Project Pan: A Refreshing Trend to Fight Overconsumption

The infamous app, TikTok, has recently popularized the Project Pan trend. Project Pan encourages users to examine how overconsumption has affected their lives, specifically their buying habits. Those who are participating in Project Pan collect duplicates of products they own (makeup, haircare, lotion, perfume, etc.) and go through these products before buying more. The name Project Pan comes from the reference of "hitting pan" when using pressed powder makeup products such as eyeshadow or blush. The term means that they have used so much of it that they can see the bottom of the pan.

Hundreds of creators are going viral for showing other users what they plan on using up for Project Pan, then showcasing how much product they were able to use over the span of a month. Many creators are also reviewing their empty products, also known as empties, and reviewing what they will repurchase and why.

Both the #empties and Project Pan trends are massive steps in the right direction. Many apps, TikTok especially, glorify overconsumption with thousands of viral videos of influencer's, makeup, lotion, perfume, purse, clothing, and shower collections. Collections of body scrubs will take years to finish and by that time, many of the products will have expired.

With Project Pan trending, it will hopefully inspire users to think about the products they already have before buying what they do not need. Many creators have stated in their Project Pan videos that the trend opened their eyes to how much they are buying and wasting when they contribute to overconsumption.

Will you take on the Project Pan challenge in 2025?