how consumerism affect environmet

Consumerism causes the wasteful use of energy and material far above and beyond that needed for everyday living at a comfortable level.

Money is not the only way to measure the cost of an item. When one adds up all the raw materials and energy that go into the goods and services consumed over an individual's lifetime, the toll on the environment is staggering. When this cost is multiplied out over the lifespan of families, cities and countries, the proportions are incredible.

taked from: http://www.verdant.net/society.htm#environmentalcosts