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I was encouraged to read the article about the young embracing TikTok’s “underconsumption core” trend ( , Aug 17). This shift in behaviour is not only a smart financial move but also a step towards environmental sustainability. As a baby boomer, I was raised by frugal parents who taught me to use items until they were truly beyond repair. In contrast, today’s consumer culture – driven by relentless advertising – encourages people to replace their perfectly good mobile phones whenever a new model is released. Then there’s the obscene food wastage in Singapore. While it’s reported that a significant from older to younger generations is expected in the future, this wealth will be meaningless without a healthy planet to live on. It’s crucial to instil frugality in the young and resist the urge to overspend. It may fuel the global economy, but it doesn’t necessarily benefit the individual or the environment.