Consumerism

Question 1

Positives and negatives of consumerism

Answer 1

Positives:
- industries and economies expand
- employment increases

Negatives:
- increased waste
- Impact on the environment and people
- Wealth Disparity increases

Question 2

Consumerism and the environment effect

Answer 2

• resource depletion
• water scarcity
• pollution and waste
• energy consumption
• greenhouse gas emission
• deforestation and habitat loss

Question 3

What is resource depletion in consumerism?

Answer 3

• Consumerism drives high demand for natural resources.
• The extraction and production of these resources is often environmentally damaging.
• Overconsumption can deplete finite resources and disrupt ecosystems.

Question 4

What is water scarcity in consumerism?

Answer 4

• The excessive production of goods necessitated by consumerism requires substantial water resources
• Overconsumption of water can deplete local water sources

Question 5

What is pollution and waste in consumerism?

Answer 5

• Consumerism leads to the production of vast amounts of goods, which results in increased pollution and waste generation.
• Manufacturing processes release pollutants into the air, water, and soil, contributing to air and water pollution.
• The disposal of unwanted products generates significant amounts of waste, including non-biodegradable materials that can persist in the environment for long periods.

Question 6

What is energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in consumerism?

Answer 6

• The production, transportation, and use of goods demanded by consumerism require substantial energy inputs, predominantly from fossil fuels.
• The burning of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change, rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
• Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, including consumption, are the primary driver of climate change.

Question 7

What is deforestation and habitat loss in consumerism?

Answer 7

• Deforestation is the purposeful clearing of forested land.
• Deforestation disrupts the natural functions of climate regulation, and leads to the loss of habitats for numerous plant and animal species

Question 8

Human impact: working conditions?

Answer 8

• In many manufacturing industries, particularly in developing countries, workers may face poor working conditions.
• These conditions can include long working hours, low wages, lack of job security, inadequate safety measures, exposure to hazardous materials, and limited access to healthcare and social protections

Question 8

The impact on humans of consumerism?

Answer 8

• working conditions
• exploitation and labour rights
• occupational health and safety (OH&S)

Question 9

Human impact: exploitation and labour rights

Answer 9

• Exploitation and labor rights: In some cases, manufacturing operations may exploit workers by subjecting them to forced labor, child labor, or unfair labor practices.
• Violations of labor rights, such as the right to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and safe working conditions, can occur, leading to the marginalization and exploitation of workers

Question 10

Human impact: occupational health and safety (OH&S)

Answer 10

• Manufacturing processes often involve risks to workers’ health and safety to optimise profits
• Lack of proper safety equipment, exposure to harmful chemicals or substances, and inadequate training can lead to work-related injuries, illnesses, and long-term health consequences.