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Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Story of Stuff
Labels:
consumer responsibility,
economics,
sustainability,
toxics
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3 comments:
My only comment is that, while the west can cut back, development is still needed in much of the world. Even for basic health care and needed facilities, more energy and materials use will be required. Such use might be cut back after they have reached their health goals or other criteria outside of GDP growth.
I agree completely. And since "the west" is already using so many resources, if everyone in the strives to live like that, we will definitely destroy our environment and deplete our resources (or kill each other first as we struggle for power over resources.)
So it's important that we all "meet in the middle". The developing world needs help developing in a sustainable way, and the "west" needs to replace old methods with MUCH MORE sustainable methods. We have to drastically decrease our consumption so our compadres across the world can improve their way of life. Do you think people would be willing to do that?
You might be able to get folks to consume less IF it is framed as development in another direction. Also, such a decrease cannot affect public health or other important services.
Another question to keep in mind is "How much in resources will it take to achieve the reduction?" In other words, scrapping cars for other transportation still involves materials processing and energy. There will be diminishment of returns as the easier efficiency measures are completed. Still, if framed right, a more efficient west can be achieved.
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