Your Opinion...When is Too Much Enough?

Leah at Revival Home recently did an interesting blog post about mass production. It touched a nerve in me and sparked a little debate on Facebook.

We're supposed to be going "green" right? That means recycling and other ways to save the environment.

{reproduction clock}

So my question is, why are the masses gobbling up items that are mass-produced? Don't get me wrong, there are wonderful "new" items out there that I myself purchase and covet. This society thrives off of consumerism.

But if more people consumed less, wouldn't we truly be going green?

{reproduced European globes}

{reproduction map}

{reproduction French wooden chandelier}

When I received the latest catalog from Restoration Hardware my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Big companies are knocking off every look that decorators and antique dealers have made hip and trendy. This includes Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Z Gallerie, the list goes on. They find a look and quickly have it manufactured in China. Hmm...not liking that.

And in many cases the reproduction pieces cost significantly more than the vintage pieces. Are people really buying the knock-0ffs? Guess so.

{reproduction dress form}

{reproduction hourglasses}

So tell me, what do you think of mass consumerism?

What about the knock-offs of vintage/antiques being made in China?

Where do you think the antiques/vintage business is headed?

Are we really going green?

photo credits; 1. Tim Walker. 2-7, Restoration Hardware