De La Salle University

2401 Taft Avenue

1004 Manila, Philippines

LIMITING THE LUXURIOUS DESIRE

In Fulfillment of the Requirements for

SURESDG - K31

Submitted to:
Ms. Rochelle Dichaves

Submitted by:
Toribio, Hannah Jane

Submitted on:
April 9, 2024
Introduction

Remember the year 2020? That’s right, the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought the
human race an unprecedented challenge in their life. The year when government and health
authorities scrambled to respond to the escalating crisis, implementing measures such as
lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.
These measures, while necessary, had far-reaching consequences, disrupting economies,
straining healthcare systems, and pending the lives of billions of people. This is apparently how
online sources remembered the 2020 landscape. However, from my perspective, it had its silver
linings like how we navigated the ongoing difficulties we faced, it serves as a stark reminder of
the interconnectedness of our world and the remarkable acts of resilience and innovation. It was
the year when the community continued to share new practices and opened our eyes to
sustainability.

The pandemic highlighted the significance of sustainable economic practices. Building

resilient economies that prioritize sustainability can help mitigate the impact of future
pandemics and other crises. In today’s global situation, countries have started to escape from
the impacts that the crisis has brought upon us. The heightened awareness made by our society
in sustainable practices has continued until our current situation. The increase in sustainability
highlighted how the people led to a greater appreciation for conservation and support for
eco-friendly resources. In the present day, where environmental and economic stability are
paramount, one of the changing behaviors that plays a crucial role in sustainability is adopting a
cost-efficient lifestyle. Adopting a resourceful lifestyle benefits individuals or organizations by
saving money and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable society. This includes
choosing energy-efficient appliances, opting for public transportation or carpooling, and
reducing waste through recycling and composting. These small changes can lead to significant
cost savings over time and reduce the environmental impact of daily activities.

Body

Choosing a simpler lifestyle provides numerous benefits that could arise from being
more environmentally conscious. From less stress, increased focus, and a positive impact on our
well-being, living a less luxurious lifestyle improves one’s quality of life and those surrounding
them. At first glance, having a minimalist mindset could ruin the country’s economy especially if
an extreme number of people would consider a more simple lifestyle in a short period however,
it will not have a drastic effect on the economy. This could become a motivating temperament
for businesses to produce high-quality goods and services sought by minimalists. Engaging in an
environmentally responsible lifestyle could increase the participation of local industries or
brands relatively decreasing dependence on imported products. Additionally, cost-efficient
lifestyles often involve reducing waste and energy consumption. This can lead to lower carbon
footprints and less strain on natural resources, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Most of the time, the process of luxury goods begins with aggressive marketing and
advertising which creates the desire for the products through association with status, wealth,
and exclusivity. Consumers are shown to believe that owning luxury items is associated with
status, wealth, and exclusivity. Once the idea is established, individuals purchase these goods to
enhance one’s social standing and self-esteem. However, some brands release a sense of luxury
but it is made of sustainable resources. For example, Stella McCartney, this brand does not
compromise quality by the use of more environmental resources. When it comes to
sustainability, this designer label constantly pushes boundaries and embraces new technologies
to create a brand that does not fall out on trends and it is as stylish as it is sustainable. This
brand launched Clevercare in 2014 which is an easy-to-understand labeling method to educate
its consumers on clothing care and how to prolong their favorite clothing.

Just like this fashion brand, businesses should expound technologies and communicate
with their stakeholders on how to promote a sustainable outlook to society. But technically, the
government should serve as a role model to our corporations in addressing and promoting
sustainability in the consumption of goods. In all honesty, I would like to recommend that our
government create a policy that focuses on educating individuals about the impacts of
overconsumption and implementing regulations and incentives to discourage excessive
consumption. By doing so, the government can provide incentives and establish standards for
sustainable practices. The policy can include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating its
effectiveness and opportunities for public participation and collaboration with stakeholders. A
policy aimed at reducing the consumption of luxury can play a crucial role in transitioning the
country into a more equitable and sustainable society.

One of the consumers of luxury goods is students or young individuals who could be
educated from a young age and bring it forward during their adult years. Investing in education
that focuses on conservation and efficient procedures in daily life can provide the students with
the importance of crucially addressing the challenges that surround our environment and
promoting sustainable practices within the school. Education is a powerful catalyst in promoting
environmental awareness and inspiring positive action. By integrating conservation principles
into educational curricula, schools, and educational institutions have the opportunity to reach a
wide audience and shape the attitudes and behaviors of young minds. One key aspect of this
education is teaching students to think critically about cost-efficient actions in various
situations. For example, when faced with a transportation decision, students can learn to
consider the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of different modes of transport, such
as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, compared to driving a car. They can also
learn about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and practices in reducing electricity
consumption and costs.

Students can explore the broader implications of their actions on the environment and
society. They can learn about the concept of a circular economy, where resources are used more
efficiently and waste is minimized through reusing and recycling materials. They can also
examine the social and economic benefits of sustainable practices, such as creating green jobs
and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. By integrating these
topics into the curriculum, students can develop a holistic understanding of conservation and
efficiency in daily life. They can learn to make informed decisions that not only benefit
themselves but also contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
 Stress reduction is among the main advantages of living a simple life. Reducing
responsibilities and commitments, clearing out physical clutter, and concentrating on what
really matters are all examples of simplifying one's life. This lessening of outside influences may
result in less stress, which can benefit one's physical and emotional well-being. Finding methods
to simplify and reduce stress can have a big impact on one's health and well-being, as it has been
connected to several health issues like depression, obesity, and heart disease. A simple lifestyle
can help with stress reduction as well as attention and mental clarity. Distractions and needless
complexity can be removed to free up mental resources so that people can focus on key
objectives and tasks. This may result in increased productivity, creativity, and a greater sense of
accomplishment. Moreover, a simpler lifestyle can promote mindfulness and a greater
appreciation for the present moment, which has been linked to improved mental health.

Furthermore, a simplistic lifestyle can also have a positive impact on physical health. By
focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and regular physical activity, individuals can improve
their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and
heart disease. Additionally, simplifying one's lifestyle can lead to better sleep patterns, which are
essential for overall health and well-being. The relationship between a simpler lifestyle and a
longer-lasting life is multifaceted. By reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and promoting
healthy habits, a simplistic lifestyle can help individuals live longer, healthier lives. Moreover,
simplifying one's life can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, which are important
factors in longevity. Overall, embracing a simplistic lifestyle can have far-reaching benefits for
health and well-being, ultimately leading to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Living a less opulent lifestyle does not determine your social standing. In summary,
adopting a simple lifestyle can have a significant impact on a person's health and overall
well-being. A simpler lifestyle can result in a longer and more satisfying life by lowering stress,
enhancing mental clarity, and encouraging healthy practices. People can find more balance and
fulfillment in their daily lives by practicing mindfulness and keeping an eye on the important
things. Additionally, people can help create a more ecologically friendly and sustainable society
by simplifying their lives. We can promote a simple culture that is advantageous to people and
society at large by incorporating these ideas into everyday activities and education.

References:

Ducker, M. (2022). The 10 Best Sustainable Luxury Fashion Brands for 2021. RARE & FAIR.
https://rareandfair.com/blogs/the-slow-scoop/sustainable-luxury-fashion-brands

Eklöv, A. (n.d.). Is Minimalism bad for the economy? (The concerns of a minimalist). The ADHD
Minimalist.
https://theadhdminimalist.com/is-minimalism-bad-for-the-economy-the-concerns-of-a-minim
alist/
The Many Benefits of Choosing to Live Simply. (2021, April 20). The Simplicity Habit.
https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/benefits-simple-living