Consumerism in Australia

How does our consumption of luxury goods impact on people in the developing world and on the environment?

We live in an affluent, developed country in which most Australias have their material needs met. To a significant degree, Australia is a consumer-driven society, in which success and personal fulfillment are measured by the gain of material things. Consumerism and overconsumption has for many Australians become a way of life, in which they experience confusion between their needs and wants. The Australian dream now seems to incorporate more than just home ownership ... bigger houses, bigger vehicles, bigger televisions, and better expectations. Has materialism gone mad, or are Australians just becoming more conscious as consumers?

Facing challenging pressures

How can young people assert their individuality in the face of so many challenging group influences?

Most people want to be accepted by their peers. Peer pressure can be a positive influence and encourage us to do our best, however it can also have negative consequences. The pressure to 'fit in' with friends, at school or at work can affect the way you talk, dress and behave. It can be direct, indirect or sometimes the pressure can even come from yourself. Peer pressure can influence us to do something we usually would not do, or prevent us from doing something that we would like to do. How do you identify and handle peer pressure like teenage popularity issues, bullying, risk-taking behaviours (dating pressures, sex, drugs) and social pressures to look and act certain ways?

Climate Change threat

Are we doing enough to tackle the climate change threat?

Dancing Penguins

Just thought these were cute!