In an age of mass production of plastics and disposable goods, consumers fall into the hands of massive corporations in a fruitless attempt to gain joy from the purchase of physical goods. After the short-lasting dopamine hits inevitably subside, individuals seek to replenish the emotional high, searching for a materialistic item to provide comfort. Ultimately, the cycle of consumerism spins under the guidance of dependency on purchased frivolities — but not without a steep cost on the environment and consumerist habits.
Trends within the commercial goods industry, particularly with single-use and unrecyclable items, act as a destructive tidal wave of mass consumerism and, in turn, mass waste of goods. Trends, constantly shifting, defy permanence and fuel short-term obsessions. To blend in and become compatible with society, individuals flow with the currents of consumerism, contributing to the mass production, sale and waste of goods. Ultimately, material trends promote an inevitable disposal of materials into places such as the ocean, landfills and developing countries.
Labubus — stuffed toys notorious for their toothy facial expressions — perfectly exemplify trend-set consumerism. Originating in 2015 but popularized in 2025, these mischievous dolls have produced and sold enough to generate an estimated on -billion dollars within the year. Although the retail price ranges from $20 to $155, the frenzied desperation to own one led resale prices to rocket, selling for even ten times the original price. On July 24, 2025, a Lububu x Vans collaboration sold for $10,503.64 — enough to buy just under two years’ worth of groceries on average. Such amounts of money spent on a short-lived trend link directly to irrationality and blind consumerism, beneficial to no one except the massive corporations manipulating their audience.
“I believe Labubus are undeniably cute kids’ toys, however, I believe they’ve been placed into the wrong hands. This unnecessary microtrend that’s going on has distorted the market. This greedy obsession in consumerists has once again failed to see a microtrend that will come and go and will leave behind an unnecessary excess of waste into our one and only home, Mother Earth. This constant ‘must-have’ cycle fueled by these microtrends and mindless consumption really puts a bigger dent in our very much limited natural resources than people think,” junior Rileigh Fink said.
During economic declines, populations commonly turn to life’s material splendors for a sense of comfort and a kick of dopamine. Economists believe that Labubus represent today’s “affordable luxuries” — a sign of economic recession. While individuals may struggle to afford vacations and fancy dinners, purchasing a $20 blind box serves as a minute status symbol in a world of financial distress.
While helpful in securing a tangible source of joy, these toys exist only as a short-term trend that will inevitably join the masses of polluting waste in landfills. Individuals may see the appeal of the plushies due to their personalized and unique nature; however, they focus on their present-day charm rather than long-term consequences. Through this lens, Labubus presents a tempting opportunity for material indulgence and temporary happiness.
“I enjoy my Labubu because it’s a gift from my sister. I initially hated them because they looked weird, a bunny with sharp fangs. However, when my sister gave me one, I grew to like it and cherish it. The only reason people don’t like them is that they look weird, and it feeds into consumerism. I personally love them because it shows more of my personality on my book bag — I love collecting things that I find cool or cute,” senior Kasselyn Barrios said.
While Labubus present a seemingly innocent form of fitting in with trends and bring immediately accessible joy in a box, the price of these dolls on the environment, not to mention societal morals, cannot justify their frenzied craze. Rather than using material goods as a crutch to feel positive during hardships, relying on sustainable methods, such as spending time outside, creating personalized art or learning a new skill, presents both individuals and the planet with methods to remain healthy and happy. Trend-set consumerism may mark the environment’s downfall and economic doom, but through the power of responsible spending, consumers can control the market, and in turn, the welfare of the world.
