Over the past few decades, the amount of stuff that the average person consumes has increased tremendously, but subjective happiness scores seem to stay very constant within most developed countries. The only things that really seem to be taking off together with our consumption are stuff like depression, divorce, violent crime and teen suicide.
Things scientifically correlated to happiness include health, relationships and job satisfaction. Beyond that which is needed for a comfortable life, material wealth is a very weak indicator of happiness.
In summary, consumerism makes first world citizens consume like we had five planets and leave carbon footprints ten times that which is sustainable. It ruins personal health, finances and relationships. And, of course, it brings absolutely zero happiness. So in order to be happier and help us reach a sustainable society: watch this video, think, share and care!
Thanks to Schalk Cloete for contribution.
