Is the "American Dream" just a shopping spree in disguise? This episode kicks off our Sustainability Economics 101 series with a deep dive into consumerism—how it fuels the economy, shapes our culture, and depletes our planet’s resources. We unpack the role of influencers, the psychology of overconsumption, and the not-so-hidden costs of our shopping habits. Plus, we spotlight sustainable swaps that are actually worth buying. Spoiler: You don’t need another viral gadget, but a compostable phone case? Now we’re talking.