In a way, I don't quite expect the youth to learn and practice good stuff from elders. We ranted enough when young and not as "experienced" in life. I only hope they learn earlier in life, better ways of living and just stop blaming a whole older, generation for their own problems.
As for too much stuff acquisition from previous generations: A close friend of mine is trying to sell a 4 bedroom house that she inherited from parents. She lives in this home herself which is gettin' too expensive for her to maintain..and now has to deal with a pile of wonderful antique furniture her parents left behind which she and a sister is unwilling to give up.
Moral: Absolutely don't accumulate too much possessions for the next generation or even now.
In my nieces and nephews I see a wide cross-section of behaviours --ranging from a 26 yr. niece and her boyfriend who take transit everywhere and only use car for out of town trips. Or a 11 yr. niece (from a different family), who complains walking too much when we're only strolling on a bike-ped. path for 15 min. This is a competitive little gymnast(!) - a very fit, strong girl. But alas, it's parents driving her and siblings all over the place.