It is important to read texts that explain exactly how consumerism is caused, what effects it has on the environment, and what we can do about it. Consumerism is a very big problem in our modern society, but an even bigger problem is that people today are not informed on the subject. Nowadays people are so used to the everyday act of consumerism that a lot of us are unaware of the major problems it causes. Consumerism has a lot of causes, but the main reason why we are so influenced into consuming is advertising. Only when we realise that the thousands of subliminal messages that we are receiving on a daily basis are causing us to live a certain way, can we act upon the matter. When we see an advertisement on television or a billboard on our way to work, we should instantly be thinking of the motives behind these messages. Of course it is great to be up to date with the newest electronic appliances and to look like the models we see in magazines and look up to, but is it really necessary? Buying the newest gadget on the market and trying to achieve an unattainable lifestyle will certainly not make you happy. Consumerism has a big effect on the environment. Some of the causes are more known than others, which is why it is so important to be educated on the matter. Most of us know that there is a general water shortage in the world, especially in African countries. What some of us do not know is that eating less meat can make a significant difference when it comes to water, as it takes 16 000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of hamburgers, for example. The consumption of meat also causes other problems, such as the emission of greenhouse gas and the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest for the cultivation of soya beans, used to feed animals before they are slaughtered. If we were to introduce a meat-free day each week for one whole year, we would be able to reduce our emission of greenhouse gas as much as if we were to cycle for 1250 km