Hardly anything has remained the same since the beginning of the century. Our cars are faster, portions are larger, and waistlines are wider. With our cutting-edge technology, American culture has turned into a fast paced network continuously pursuing the next hot item. From the powerful force of the media over our society, we are facing a severe over-consumption outbreak. Billions of dollars are being spent by advertising agencies designed to create a desire to follow trends and attain artificial bliss from acquiring more and more goods. As humans, we believe that we can continue to take from the Earth without giving anything back. However, research shows that if these trends continue, our resources will become depleted and sustainability will be obsolete. There is a direct link between mass advertising and the rising levels of consumption. From this we are realizing social, psychological, and most importantly environmental problems. Though the media industry cannot be stopped, there are several ways to change this epidemic and return to a more sustainable way of life.