Not to be dramatic, but we have all been sold a bill of goods. We’ve been manipulated, if you will. A successful modern life is defined by ease and convenience. Or as I have observed, get the greatest result with the least amount of effort. This is extremely provocative with all that’s going on in the world. Not only must we balance managing our finances, cleaning the house, keeping up with friends, being an attentive partner, raising kiddos and pets, supporting our mental health and boundaries, we are also bombarded with how everyone else does these things on social media. We wake up and immediately begin comparing ourselves to others. So like, holy sh*t, of course we want things to be easier!
Companies are very aware of this dynamic in our lives. From the marketing and algorithms that place and promote products to the very products themselves, we hear the promise of better living if we just trust them to know better than us. This makes me think of those 1950s ads directed at stereotypical housewives. Do it all and don’t break a sweat or create a persona of perfection while actually drowning in societally-created norms of what you should be. Resulting in unreasonable expectations for women and a deference of responsibility for men, this cultural and economic movement has defined how we view homemaking.
An irony of the marketing movement for convenience is the now countless number of products marketed as “we do X so much better and by the way, we are the cheapest option.” In today’s world, mass production is a driving force behind consumer culture. From the clothes we wear to the gadgets we use, mass-produced goods fill our lives with variety and their promised convenience. However, this convenience comes at a cost. The widespread impact of mass production extends beyond economic efficiency to affect the environment, society, and individual well-being. Understanding these consequences can help us make more informed choices about how we shop.
One of the most significant consequences of mass production is its effect on the environment. The quest for efficiency often leads to the use of materials and processes that are detrimental to the planet. Mass production typically relies on non-renewable resources (ahh…plastic!), resulting in the depletion of raw materials. Furthermore, the scale of production contributes to significant amounts of waste and pollution. Factories churn out products at an insane pace, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and large quantities of plastic and chemical waste.
The environmental toll extends beyond production. Mass-produced goods often have a short lifespan (and often on purpose), leading to higher rates of disposal and landfill use. This “throwaway culture” encourages us not to care about where things come from and who made them.
Economically, while mass production can drive down prices and make products more affordable, it can also negatively affect those involved in making them. The pursuit of lower production costs can lead to the exploitation of workers in developing countries, where labor laws are less stringent. Workers may face poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages as companies seek to maximize profits.
The fast-paced nature of mass production encourages us to buy more frequently, which can foster a sense of disposability rather than appreciation for longevity and craftsmanship. For individuals, the constant influx of new, mass-produced goods can lead to overconsumption and a constant cycle of desire for the latest items. This consumer culture can contribute to stress and anxiety, as individuals struggle to keep up with ever-changing trends and expectations, which sometimes overshadow the pursuit of personal fulfillment and well-being.
So we’ve come full circle. The promise of convenience with stuff has led to countless options for stuff to make our lives easier, but this stuff doesn't last and we have too many options for said stuff. The result: unfulfilled lives - the problem that needed to be addressed in the first place.
So do we just crawl in a hole and hide from it all? While a quiet night binging our favorite show certainly feels good, there’s no escaping this larger context (insert Kamala Harris’s mother’s coconut tree metaphor.) So what’s the advice from a company whose goal it is to sell you things for your home?
Slow down. Rather than impulse buy your way to a perfect home, recognize that it takes time to create the beautiful home you dream about. This looks like waiting and letting the perfect things find you or saving up for the more expensive purchase. Several cheap buys cost the same as one that’s high-priced but will last. We are always doing research to identify products with high standards of quality with reasonable price tags attached. Let us help you.
Embrace natural ingredients and materials. Well-crafted, sheets, pillows, towels, made of ethically-sourced cotton and linen get better as they’re used. Rather than buying cheap virgin plastic or silicone kitchen tools, good quality ones made of glass, metal or wood work effectively and can last a lifetime when made well.
Be authentic. Do what feels right. Your lifestyle is your own. Ask yourself, “What brings me joy? What do I find annoying? What helps me sleep better at night?” Inventory these feelings and values and make your home fit them rather than letting what the outside world tell you how to live your life.
We want the best for you, your homes and families. From experience, we know that being and doing authentically leads to better life. It’s our foundation as we guide, inspire and furnish for a better life at home.
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