Word of the day: Consumerism

From Wikipedia:

Consumerism is the equation of personal happiness with consumption and the purchase of material possessions. The term is often associated with criticisms of consumption starting with Thorstein Veblen or, more recently by a movement called Enoughism.
Veblen's subject of examination, the newly emergent middle class arising at the turn of the twentieth century, comes to full fruition by the end of the twentieth century through the process of globalization.[1]
In economics, consumerism refers to economic policies placing emphasis on consumption.

Can we achieve a balance with nature when the want for the latest drives so many? Can our land survive the amount of "throw-aways" because of our lust? Do we really need that 200 inch plasma/LED/nuetron-activated TV that has voice activated controls? Do we really need the latest to see the drivel that is on TV today?