The Mycenaean

Overconsumption: the act of consuming material to the point of excess. 

When you’re filling your cup up and water starts to overflow it creates a mess, spilled water over the floor and your hand. Overconsumption ultimately only creates a bigger problem, although it’s a completely preventable situation. Only take the water you need, and just know you can always come back to the tap. 

The same philosophy applies to materialistic objects. When you look in your closet what do you see? Is it overflowing with clothes and shoes? Or can you see every item of clothing you own stored neatly, while still being able to easily access your pants and shirts. 

For some, while growing up and getting older they stop recycling items and old objects just sit there. We need the importance of throwing out items that no longer serve us or bring us joy. 

Old children’s toys that sit collecting dust serve no purpose to high school students, old dresses that no longer match your style and shoes that are just a hair too small. But when we take a step back and reflect on our relationship with “stuff,” we realize that it’s not the possessions themselves, but how we value them.

High school is a time when many teens are trying to figure out who they are, and much of that self-discovery can be influenced by external factors, like peers, social media, and even advertising. These material items don’t define us or bring lasting happiness. 

Instead of focusing on accumulating more, we can shift our mindset toward intentional consumption. This means buying items that truly add value to our lives, it could be for practicality or because it genuinely delivers satisfaction.  

Overconsumption leads to more waste, and many products are not made to last. By making more mindful choices, high school students can contribute to a more sustainable future.

 “I’ve tried thrifting. One time in Boone, I got this really cool denim top!” said Alyssa Joseph, sophomore, sharing how you may see clothing you might not see when online shopping for big brands.

“Thriftings harder than normal shopping, it takes a lot longer,”  said Jacob Kaulback, freshman, referring to the process that with thrifting nothing is guaranteed. The positive to thrifting is the accessibility of knowing exactly what you need and being able to buy it immediately. 

As we get older, let’s put a stop to the constant need for more, the things we own should be a reflection of ourselves. Stop seeking for fulfillment in life and live happily.