Fan Demand and the Impact of Overproduction of Corporate Branded Products on Our Wallets and the Environment

The world we live in is saturated with branded products, from clothing and accessories to electronics and household goods. While these items may seem like harmless indulgences, the truth is that the overproduction of corporate branded products is having a devastating impact on both our wallets and the environment.

One of the key drivers of this overproduction is mindless fan demand. Companies spend billions of dollars each year on marketing and advertising campaigns that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity around their products. Fans are often willing to pay top dollar for the latest and greatest branded merchandise, even if they don’t necessarily need it or won’t use it for long periods of time. So, when I use the word “mindless” I should be using the term “manipulated” by the latest marketing techniques.

This overproduction of corporate branded products has serious consequences for our planet. Many of these items are made using unsustainable materials and production methods and end up in landfills or polluting our oceans. This not only harms the environment but also impacts our overall health.

So, what can we do to address this issue? One solution is to become more conscious consumers. This means taking the time to think about whether we really need a particular item before making a purchase, choosing to buy from sustainable and ethical brands, and considering second-hand or refurbished products instead of always buying new.

At the same time, it’s important for companies to take responsibility for their role in this issue. They can do this by reducing their production of single-use and disposable products, investing in sustainable materials and production methods, and prioritizing quality over quantity. Perhaps even having a more equitable policy of giving workers a living wage, not over valuing the role of executives and not focusing on stock buybacks to feed the corporate beast.

So, what can we do? Recognizing the overproduction of corporate branded products is crucial if we want to protect our wallets and the planet. By taking a more mindful approach to our consumption habits and encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices, we can all work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Personally, I purchase secondhand goods and that’s good enough for me. It has taken me decades to get to this point. When I saw the new and shiny thing that marketing or nostalgia demanded that I “had to have”, nine times out of ten I would ignore the urge. Sure, I would write about that thing, share the thing, and even build a shareable campaign via Entertainment Earth centered around that thing. Yet, I wouldn’t purchase it, no matter how much I wanted it. That tenth time, well… I am only human, and I really needed that 3¾ inch Shogun Warriors Godzilla… honest! That was last year, and I’ve avoided any newer purchases. On general principle, I avoid giving money to Disney, Mattel, and Hasbro anymore. They charge too much for what they offer, and they are also wealthy enough without my help 😉

If you absolutely NEED to purchase something NEW, make sure that it’s from a smaller boutique type seller, or an ethical company that doesn’t overproduce product just to make a quick buck, consequences be damned.