consumed (Shah, Anup. “Obesity”). This leads to the creation of cheaper products. Food is a good example of products that are becoming increasingly inexpensive. Unhealthy food is created easily since it requires processed foods that can be quickly made in large quantities. This food has a high caloric content, and if the food is eaten regularly, it can lead to obesity. The occupational field has also changed much more in recent years. Jobs necessitate a more sedentary lifestyle nowadays rather than ones that require vigorous physical aptitude. Also, more technologically advanced and efficient forms of transportation have led to a lessened physical lifestyle. This sedentary lifestyle has a correlation with a “higher chance of premature death and disability in adulthood”. Shah argues cardiovascular, diabetes, musculoskeletal, and cancers result in millions of deaths every year. Obesity and overconsumption also signify excessive wealth, which is a positive for much of the world. In a constantly changing life, an increase in demand for new goods results in an increase of production as well (Shah, Anup. “Effects of Consumerism”). In order to keep up with the demands of consumerism, many industrialists acquire wealth through the substantial production of products at a cheap rate. Nonessential products, such as tobacco, coffee, illegal drugs, create wealth among an affluent society as well. The growth of wealth may seem encouraging, but consumerism leads to poverty contradictorily. Only influential people and multinational corporations that formulate globalization experience prosperity (Shah, Anup. “Causes of Poverty”). Surprisingly, “86 percent of the world’s resources being consumed by just the world’s top 20 percent”. This statistic proves the