In The Community
What is “underconsumption core”?
Photo by Cup of Couple
“Underconsumption core” is a new TikTok trend that champions and romanticizes minimalism and frugality, encouraging people to maximize the use of their purchases and buy only what they truly need. It’s a challenge to the culture of consumerism and overconsumption, which is so rampant online. Instead of showcasing large hauls of clothing, makeup, books, or overflowing fridge shelves, users are posting videos showing thrift store purchases, modest wardrobes, and practical, well-used everyday items.
Born out of necessity
Photo by Liza Summer
“Underconsumption core” has been gaining a ton of traction, especially among young people who are facing increasing financial pressures. For example, the average federal student loan debt balance in the United States is US$37,574 per borrower, according to the Education Data Initiative. Student debt isn’t the only issue, as inflation is constantly looming over Gen Z’s purchasing power. When it comes to Latinos, the wage gap is still an issue, especially for Latina women. Their wages aren’t rising, so financial strain isn’t an uncommon experience for them.
Environmental concerns
Photo by Mumtahina Tanni
There’s also the issue of our environmental impact as consumers! Mass consumerism has created major problems, including the generation of vast amounts of waste. Chile’s Atacama Desert with its heartbreaking landfill is only one example of that. Overconsumption is polluting the environment, and people are opening their eyes to that, adopting more sustainable practices and creating responsible habits.
A rejection of influencer culture
Photo by Ron Lach
The underconsumption trend also seems to be a reaction to overconsumption, which is promoted by influencers across social media platforms. There’s no denying that content creators have normalized haul videos because it’s the most effective way they can promote sponsored products. Now, by promoting underconsumption, people online are starting to push back on this aspect of influencer culture. It seems that they’re saying, “It’s time to be normal again.”
This isn’t a new concept
Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashBuying only what you need isn’t a new concept, especially not for people used to having to live within their means and get creative with low resources, like Latinos. This trend might seem revolutionary to some, but it's essentially a return to basics. This is a lifestyle that many communities have practiced out of necessity long before it became a social media trend. It’s a way of life!
The underconsumption trend is challenging extreme consumerism quite effectively. It’s not about telling anyone how to spend their money, but rather about helping people see how capitalism has altered their buying habits. We’re constantly encouraged to buy, buy, buy, without a second thought. But when you stop and think about it, do you really need to have 30+ lipsticks, 10+ Stanley cups, or a new phone every year?
- Massive Fast Fashion Landfill: That $8 Top Is Contributing to Environmental Disaster ›
- Tulum's Dilemma: The Environmental Toll Behind the 'Eco-Chic' Facade ›
The pristine coastline of Tulum, MX in 2017 before the onslaught of tourist and global warming devastation set in
With a booming influx of tourists, investors, expats, and floating residents, the once-small Mexican village is now a tourist haven that’s becoming unrecognizable by the day. Since 2010 the population in Tulum increased by 65%. There’s no doubting Tulum’s attractiveness, but there’s a price for paradise, and the environment and the local residents are paying the tab.
the tropical coastline of Tulum, Mexicovia unsplash Darren Lawrence
Fake Eco-Tourism
“Greenwashing” is a term that’s grown substantially in the past decade. The term refers to false or misleading marketing tactics that businesses use to market themselves as environmentally sustainable/friendly without actually making investments into business practices that help them deliver on those eco-friendly promises.
Many of Tulum’s newer residents have come from all over the world, opening new businesses, buying real estate, and driving tourism into the town. Though business might be booming, Tulum’s local infrastructure is struggling to catch up with the demands. The lack of infrastructure directly contributes to the environmental devastation occurring in large scale across Tulum.
The Yucatán contains the largest underground freshwater system in the world and was especially important to the Mayans as they utilized the cenotes, or sinkholes, that formed along the Yucatán as their main water source. The Mayans also believed that the cenotes acted as gateways to the underworld where their gods and spirits rested. Nowadays, tourists see those same cenotes as an attraction to experience and a perfect backdrop for social media posts, but recent findings show that as much as 80% of the cenotes are polluted due to improper disposal of garbage, pesticides, and even raw sewage.
A woman swimming in one of Tulum’s cenotes.
via unsplash Mathilde Langevin
Along with the lack of infrastructure exists the sewage issue: much of Tulum’s “eco-friendly” resorts don’t have adequate sewage, and many of the new construction projects aren’t being connected into an existing network that can sustain the current population, let alone the ever expanding foreign population.
It’s estimated that as many as 80% of Tulum’s resorts do not have adequate sewage, leading to the contamination of the aforementioned Yucatán. Many of the beloved trendy places to visit run on gas generators, leading to both noise and air pollution to power most of Tulum beach. The failure of the notoriously corrupt local and federal government to enact and enforce legislation to protect Tulum’s environment is a direct cause of this, with developers paying top dollar to local officials that are all too happy to develop the land as quickly as possible.
There are also large economic impacts with the rise of newcomers to Tulum: many of the high-priced boutique hotels, vegan restaurants, yoga studios, and more that continue to draw in the “eco chic” tourists don’t actually generate any economic development opportunities for the locals. With many of the “eco-friendly” resorts charging nightly rates comparable to that of major U.S cities like New York and Los Angeles, the employees, local to the area, aren’t seeing their wages rise to reflect that.
The average monthly wage in Tulum is reported at $7,000 pesos, which in today’s exchange rate, is $336 dollars. Worse yet, that wage rate has remained largely unchanged since 2011.
