Advertising is on the move — literally — as human billboards spotted in Singapore caused concern over the growing footprint of consumerism.
A Reddit post is igniting new criticism over the ever-growing reach of consumer advertising. In a photo posted to r/LateStageCapitalism, an individual is seen walking through a crowd with a large digital screen strapped to their back, promoting a concert and $5 show bags.
"Just seen this in Singapore; Human billboards! Lost for words," the original poster wrote.
"Selling your soul to capitalism," said one commenter. "... Humiliating!"
This form of immersive advertising is just the latest example of how corporations are pushing product visibility to new extremes, and it's not just an eyesore. The barrage of "buy now" messaging encourages impulse buying, fuels overproduction, and worsens environmental health.
From fast fashion to single-use decor, the overconsumption spurred by aggressive advertising ends up filling landfills and driving up harmful carbon pollution linked to manufacturing and transport.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Globally, consumer goods contribute to nearly 60% of harmful gas pollution, according to a 2020 report from the United Nations Environmental Programme.
These new techniques have people questioning how far marketing would go just to grab a few extra seconds of consumer attention. As more people recognize the environmental cost of hyper-commercialism, calls are growing for meaningful alternatives.
Solutions like thrifting or participating in "buy nothing" groups offer ways to opt out of the cycle of wasteful consumption. Apps like Good On You help consumers make informed choices about where they shop and what kind of production they're supporting.
People can also be creative in using the goods they already have by upcycling or choosing to donate them. This leads to less purchasing and can even have direct impacts on your wallet, especially during a time when the economy is unpredictable.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
|
Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 👍 It's not about perfection, but even small acts of conscious consumption can chip away at the systems driving the excess.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
