I read this as self congratulatory virtue signaling. At the end of the day this argument could be broadened to “consumption culture is unethical and toxic” as

I read this as self congratulatory virtue signaling. At the end of the day this argument could be broadened to “consumption culture is unethical and toxic” as buying anything has these same pitfalls. But this article (and comments here) fall into the “consuming this thing I don’t value is bad because consumption is bad” while overlooking all the other things they consume that they do value. I’ve been lectured about upgrading my TV from an SUV owner who most certainly leases.