Carlos Terol posted an article on the destructiveness of consumerism, and I wanted to reflect on the perception of this from the inside. The whole purpose of what PhycoHealth was set up to do was to create the reality of better health on a better planet, as we can feel the momentum of the desire to buy for change. Your consumer vote is the most powerful vote of all, and even more so than if we had stayed in our labs writing papers about it.
In a world teeming with choices, our decisions hold power, steering the direction of impact, and shaping the footprint we leave behind. It's easy to attribute blame to external factors—the omnipresent media, the allure of mega sales and owning things, or the pervasive influence of technology. However, the truth resides in the hands of individual choices and societal consciousness.
Consider this: Nuclear technology presents both a boon and a bane, TV broadcasts both enlightening documentaries and mind-numbing shows, while the supermarket shelves offer both wholesome, nutritious sustenance and tempting yet unhealthy options. Investment opportunities can either fuel detrimental industries or support ethical, forward-thinking endeavors. And then, there's the consumer market filled with potential for savings, yet often criticized for the wastefulness and unnecessary consumption.
But the bad does not reside in the tools; it's the choice each of us makes in utilizing them. As individuals, we possess the remarkable ability to steer them toward constructive, enriching avenues.
For instance, social media platforms like Instagram aren’t solely about fleeting trends or mindless scrolling; they can serve as windows to learn and appreciate the planet's beauty through the lens of explorers like David Attenborough or underwater photographers, enriching our understanding of the world.
Television, often labeled as an escapist pastime, transforms into a learning tool when tuned to history documentaries or engaging dramatizations, offering us insights into our collective past while entertaining us. (Who watched Ridley Scotts Napoleon?)
Even within the aisles of supermarkets, our choices are there on display! —the decision to opt for fresh, plant-based, or organic products contributes not just to personal well-being but also echoes a conscientious effort towards sustainability. By buying from this aisle we will increase the size of this aisle.
And yes, marketing and commercials are typically associated with frenzied consumerism, but can, and should, also serve as an opportunity for mindful investment. I responded to ads to acquire seeds for my home garden and a traditional Japanese gardening knife in natural materials, fostering a connection to nature and sustainability.
The blame game directed at these tools often obscures the true essence of our impact—it's not the tools themselves but the manner in which we use them that shapes our world. Instead of vilifying these elements, let us wield them as instruments for positive change. It's the game of choices that holds the true significance.
As a company, we comprehend the influence our customers wield. Each purchase is a vote toward a more sustainable, ethical future and the purpose of our company and the products that we make. Therefore, this weekend, let's harness this collective momentum to propel ourselves closer to a world that champions responsible consumption and mindful choices.
Ultimately, it's the culmination of our individual choices that weaves the fabric of societal change. Let us be joyous in using this power to consciously shape a world that reflects our collective aspirations for a better tomorrow.
Consume well.
