Opinion writer Sadie Harlan weighs the cons of overconsumption during the fall season.
Opinion writer Sadie Harlan weighs the cons of overconsumption during the fall season.
Sweater paws. A piping hot Pumpkin Spice Latte. Target’s warmest plaid scarf. These are all hallmarks of the fall season, beckoning consumers everywhere to participate in pumpkin themed purchases.
Fall, arguably one of the most charming seasons, has been turned into an excuse for blatant unnecessary consumerism across America. What once was a nature-focused and sustainable time of year has been transformed into an excuse for needless purchases.
The need for fall-related consumerism could stem from a few things. In preparation for the holiday season, companies take advantage of huge Black Friday sales, pre-holiday sales, Prime Day sales and so on.
With the implementation of these discounts, some consumers may feel obligated to spend their money while the markdowns are still an option, but others may just be searching for the perfect pumpkin-scented body wash.
Even with the promise of winter just around the corner, brands market themselves to be more fall-forward, releasing hundreds of variations of their product in the signature orange hues and cinnamon-nutmeg scents.
Yearly, consumers fall victim to the horrors of “Christian Girl Autumn,” letting jewel-tone manicured nails wrap around their consciousness and pull them towards the idea of pumpkin pie Bath and Body Works soap and leaf themed Owala water bottles.
The call of this autumnal aesthetic leads to harmful overproduction of manufactured goods in feeble attempts at romanticizing an already beautiful season.
The truth is, fall doesn’t need to be romanticized through purchases, or rather at all. Celebrating the influx of cool weather doesn’t need to involve consumerism and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Stepping outside the world of gaudy gourd-shaped decorations, many can find comfort in the nature of the season and the changing of the leaves.
By collecting leaves on walks through the neighborhood, people everywhere can enjoy the beauty of fall without manufactured magic from large corporations.
Additionally, fall decorations can be made in an eco-friendly fashion by preserving leaves and creating bouquets of fall wildflowers. Cute trinkets don’t have to come at the price of sweatshop labor and shipping fees.
Many Starbucks drinks like the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte can easily be recreated at home with seasonal ingredients some people may already have.
Even small things — like a short hike in LaBagh Woods outside of Chicago — can bring the joy of the changing season to those who wish to abstain from the fall consumption trends. Watching movies like “When Harry Met Sally” or “Harry Potter” can bring the autumnal joy people look for without putting a mark upon the earth via consumerism.
When it does come to purchasing things, though, consumers can look to small-businesses like Edgewater Candles to provide the autumn vibes they may be seeking. Supporting small or secondhand businesses allows buyers to sustainably enjoy the fall ambience without handing money to billionaires or harming the Earth.
Inspiration for eco-friendly fall activities can come from anywhere, whether it be crochet pattern websites or granola girl autumn Pinterest boards. Enjoying the season doesn’t have to involve needless purchases or expensive coffees, it just needs a willing attitude and appreciation for the little things.
Autumn is a time for reflection, connection and enjoying the beauty of nature. Not everything has to be fall themed, there just needs the right spirit to see the joy of autumn surrounding us.
As this fall comes into full swing, take a step back from the draw of autumn products and instead take a look into the beauty found outside of the wallet — because such joy can’t be manufactured in a factory.
Get the Loyola Phoenix newsletter straight to your inbox!
