With more and more Americans worried about their weight, clothing makers are making shifts in sizing to make customers feel better about themselves. Read this article to learn more about “vanity sizing.”
Category Archives: The Stuff of Consumer Culture
Brain Scans of Hoarders Reveal Why They Never De-Clutter
Would you have trouble parting with your favorite things? A hoarder is a person who collects items and can’t discard any of them. Often, the homes of hoarders are completely full, with only enough room left to walk from room to room. A new study using brain scans helps shed light on why people behave this way.
When Not Reading The Fine Print Can Cost Your Soul
Do you want to win $10,000? Do you want to keep your immortal soul? This article details how companies sneak clauses into their terms and conditions knowing people do not read the fine print of their documents.
Poll Shows Americans Shun Physical Robots But Welcome Smart Home Assistants
Why do Americans distrust robots? Do we have anything to fear? Read information from both sides of the debate.
How to Spend Money Wisely – A Guide for Teens
Interested in retiring by age 30? Check out these helpful tips to managing your money.
Food Deserts in America (Infographic)
Many factors influence what Americans eat. Look at the infographic about food deserts to learn about one of these factors.
Impossible foods: how startups are changing what we eat – in pictures
Read about companies trying to make food sustainable for us and our environment.
Too Much TV Linked to Future Fast-Food Intake
Think about the time you spend each day looking at TV. How much is too much? Do you think that what you watch could lead to poor eating habits one day? Read an article that makes recommendations for media exposure.
Get ready for a future in which your favorite products act like helicopter parents
Is “smart packaging” with sensors and bluetooth connectivity the future of consumer packaging? Read about the possibilities.
Why People With Disabilities Want Bans On Plastic Straws To Be More Flexible
While few could argue that we should be dumping more plastic waste into the ocean, the author of this article brings up critical points to consider when discussing plastic straw bans.
People Are Paying Insane Amounts of Real Money for “Virtual Real Estate”
Would you buy a virtual plot of land if it cost more than a plot of land in the real world? Read about the booming virtual real estate market.
How Much Food Do We Waste? Probably More Than You Think
Food waste is a global problem that plagues producers and consumers. Read about the causes and harmful effects.
How Pixar’s ‘Wall-E’ Predicts the Future
WALL-E, a Pixar animated film, provides a warning for mindless consumerism and excessive waste.
How Money Is Made
Did you ever wonder how money is made? Browse this photo essay and watch the short video to see firsthand what making 25 million dollars a day looks like!
Edible Cutlery
An Indian entrepreneur saw a way for a common consumer product to make the world a better place. Watch the promotional film to see how his idea was put into action and learn more about his success.
Conscious consumerism is a lie. Here’s a better way to help save the world
Click here to learn why eco-friendly isn’t always the best choice, and learn ways you can inspire real environmental change.
Global consumers are willing to put their money where their heart is
The choices we make when we shop can have a big impact on our world. Read about some positive developments driven by people’s shopping decisions.
Is Amazon’s New Store Really The Future Of Grocery Shopping?
What does a reimagined grocery store look like? Amazon, a name not associated with grocery stores up to now, opened “Amazon Go” in Seattle in January!
Would you like this new 21st century shopping experience?
Some Reflections on ‘My Year of No Shopping’
You might be surprised by what you will find stashed away in cabinets and cupboards! Ann Patchett discovered the effect of shopping for only essential items for a whole year. And, this article is a reflection by another writer on Anne’s essay. How do you think you might feel about taking on such a frugal challenge?
The Perfect Statement On Holiday Consumerism: A $500 Cardboard Box
A recycled cardboard box for Christmas? Ad agencies created this gift which they say will stimulate creativity but also help raise funds for two charitable causes. Read about it here.