‘Til death us do part’ is usually reserved for weddings. But as sustainability becomes a bigger concern, it could be applied to our prized possessions, from cashmere jumpers to iPhones. But how achievable is this in a world where acquiring and upgrading are the status quo?

A movement of self-imposed minimalism and moderation is replacing spending sprees and unchecked consumerism. But what’s causing it? And what elements contribute to this new ‘simple life’?

It doesn’t matter what income you’re on, everyone spends in the struggle for status. From make-up to man-bags, protein shakes to plastic surgery, jewellery to private jets – we all splash cash in the name of vanity. And new research shows that these purchases could be worth as much as $4.5 trillion.

In 2013, Gen Y helped grow sales of licensed merchandise to $51 billion in the US and Canada. Determined to raise their children in their own geeky image, Gen Y parents are introducing them to their pop-culture interests at a young age. How are these geeks reinventing family time?