The United States has tangled itself in an economic mess and found itself in contradiction of justice. Businesses and corporations are producing their goods abroad and, as a result, may be supporting labor laws that would allow workers in other countries to possibly work longer hours or not receive enough payment.
Labor laws in the United States offer several benefits to the average citizen. Most workers in the nation are protected by a minimum wage and a restriction on how many hours they can work. Many businesses are manufacturing goods in countries overseas such as China to increase the amount of labor they receive for a cheaper price. While China has established labor laws, the poverty rate is unknown. The World Bank does not have any data indicating the poverty rates in China after 2013. This uncertainty proposes several questions regarding what laborers are actually being paid, what they can afford, and how many hours they must work to simply get by. If the United States limits overseas production, the cost of production for many companies will consequently rise. Due to the enforcement of a higher minimum wage and other labor laws, businesses will not be able to produce as large of an output with the same amount of money invested in the United States. U.S. denizens must purchase fewer materials and cut down on such excessive spending so that the demand does not exceed the available supply.
Eradicating extreme consumerism in a society where being able to purchase so much at any given point is common, is a fundamental step to restoring the nation’s economic integrity and credibility in terms of proper payment and working conditions involving laborers overseas.
Eliminating extreme consumerism (at least initially) will also help the national economy develop.
So how do we go about this? Start with yourself. If you purchase clothes for yourself on a regular basis or constantly buy gadgets for yourself that you do not necessarily need, consider reducing your spending. I am not saying that you can’t reward or treat yourself. Splurging every once in awhile is healthy. However, it is unnecessary to own so many pairs of clothes or shoes that you never wear. Donating some of these items can help minimize the materials you own. The next time you want to make a purchase, think about what you want to buy, if it is really worth it, and most importantly, if you really need it. When you take the initiative to live a simpler life, you will realize that you have the ability to drive those around you to do the same.
Raising awareness of the importance of altering our extremely consumerist nature by promoting minimalism will not only help the United States eventually sustain its own economy and restore economic integrity, but also has the potential to improve the mental health of others. No matter how privileged one is, having a lot going on or a lot to keep track of can easily become overwhelming. Owning fewer items can make one feel at ease because they are simply surrounded by less to worry about or maintain.
Altogether, restoring the integrity and credibility of the United States economy and limiting production to take place only within borders where sufficient payment and working conditions can be closely regulated is not a simple task. Before we can implement any laws, we must change our own perspectives and lifestyles to lay the infrastructure for this kind of reform.
