Science Rebels Make Their Mark in Brussels’ Nieuwstraat: Reflecting on Consumer Society

On a Saturday afternoon in Brussels, about ten activists from Scientist Rebellion Global, Growth Kills, and Extinction Rebellion came together to take action in Nieuwstraat. Their goal was to engage in dialogue with Saturday shoppers and prompt them to question the consumer society that brought them to the shopping street. The activists saw this as an opportunity to connect with the public in a different way, beyond their usual actions aimed at politicians.

Campaigner Manua explained that while previous actions focused on politicians to raise awareness, they also wanted to engage with the general public and understand their perspectives. By listening to people’s concerns and sharing their own message, the activists hoped to spark meaningful conversations about the consequences of overconsumption and the need for change.

Nieuwstraat, filled with advertisements promoting excessive consumption, provided a fitting backdrop for starting these discussions. The activists raised questions about whether working 40 hours a week solely to acquire low-quality goods was truly fulfilling. They proposed an alternative lifestyle of working less, consuming less, and prioritizing personal passions and community connections over material possessions.

In challenging the societal norms perpetuated by capitalism and neoliberal policies, the activists aimed to inspire reflection and encourage people to consider alternative ways of living that prioritize sustainability and well-being over endless consumption. Their presence in Nieuwstraat was a small but significant step towards sparking these important conversations and fostering a shift towards a more conscious and sustainable way of life.