We do not understand that we're living in excess, because we've been taught our entire life that this level of convenience is normal and good. Money can just solve everything, it's that easy, no downside. No sacrifice of value needs ever be made.
Exactly this... my time and money is more important than the cost to the planet. I earn enough to not care. Recycling is a scam. I do not even know what reduce and reuse mean! My car has a bumper sticker that says "SAVE THE PLANET", with the subtext "without impacting my lifestyle". /s
