The Environmental Impact of Bulk Buying in a Fast Consumer Economy

Ever had this thought: instead of buying bottled shampoo, we tend to buy sachets because they're kinda cheaper and way more convenient? As I grow old, I become one of the people who like convenience and cheap options. But upon reflection, after using a lot of shampoo and conditioner along my long hair journey, I tend to feel guilty seeing a lot of plastic generated by just my shampoo. How much more plastic do I get every time I buy my favorite vegetarian processed food? It's even worse. I feel guilty using one-time plastics as I tend to prefer not to bring recycled plastic or a reusable bag every time I buy my things. But I'll try to reduce my personal plastic usage along the way.

As I researched, I came across Fast-Moving Consumer Goods products, which are sold quickly and relatively cheaply. This strategy helps companies build strong brands as they keep producing and selling at a fast pace. It generates huge profits for them because it's perceived as cheap for most consumers.

Ever think that some condiments are in sachets in fast foods? Aside from not wanting you to take a lot of condiments, it's ultra convenient for them, and aside from hygiene, designing the packaging can be good marketing for them. As companies strategize to increase their sales, people tend to go with the choices companies want them to choose, which are the most profitable for the companies.

Look, if you know that you will be using shampoo for a long time and you have a lot of money, you can allot time to buy these necessities in bulk. Like for this month, I will buy shampoo good for 3-4 months. If you calculate the shampoo in one liter compared to the shampoo in one liter of sachets, you will realize you're buying more plastic, and the shampoo quantity is decreased. What do you value: shampoo or plastic?

You must think further about how much you can assure that the plastic you throw away will be disposed of properly. Some might end up in the ocean and won't degrade for centuries—that's crazy.

Starting now, I will try to reduce my plastic usage even when I buy bulk of my favorite packaged vegetarian food. I will try to reduce plastic in other parts of my life too.

Try to maximize the lifetime of your things. Don't buy new dresses, shirts, shoes, phones. Fast fashion and fast phones are lethal. Fast consumerism too. Every time you feel there is a new release or you have money, try to hold off. Yes, we have a lot of options now, but the trade-off is we compromise the things we should value, most of all our nature.

I understand that these small packed goods are intended for lower-income consumers. They help them buy in more quantity and experiment with less risk. But let's contemplate their long-term harm to our home.

I am thinking about this right now so that I can help the world even in a very small way. But I hope companies will innovate to biodegradable sachets—this might be a game changer for consumers, producers, and the environment.