A recent TikTok trend has flooded timelines offering a stark contrast from the glitz and glam followers typically see on social media and instead shines a light on a minimalist lifestyle dubbed “underconsumption core.”
From home decor and furniture to the latest style trends, consumers are surrounded by influencers flaunting their purchases. However, the “underconsumption core” videos are challenging consumerism. Those participating in the trend highlight their minimalist lifestyle. Instead of buying for want, people only buy and use items they need.
The trend has made its way to “Pet Tok” where pet owners are sharing their opinions about dialing it down from endless options of treats and toys to just giving their fur babies what they need. Plus, of course, lots of love.
TikTok user Jennifer Bertling is no stranger to the minimalist lifestyle. She told Newsweek via phone that she “consciously and unconsciously” practices the underconsumption trend daily due to her upbringing in her Los Angeles home. She focuses on finding things second-hand and using or wearing them down until they no longer work.
In her July 16 TikTok video shared to the account @milly_thechi, Bertling shows her practicing those same “less is more” values with her Chihuahua mix Milly. While the items she uses for Milly don’t necessarily fit her aesthetic, they work.
Bertling has kept the same blanket she used when bringing home Milly and she bought a $3 “ugly beige” rug to help give Milly traction against the hardwood floor. It doesn’t fit the space, but it works.
Milly has a few toys, but when one started looking grimy, Bertling took it away. She washed it, put it in the cabinet and regifted it during Christmas.
“I saved myself money and I’m giving something new life,” she said.
Just because she calls herself a “longtime minimalist” doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to buy new and fancy items for Milly. She constantly needs to remind herself it’s more sustainable this way. Plus, she believes the toys and Halloween costumes are more for the owners than dogs.
“I’m drawn to these cute dog things because I’m human, but I need to check myself,” Bertling said. “She doesn’t need it, I don’t need it. I’m resisting the hit of dopamine when buying items.”
In Bertling’s eyes, keeping these items will comfort her dog. Milly can recognize the items as hers. It has her smell. It’s a part of her. And now Milly can also call herself a “sustainable queen.”
Owner Jennifer Bertling explains “underconsumption core” as a pet parent to her Chihuahua mix named Milly.
@milly_thechi/TikTok
Can Underconsumption Work?
Every pet parent wants to show their fur babies their love by constantly buying treats, new toys and even outfits. Dr. Amanda Steffen Reilly, a Cincinnati-based veterinarian, spoke with Newsweek via phone about the “underconsumption” trend and how it can work for dog owners.
Dr. Steffen Reilly said either method—overconsumption or underconsumption—can work as long as an owner’s dog gets mental stimulation. And that will depend on the dog since each one is different.
“There is no detriment to having a few set toys as long as they can cognitively enrich dogs in different ways,” she said.
She noted that in Milly’s case, the few toys work since she is a gentle chewer, but other canines, especially bigger dogs, might rip toys up within minutes. For those wanting to reuse toys, Dr. Steffen Reilly suggested puzzle toys and lick mats. Owners can refill the lick mats with new items and freeze them to add variety.
“It also depends on the external enrichment they’re getting,” she added.
External enrichment can mean going on walks or hikes, taking your dog to the brewery or sending them to doggy daycare.
One of her concerns, however, relates to dog beds. Dr. Steffen Reilly is into senior pet care and senior dogs need a comfortable bed to rest. Using a single bed over and over again can wear down. However, if the owners wash and help maintain the bed it can work. The dog bed company she uses has a 10-year warranty that limits the purchases as it can be replaced when the cushion flattens down.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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