My husband bought me Consumed: Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism, and the Need for Collective Change a year ago after listening to a podcast where Aja Barber was being interviewed and her book has been my favourite read all year.
It’s a powerful and provocative exploration of the connections between our consumer culture, colonial history, and the climate crisis. Barber, a writer and activist, invites us to rethink our relationship with consumption, highlighting how deeply rooted issues of colonialism and systemic inequality inform the environmental challenges we face today.
At its core, Consumed asserts that our consumer habits are not just personal choices but are intricately linked to broader historical and societal frameworks. Barber examines how the legacy of colonialism continues to shape global economic systems, perpetuating inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalised communities. The book underscores that the very foundations of modern capitalism were built on exploitation, extraction, and dispossession—practices that have not only harmed people but have also contributed significantly to environmental degradation.
One of Barber’s key arguments is that consumerism, particularly in the Global North, is a driving force behind climate change. The insatiable demand for cheap goods leads to overproduction and waste, all at the expense of the environment and the well-being of those in the Global South. As one example, Barber illustrates how the fashion industry perpetuates cycles of consumption that exploit labour and natural resources. By highlighting the environmental toll of such industries, Barber emphasises the need for systemic change rather than mere individual action.
Barber also challenges the notion of sustainable consumerism. While many advocate for ethical consumption as a solution (I was on this team), she argues that this approach often fails to address the root causes of inequality and environmental harm. Instead, she advocates for collective action, urging readers to engage in activism that targets the systems of power and privilege that sustain consumerism. This perspective shifts the focus from personal responsibility to a broader call for societal change.
Throughout “Consumed,” Barber shares her experiences as a Black woman navigating a world steeped in consumer culture, offering insights into how race and class intersect with environmental issues. She calls for a reimagining of our relationship with the planet. She advocates for a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable future, one that prioritises people and the planet over profit.
I highly recommend this book. I was surprised by how many blind spots I still have when it comes to the intersections of the many things at play in our consumer culture and how much of a band aid ‘just buy less stuff’ really is. This book is dark in places, but it’s also a hope filled road map on how to counter those systems in our everyday choices and advocacy, and why we all need to.