Staff Editorial

Overconsumption has become an increasingly popular issue with the rise of social media in the recent decade.. The trend of “de-influencing” has grown in hopes of decreasing the unsustainable consumption rate and increasing climate change awareness.

In the midst of pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, expensive trips to Vala’s or new fall clothes are influencers who tell you how essential each new fall item is. With overconsumption during the fall, people are creating not only an unsustainable economy but also a very expensive lifestyle. 

 We are here to “de-influence” you. We are all guilty of buying a $7 coffee or picking out a cute new fall fit, but do we “need” to buy into all of the latest trends?

Most fall trends are pricey and out of reach for many paychecks, especially for a highschool student. Now obviously if it makes you happy, go for it, but if it doesn’t make you happy, skip it.

Individualism is important and there is nothing wrong with wearing last year’s clothes. We do feel treating yourself to something is important, though. A coffee to get you through a really hard morning or a trip to Vala’s after a long week can help you enjoy life while making  the most out of the fall.

We don’t necessarily think overconsumption is bad but trends should not be so much of your personality that you are no longer yourself. Still, overconsumption is extremely unsustainable if you are buying new fall clothes every year. 

If you are looking to romanticize life there are many other, more sustainable ways to embrace fall. Thrifting in moderation is sustainable and is a fun fall activity. While thrifting too much can cause prices to go up for people who need discounted clothes, going to a higher end thrift store like “Plato’s Closet” is still a great way to save money. Another way to stay in the fall mood is to make your own coffee. There are plenty of recipes out there, especially on Pinterest. 

With social media influencing all of our lives, it is important to maintain individuality. Be your own person, even if it means making fall your own.