Frugality in Consumption: The Way Out of the New Age Problems of the Contemporary World with Special Reference to India

Abstract

India, in its developing stage, is facing the pains of development in the form of environmental degradation leading to all types of pollution and disasters. The possible way out of this menace is ‘Frugality.’ Frugal consumption can help reduce the pressure on land that is limited to the unlimited needs of man. It has been observed that economic affluence often succeeded with the scourge of problems mainly because of missing awareness and understanding in the individuals to reach the right and judicious choices. Through this chapter, I wish to present a classification of frugality based on will as forced frugal consumption and voluntary frugal consumption. In 2016, when the capital city of India, Delhi, was troubled by very unhealthy AQI the government came out with an ‘odd-even’ scheme for vehicles where people had to adopt forced frugal consumption of means of transportation in an attempt to curb severe air pollution. On the other hand, due to heavy rainfall when several cities were hit by floods people adopted voluntary frugal consumption as they were unsure of the coming adversities. Similarly, during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions people experienced both forced and voluntary frugality. So the chapter is an attempt to analyse the effect of both the ‘frugal consumptions.’

The chapter also discusses frugality as mentioned in different religious texts. It presents the result of a survey that was conducted post-COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to analyse the implementation of frugality. People not only got a chance to experience frugal living but also got au courant with the perks of this lifestyle. The people who resorted to frugal living agreed that their savings have increased and they were able to invest it for reaping future benefits. It has contributed towards their individual growth and economic growth at the macro level. Limited consumption not only helped them at the monetary level but also helped them gain inner peace and satisfaction. They have lived a much more contended and happy life. It also presents a frugal model and an equation for sustainable economic growth. Frugal consumption not only reduces the competition among the inmates in acquiring resources for their survival but also helps them make judicious choices and contain desires. Thus this chapter aims to highlight frugality not as an option but as a necessity of the contemporary world. The father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi has always emphasised on frugal and simple living. His thoughts have an imperative effect even today and if brought into practice can solve many problems that the nation is facing.