SDGs Week 2025 – JCI Galway Project “From Cart to Conscious Change – Breaking the Cycle of Overconsumption”

Do you find yourself clicking “Add to Cart” one time too many?
Ever wonder what all those online shopping sprees mean for you, your local and broader community and future of our planet?
Do you want to stop your own overconsumption habits, but not sure how?

Join us for a short movie, experts panel discussion and an interactive brainstorming session which will change how you shop, consume and deal with waste for the better!

National experts who are passionate about sustainability, ethical marketing, waste reduction and good online consumption habits will dive into big issues facing a modern consumer such as:

>> Over-consumption & waste: Effects of overconsumption. How did we become a throwaway society, and how can we turn it around?
>> Changing consumer habits: Tips for cutting down on mindless shopping and embracing mindful, eco-friendly choices.
>> Online shopping and fast fashion addiction: The real dangers of “shopaholic” behaviour in the digital age, and how to break free.

Date: October 7th, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 7-9PM
Venue: Comworks, Loughrea

Programme
>> Opening (5 mins)

>> Screening the highlights of Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, a 2024 Netflix documentary that exposes the hidden tricks brands use to keep us locked in an endless cycle of buying. This subversive film unpacks how consumerism and “fast shopping” impact our lives and the world, from jam-packed landfills to the climate crisis. It’s an engaging look at why we buy so much – and the true cost of our “buy now, pay later” culture (10-15 mins, authorised by Netflix).

>> Expert panel discussion (30 mins)

>> Interactive discussions (20 mins)

>> Q&As (10 mins)
>> Closing (5 mins)

>> Tea & Coffee and networking

4 Key reasons to attend

1. Learn – Get the facts on how our everyday shopping habits affect the environment and our well-being and learn what you can do about it from people who’ve made change happen.

2. Be Inspired – Hear success stories and creative ideas from young leaders and sustainability experts on reducing waste and overconsumption.

3. Take Action – Find out how small changes in your shopping routine can make a big difference. We’ll share practical tips – from zero-waste life hacks to budgeting tricks – to help you save money and the planet.

4. Have Your Say – This is a youth-powered, community conversation. Ask questions, share your perspective, and brainstorm ideas.

Who should attend?

Everyone!

This event is open to all who care about healthy consumption habits, impact on the community and future. Whether you’re an avid online shopper, an eco-warrior, or just curious about living better with less, you’ll fit right in. Bring a friend (or two) and get ready for a fun, friendly evening of learning and action.

Sustainability doesn’t belong only to “green” people – it belongs to everybody, and everybody belongs in the conversation. Come for the film, stay for the conversation, leave with a new mindset.

Let’s come together to buy less, choose well, and make a difference in Loughrea and beyond!