The Hidden Cost of Hyper Convenience: Reconnecting with What We Consume

During my university studies in Operations and Supply Chain, I delved into the science of Supply Chain Management - “the monitoring and optimization of the production and distribution of a company’s products and services.” The goal? Minimize cost, minimize time, minimize waste.

In my studies, I explored key concepts like the Value Chain, the Circular Supply Chain, and Supply Chain Finance. These frameworks aim to balance buyer and seller needs while minimizing harm to the planet.

While I know that humanity is generally better off with these strong and robust supply chains to ensure people live comfortable lives, I think it is also important to be a conscious consumer and to not forget about the source of things.

Large, complex supply chains disconnect consumers from the source.

It’s important to remember large companies look at supply chain as a science. The executive team calculates the cost of different factors using massive amounts of data and negotiation tactics. Starbucks might weigh the costs and benefits of getting coffee beans from one country versus another, input the difference in transportation costs, and make a decision which includes a risk factor. Different coffee bean farms will be under pressure for low margins because they need to stay competitive. It’s the same process for mining lithium for electric vehicle production, and for the fibers to make fabric and clothing.

Even in supply chains where there is no manufacturing or processed production, like agricultural distribution, we see it is still complex.

Take the Azores Islands, where I’m currently living for a few months. Known for their famously sweet, small pineapples, these local fruits are more expensive than imported Costa Rican pineapples at the grocery store. Why? How did Costa Rican pineapples travel thousands of miles to be sold cheaper than local produce? The answer lies in globalization and transportation efficiencies—an achievement, but at what cost?

It comes down to globalization and supply chain transportation efficiencies. Again, there are two sides to every coin. It’s amazing that someone figured out how to deliver a very similar pineapple for a lower price, benefiting the consumer. However, does it really make sense? Does it make sense to consume the gas on the cargo ship? Does it make sense to pay the dockworkers and the containership company to ensure delivery here?

And if we dig deep on agriculture supply chains, another famous example are avocados from Mexico in the United States. Agriculture Dive says, “80% of avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico.” Just like trends are evident in technology or fashion, trends also dominate agriculture. The avocado in the past few years has been seen as a healthy food, inspiring meals like avocado toast or super food bowls. But does it make sense to make these foods everyday of the year?

Avocado season is February through September, so why do we have the same access to them all year?

Years ago, if you craved an avocado out of season, you waited. It wasn’t a problem; it was simply reality. But modern supply chains framed this as a problem—and then solved it. The question no one asked was: should it be fixed?

So you may still ask, what’s the issue?

I didn’t know how to answer until I saw this video on Instagram. I’m including the text here:

The real issue isn’t convenience—it’s disconnection. We’ve grown detached from the origins of our food, our products, even our services. Faceless supply chains have replaced meaningful connections.

One hundred or two hundred years ago, you may not have shook the hand of the person who harvested your potatoes, but you may have met the farmer who sold them at the local market. Or you may have known the tailor in town who made your clothes.

Global trade is not new. The Silk Road in the 15th century connected Europe to Asia. However, as global trade intensifies, I believe it is important that consumers make more of an effort to be conscious about the things they consume nowadays.

My recommendation is to ask the question, “how did this get here?”

Hyper convenience is what robust supply chains have provided. People love convenience, and you can argue it’s made lives better. But we have to also look at the minority effects, like driving the wages down or stagnant for farm workers. Or interrupting local production in favor of importation.

Especially if you work in supply chain, ask about your company’s practices, your suppliers’ practices, and your suppliers’ suppliers’ practices.

Extend the life of what you already own—repair instead of replace. Support local and seasonal food when possible. Embrace simplicity over consumerism.

You don’t need compostable shoes or fancy reusable straws. Use what you have, slow down, and reflect on the journey of what you consume. Reconnect with the supply chain of things, and in turn, reconnect with the world around you.