Looking for ways to stay sustainable and save money at the same time? Underconsumption Core may be the newest trend for you!

Since becoming a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mom I’ve been leaning into old-fashioned frugal living traditions. There are so many tried and true methods that got people through much harder times! I certainly don’t use every tip but there are many I’m learning to embrace. It’s been a difficult transition to a single income but I’ve recently seen “underconsumption” and “de-influencing ” become popular. This mindset of buying less, using what you already have, and comparing yourself less to others is so helpful for anyone (like me) on a tight budget.

What is Underconsumption Core?

Underconsumption Core is the social media movement to push back against consumerism and use what you already have. “Core” is added to the end of the term to help it stand out as a trend. This lifestyle is a conscious choice to “de-influence” away from the seemingly perfect lives of influencers. At its heart, the goal of underconsumption is to be happy with what you have and buy only what you need.

The Spectrum of Underconsumption Core

Underconsumption core appears to intersect with minimalism and sustainability. Ironically, many minimalist influencers leaning into underconsumption core, show underconsumption in a way that is still aesthetically pleasing. The sustainability crowd seems to focus underconsumption core more on normalizing repurposing and reusing. This typically looks more “normal” and less curated.

While underconsumption does overlap with frugality, it’s not necessarily the same. A thrifty person on a budget (like myself) can underconsume by embracing a mismatched home and learning to DIY. However, if I thrift clothes to keep up with current fashion trends I am outside of the underconsumption core realm. I consider myself to be frugal so I can appreciate the money-saving aspect of underconsumption, but I’m able to find many things on sale or second-hand so that I don’t have to reuse everything around me.

How Does Underconsumption Save Money?

Underconsumption saves money because it encourages you to avoid buying the next trend. The money you would spend on Stanley cups, viral handbags, and blogger favorite outfits can all be put back in your pocket if you already have a water bottle, purse, and sundress that get the job done. Underconsumption Core as a trend can also help educate on new ways to repurpose what you already have.

Examples of Underconsumption Core

• Mismatched Glassware– Mason jars and hand-me-down mugs are just as useful to drink from as a full set of identical drink ware.
• Reusing Glass Jars– Glass jars can be turned into drinking glasses, and holders for q-tips, jewelry, etc.
• Reusing Baggies– Did you know you can wash out resealable baggies?
• Reusing Takeout Containers– Wash and reuse plastic take out containers to hold your own leftovers at home.
• Using Every Last Drop– Use up ingredients or toothpaste in the tube before throwing it away.
• Painting Nails at Home– A $10 bottle of nail polish can last for many applications and save you major money on manicures.
• DIY and Thrifted Decor- Go ahead and look at the trendy artwork in the store but ask yourself how you can make it cheaper and more unique to your own style.
• Minimal Skincare Routine- Skincare is one of the biggest areas for influencers to try and use their influence to get you to buy expensive serums from affiliate links. Use only what you know works and be okay with it.
• Buying (or Borrowing) Books Secondhand– Instead of buying new books, share with a friend, go to a thrift shop, or check out your local library.
• Wear Well-Loved Clothing– Wear the clothes you’ve had forever even if they’re not all “cute.” Consider a capsule closet or buy clothes secondhand.
• Fix/Mend What’s Broken– Learn to patch and sew new buttons on old clothes. Figure out how to nail down the broken edge of the bookshelf.
• Using Mismatched Appliances and Furniture– Nearly every home you see on social media is beautiful, cohesive, and aesthetically pleasing. Instead, learn to embrace the inherited chair, the ugly old fridge that keeps working.

Is Underconsumption Old Fashioned?

The Great Depression is often used by frugal folks as an example of ways people were able to make ends meet in extreme poverty. Today, most people don’t live in that kind of dire situation but underconsumption core encourages people to spend less and use what they have similar to those times. In addition, underconsumption core also fights against consumerism which was popularized in America with TV, radio, and now social media. In a way, underconsumption is old-fashioned because it harkens to a time before influencers and commercials.

Is Underconsumption Just “Normal Consumption”?

The real question is, “What’s normal?”. Because I am on a tight single income, I use many of the above examples of underconsumption, however, I don’t use all of them. When we were a dual-income family, we used a few less. It’s hard to know what “normal” is when everyone has different incomes and priorities.

In general terms, it seems the more disposable income you have the more you consume. With influencers all over social media showing luxury lifestyles, beautiful skin, and perfect homes it’s easy to see how those with more money would want what they see! The underconsumption core trend is a way to encourage everyone to spend less and be content. A trend discouraging unnecessary consumerism is something we can all benefit from.

Have you heard of underconsumption core? In what ways do you feel like you fit in or don’t fit in to this trend?

Want To Learn More About The Underconsumption Lifestyle?

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