Therefore, Gen Z is taking matters into their own hands with the ‘underconsumption core’ trend on TikTok. Tired of influencers proudly displaying hundreds of skin care products and clothing pieces, they are showing their own well-used products and modest wardrobes. It’s their way of saying that we need to consume less. Otherwise, soon we won’t have a planet to live on.
Scroll down to find ways to cut costs and help the Earth, and be sure to check out a conversation with crochet designer, upcycler, thrifter, and founder of Studio Lieselottie Sophie Klein from Budapest and TikToker Lisa, who embraced minimalism and participated in this trend. Some of their ‘underconsumption’ examples can be found below, too!
The advice Sophie has for anyone wanting to cut costs and help the planet is to reflect on what they’re consuming too much of and what they’re willing to change. “Am I able to eat less meat? When I go shopping, what is the thing that creates a lot of trash? Can I easily exchange plastic bags, cups, and boxes for reusable items? Do I really need the latest microtrend, or can I make do with the piles and piles of clothes I already have?”
Lisa suggests making lists and thinking about what one actually needs on a day-to-day basis. “I would also recommend NoBuyMonth or Project Pan since it's a fun challenge but also makes you a bit more mindful of the things you use, and it gets exciting whenever you fully empty a shampoo bottle, for example!”
“Repurpose clothing or donate to your local thrift store or shelter!” she adds. “I used to have an abundance of clothing, which I wouldn’t get to wear everything since I had so much! I donated over 70% of it to a local charity store and gave the rest to my friends and family!”
Lastly, Sophie concluded by saying, “It’s a process, and trying to be perfect from the start puts a lot of pressure on everyone, so try to change what you can, and you will automatically take on a less consumption-focused take on life.”
