What is “Overconsumption Core”?
I’ve been seeing a new term popping up on social media lately:
overconsumption core. But what does it mean? “Overconsumption core" is a term used to describe the social media phenomenon of excessive consumption of goods and services; it is driven by the idea that owning more makes one happier or more successful.
Part of what this term means is that the rapid rate at which we are consuming products is becoming a detriment to the environment. Basically, we are buying too much, too quickly, and companies are having a hard time keeping up with our purchasing habits in a way that is sustainable for our planet.
Social media has made it seem like we
need a lot of things; for popularity, to make our lives easier, or just because it will make us feel good. The problem is that these feelings only last until the next shiny and popular thing comes along and we feel we
need to have it right now to replicate those feelings. It can also bring up a LOT of negative feelings: envy for what others have, ungratefulness for what we actually have, and overall discontentment.
With it being Christmas month, it’s so easy for us to fall into this mindset of needing MORE, especially for children. While this is not an overnight fix, one way that you can help your kids combat this overconsumption core is to give them experience gifts.
Experience gifts are exactly what they sound like: a gift that provides an experience rather than a physical item. These can be so special for kids, especially when tailored to their passions and interests; PLUS you’re spending quality time together. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Zoo Membership - Getting your family an annual zoo membership gives you countless experiences. By only going twice in the year, you’ve already paid for the membership and each time after is free! You could focus each trip by going to a different area of the park, or try something new each time. Not only are you helping to protect wildlife, you’re helping your kids learn, and get some fresh air, too. Win-win!
- Sports Experience - If your kids are interested in baseball, gift them 5 trips to the batting cages, or go to a baseball game as a family. If they love swimming, add them onto your gym membership and take them to the pool. Whatever activity they are interested in, do it with them and they’ll have those memories forever.
- Festivals - All throughout the year you’ll be able to find cultural and musical festivals in Miami. This year alone, our family has been to a Scottish Festival, Irish Parade, Kite Festival, and Pirate Festival, to name a few. Most of them are free, and they all have tons of activities, markets, or music. Eventbrite and Facebook are great places to look for festivals.
Another idea, if you still want your kids to be able to open physical gifts on Christmas (like me), but also want to avoid overconsumption, is to consider purchasing gifts that are lightly used. For example, if your child loves to read, most of the public libraries in Miami sell lightly used books for $1 or $2 that are still in great condition. We got bikes for our older boys for Christmas this year (shh, don’t tell them), both lightly used from Facebook Marketplace for half the price of a new bike. Buying things second hand not only helps reduce products being made, but you’re also saving money, which is always a plus.
Overall, I think we all need to remember that having things isn’t inherently bad, but it’s about our heart and mindset.
James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” All we have is from Him, and we need to continue to be grateful for the things we have and receive.
