Science Talk: The “Underconsumption core” TikTok trend reminds us to be smarter consumers

Despite different ideas about the “under-consumption core”, they are based on the same principles.

First: mindful shopping. Buy, consume and use only what you need. Nobody needs more than a few pairs of shoes or different makeup sets. When purchasing, opt for durable items that are more expensive but last longer. This reduces the need for more frequent replacement and can be more cost effective in the long run.

Second, alternative consumption. Instead of purchasing brand new items, consider other options such as: E.g. opting for used items, renting or borrowing – with renting or borrowing being the preferred option if the item is not used regularly.

Third: responsible use of resources. Maximize the mileage of your items and use them for as long as possible by repairing or repurposing them instead of throwing them away.

Broken down this way, “underconsumption core” is nothing particularly new.

Personally, my closet and shoe closet consists mostly of second-hand and upcycled items that have served me well for years and helped me avoid buying new items.

I also remember that when I was a child, it was common for my blankets to be made of a patchwork of surplus fabrics, for old t-shirts to be used as rags, and for the same soap to be used for showering and washing clothes.

From the pioneer generation to millennials, these principles have been practiced historically, with limited purchases, sharing, and self-repair being the norm.

The modest means of past generations often necessitate such practices, but they still remain relevant for Singaporeans blessed with higher disposable incomes today, even if many often opt for the convenience of disposable and disposable items.

In fact, these traditional values ​​are as relevant to Singapore as ever.

Average per capita retail spending (excluding motor vehicles) has risen 17 percent over the past five years, according to figures from Singapore’s Ministry of Statistics and the National Population and Talent Division.

While the progress in incomes is worth celebrating, what is worrying is that consumption also appears to be increasing: a person generates an average of 10 kg of e-waste, 36 kg of textile and leather waste and 128 kg of food waste during the year in 2023.

In addition, the recycling of the waste we generate is low. In 2023, only 12 percent of household and commercial waste was recycled, while the nationwide recycling rate, which also includes industrial and commercial waste, was 52 percent.

This figure of 52 percent is the lowest in the last decade and there remains a significant gap to reach the national recycling target rate of 70 percent by 2030 – as set out in the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment’s Zero Waste Master Plan.

With this in mind, “Underconsumption Core” is a timely reminder for us to pay attention to our consumption habits.

This latest trend pushes us to continue practicing the first two of the 3R principles we all know – reduce and reuse first, then recycle. This way we can make better consumption decisions and be smarter consumers.

Paying attention as a smarter consumer also has the benefit of encouraging companies to transition to a more regenerative economy.

Smart consumption encourages companies to offer more durable and repairable products and adopt more circular business models.

Such an economy that balances economic growth and environmental well-being is desirable given the changing climate. Whether it is “under-consumption core”, “mindful shopping”, “alternative consumption” or “responsible use of resources”, all of these terms reflect the same traditional values ​​that aim to consume resources mindfully and achieve a sustainable yet promote comfortable lifestyle.

This approach has the practical advantage of protecting our wallets, our environment and other people. So why not?

• Isabella Huang-Loh is Chair of the Singapore Environment Council.