Anti-Consumerism

Holiday Spending Stats That Will Make You Sick

Black Friday Shopping vs. Basic Necessities

The number of U.S. residents living in poverty was 46.5 million last year, proving once and for all that the effects of the country's economic recovery have yet to fully trickle down.

Spending on Holiday Gifts vs. Spending on Education

On a positive note, the $704 is $66 below the amount forecasted at this time last year.

Spending on Jewelry vs. Number of Homeless Americans

Think about that for a moment. By forgoing only jewelry, each homeless person could receive $43,390 directly — though that is likely not the best solution to the issue. That being said, if only half of that money went to provide services for the homeless, it would be a major step toward helping eradicate homelessness by providing tools that they could use to rebuild a better life for themselves.

Gadget Spending vs. Average Annual Income Worldwide

In other words, over 3 billion people globally live on less than $2.50 a day, or $912.50 per year. This stat shows how lucky we are to live in North America and puts our spending in perspective compared to worldwide poverty.

Fast Food and Weight Loss Products Spending vs. Hunger in America

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14.5% of U.S. households are dangerously undernourished. As many as 50 million Americans eat fast food every day, many times because this is the most affordable option. The term undernourished includes those who consume fast food because it does not provide the nutritional benefits we require the thrive.

Distribution of Wealth: Rich vs. Poor

This unequal distribution of wealth is nothing new. We know all about the 1%. These figures emphasize how such a small group of people could affect such a large number of people's lives by giving up some of their abundance.

Government Spending: Military vs. Cancer Research

The National Cancer Institute's annual operating budget has been relatively flat over the past decade, while military spending has continued to skyrocket. The government's spending is great way to clearly see their priorities.

Black Friday Spending vs. Debt in America

Credit cards are powerful pieces of plastic that have put 95% of Americans in debt — we spend exorbitant amounts of money on trends and presents every year that we don't actually need. We feel compelled to join in on the consumerist glory in November and December each year. Giving feels good, but we seem to forget to think about the long-term consequences of spending beyond our means.

On The Bright Side…

Americans are generous

Americans gave $298.42 billion to charity in 2011. The total is up 4% in current dollars and 0.9% in inflation-adjusted dollars from 2010.