One of the problems facing the global economy as highlighted by Annie Leonard that I have not considered previously is the role played by institutions in promoting the culture of consumption. Governments and organizations should be responsible for heading campaigns to reduce consumerism because it has adverse effects on people and the environment. However, they encourage consumption because they are the major beneficiaries.
Leonard spoke of advertisements as one of the avenues used by organizations to encourage consumerism. She was correct because a large percentage of ads in various media platforms such as newspapers, magazines, and television promote luxurious products that consumers do not truly need. They buy them because marketing agencies present them as basic human needs rather than luxuries. For example, fashion items and junk food are common in ads that target the young and old populations. People are tricked into believing that for them to become happy and more fulfilled in life, they must buy or consume certain products. I think that as long the government benefits from these organizations through tax contributions, the culture of consumption explored by Leonard will become stronger and more insidious.
The problem has been worsened by the contribution of technology toward globalization. Communication is now easier and faster, and organizations are enlisting the expertise of professionals in the field of human psychology to devise strategies to increase the consumption of their products by manipulating people. The culture of consumption has led to pervasive public health problems such as obesity and diabetes. These challenges can be blamed on governments and firms that manufacture and sell consumer goods because they tolerate and promote lifestyles that are risk factors for diseases.