Yes. But my point is that not all consumption can be considered equal in terms of the wellbeing and quality of life that it provides.
For example, if I was spending $5000 per year on car payments and fuel for my commute to work, that's a lot of 'consumption'. But it isn't something that makes me happy or feel fulfilled.
On the other hand, suppose I live in a city where I can walk, cycle, or ride a tram to work. My quality of life might be equal or better - yet I'm consuming $5000 less.
The humidity is the main attraction to the show and cares little for shade, peachtree, sycamore or otherwise.
Not the parent commenter but why do you think they would if they could?
Consumption habits across borders aren't as obvious to me because of advertising, culture, etc.
And Europeans are hardly ascetics. It’s fair to assume that in both places, if people had more means to consume they would.