how much should one consume?

how much should one consume?

this question has been baffling me since quite some time..

i have written my views in quotes below mid-2007 when there was money all around

"consumerism has been a boon to all the retail big wigs around the world. and yes it has got indians flight of fancy too. my question is how much is too much? the ugly head is excessive consumerism in simple words people buying too many things than they require. this is the new age junk mind set. the upside is retailers making more money. the downside is ... guess its a long list. it has a huge impact on the eco system. by buying more we are creating a divide... so how do we stop it?"

unwind to the present ... we are in midst of a economic crisis... my view hasnt changed much. i was in one of the gurgaon malls .. SALE SALE SALE was written all over... to my surprise people were buying in hoards as if there is no tomorrow...

i asked couple of the shoppers why were they buying in excess.... the answer ... sasta hain "its cheap in english" huh .... the inner guilt has clearly been greed.... this is what drives excessive consumerism...

and the divide continues

any body has anwers for this ???