Instead we’re seeing wealthy expats lining their pockets, and those of the local politicians and cartels, with the profit of their earnings while the local economy continues to stagnate in poverty wages. Without policy protecting workers, the environment, and local infrastructure Tulum is destined to become a wasteland that won’t ever be recovered.
Challenges Amidst Tourist Boom
Tulum has a brand-new international airport, and while the airport currently handles domestic flights exclusively, the outset of international flights has been scheduled for March 2024.
Simultaneously, the Mayan Train project unfolds—a colossal 1,500-kilometer railway connecting Palenque to Chetumal. This route goes through biological reserves, indigenous communities, and archaeological sites.
The inaugural phase, which spans 892 kilometers from Palenque to Cancún, was opened in December 2023. The following sections are expected to be open by February 2024.
Concerns loom large about the impact of new access roads that greenlight excessive growth that does not take into account strategic planning to prioritize the authentic and sustainable well-being of the local community and the environment. Striking a balance is crucial to prevent the compromise of Yucatán's rich cultural, biological, and environmental heritage.
The Future
There’s light at the end of the tunnel though - reports have found cleanups are underway for some cenotes in both Tulum and nearby Cancun, where high contamination rates were cited as risks for human health and the environment. The biggest factor in changing Tulum's local economy though, lies in tourists' hands.
While some tourists are attracted to “eco-friendly” travel, many aren’t doing the work to verify if these places are truly practicing what they preach. By looking for sustainable green and red flags when traveling, consumers can hold these resorts accountable for their environmentally friendly images and decide if they actually deserve your money.
Staying at resorts that utilize renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy, limit electricity usage (common in tropical communities), provide water purification services, and practice responsible sewage practices that doesn't damage the local ecosystem are all ways of supporting the right kinds of business.
When in doubt, opt out of that trendy vegan place and look to support something locally owned that benefits Tulum’s local community. Listening to and respecting indigenous communities advocating for their environment is one of the most vital pieces of the puzzle, as these communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental devastation.
Consumers have a lot more power than they think. The power of the wallet can send a clear message that places like Tulum should be protected, and the money will stop flowing without that. Ultimately, it's up to individuals to care more about respecting the environment and the residents than their Instagram posts.
- Beyond the ‘Gram: Vacations with Cultura as the Destination - Luz Media ›
- Tulum Moves Forward with Airport Despite Ecological Destruction and Poor Infrastructure - Luz Media ›
- Wiped Out: From Major Grant to Drained Bank Accounts - Luz Media ›
- 10 Easy Ways to Live Sustainably ›
- Expat If You’re an American in Latin America, Immigrant If You’re a Latino in the U.S. - Luz Media ›
- 10 Things That Make You a Latina Environmentalist - Luz Media ›
Why Garden?
Photo by Ona Creative on Unsplash
From 'la milpa' that Mayan civilizations nurtured to the vegetable patches in our abuela's backyards, gardening has been a staple in our culture. It's more than just a hobby. Gardening offers therapeutic benefits that can boost our physical, emotional, and mental health.
Physical activity, exposure to the sun, and interaction with nature are proven ways to improve wellbeing. The constant bending, squatting, and stretching involved in gardening are great forms of low-impact exercise, keeping us fit and agile. Sun exposure is a natural source of vitamin D, which supports bone health and immunity.
Emotionally, being connected with nature helps relieve stress and anxiety. The simple act of caring for a plant, watching it grow and flourish, can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment. Mentally, planning a garden, learning about plants, and troubleshooting problems can stimulate the brain.Getting Started with Your Garden
Photo by Dmitry Dreyer on Unsplash
Starting a garden may seem daunting, but it's as simple as choosing the right plants for your climate and soil, nurturing them with water and sunlight, and having a little patience. Here are some steps to help you embark on this exciting journey:
- Select Your Space: Whether it's a backyard, balcony, or windowsill, any space can be transformed into a mini oasis. Sunny spots are ideal for most plants, but some thrive in partial shade.
- Pick Your Plants: Start with easy-to-grow plants like cilantro (coriander), tomatoes, and chili peppers that are commonly used in our Latina cuisine. Native plants like epazote, nopales, or chayote are also excellent choices and can be grown easily in many parts of the U.S.
- Prepare Your Soil: A good blend of soil, compost, and peat moss usually provides the necessary nutrients for your plants. If you live in an apartment, potted plants are your best friends. Consider investing in high-quality potting soil for them.
- Water and Sunlight: Each plant has different water and sunlight requirements. While most vegetables need full sunlight (at least 6 hours a day), herbs like cilantro can grow in partially shaded areas. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid disease, and remember, overwatering is as harmful as under-watering.
Connecting with Your Roots
Photo by Mariana Vusiatytska on Unsplash
As you connect with the earth, you're not only improving your health, but you're also forging a link with your heritage. Whether it's growing bell peppers that remind you of your abuela's sofrito, or maiz that connects you to the ancient Mayans, each plant can represent a piece of your unique identity.
What’s more, sharing the produce with your loved ones, like our ancestors did, can lead to community building and the passing on of our rich cultural traditions.
In a world where we're often disconnected from the source of our food, gardening offers us a way back to our roots. It's a chance to reconnect with our history and heritage, and cultivate not just food, but also health, community, and personal satisfaction. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves, and let's return to la tierra together!
