Consumerism Essays - Consumerism, Sociology, Consumer Behaviour

Consumerism Essays - Consumerism, Sociology, Consumer Behaviour Consumerism Consumerism is known for the use of purchasing of goods and services worldwide. Everyone is considered a consumer. People buy products and services on a daily basis especially when it comes to technology or something new to the market. The introduction of the internet has revolutionized the way business is performed and how consumers buy and sell products. Most people that lives in the urban areas tend to buy more products and services therefore production increases. Since the 1980?s our consumption has increased with the introduction of personal computers and credit cards along with a large amount of other products like the flat screen television with bluray or 3d. Many people have become dependent on products like the computer and services such as cable television and cell phone usage. Most of them cannot survive without these material things especially buying clothes. There also has been an increase in building factories and that can pollute the environment including people as well. Other countries such as the united states construct factories so that their country won?t be polluted but studies show that pollution comes right back in the united states. The smoke that comes from the factory goes in the air and causes air pollution also the smoke goes in one direction and travel to other countries causing smog and releases toxic chemicals like carbon dioxide. Take the iphone for example; it was introduced in June 2007 and version 4 was just released in 2010. It is known to have technical issue with the antenna but that didn?t stop consumers from lining up overnight to buy this item. There are many other products that are similar. People buy this item because of how popular it is or someone or a friend told them about it and how cool it is. It is known to be the most updated and hottest thing on the market so consumers didn?t stop to think about the problem they may experience. Consumers want to have the latest product that is in style. They feel that keeping up with society is crucial so they won?t become outdated or teased. Consumerism is ever expanding in developed nations and is even increasing in some emerging countries whose economies are expanding as well. Do we really need everything we buy? Maybe we should look at the good old days of the 50?s and slow down a little. Not only will it help our finances but it will also help the environment. We can help by recycling, stop the cutting down of trees and disposing of garbage more properly by building compost heap and less burning of garbage. Consumerism is a necessity if we want economies to keep going but how much is too much? If consumers keep spending at such a fast pace is anyone really going to benefit from an expanding economy if it is not sustainable? We need to stop being defined by what we have and start being seen for who we are and what we do.

Top 7 Ways to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool During the Summer

Top 7 Ways to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool During the Summer The blazing heat of the summer is tough on our bodies. If you don’t have the luxury of staying indoors where your AC is blasting on high, then you know how hard it can be to stay cool during the summer months. Most of us need to work, so there is no escaping the brutal summer heat. But don’t let the heat stop you. There are ways you can beat the heat and stay cool without sacrificing your sanity. Here are the top 10 ways you can beat the heat and stay cool:7. Drink more waterThis may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many people do not drink enough water during the day. To be safe, you should follow the 8 by 8 rule which states that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.6. Take precautions to avoid excessive sweatI live in New York City. So I know how bad it is to be standing on a hot subway platform while sweating like a mad man. It’s brutal. There are tricks you can use to counter excessive sweating. You can try p utting on deodorant the night before. Your sweat glands are more active in the morning which causes your deodorant to be less effective.5. Get a portable fanThe other day I bought a portable fan that sprays mist into your face while fanning you. What a time to be alive. Get yourself one of these babies and take them with you on those scorching hot days.4. Avoid eating hot foodsA few weeks ago, I went to a nice little Korean place and got the soup. Bad decision. Since it’s already hot outside, eating anything hot will only amplify the effects of the heat. You definitely do not want to go down that road.3. Exercise comfortablyMy personal recommendation is to get a gym membership and avoid exercising in the heat. But if that’s not something that is possible, then there are alternative exercises such as swimming and various other water sports that can definitely get the job done.2. Sleep on top of a wet sheet or clothSleeping in the heat is the absolute worst because it of ten prevents you from getting the proper rest that you need in order to function the next day. If you’re trying to save money on your electric bill, you can try sleeping on a wet sheet or cloth. You’ll be able to remain cool even in the sweltering heat.1. Know your body’s best cooling pointsFinally, if you’re trapped in the heat and aren’t able to find a cooler place, then you can apply an ice pack, or cold towel to your cooling points. This can include wrists, forehead, etc. By knowing your cooling points, you’ll be able to cool yourself off faster and more effectively.Source: [Lifehacker]