The transformation to sustainability and/as ways to happiness
What seems to be heard most often are the environmentalists predicting doom, and the deniers and delayers arguing that change would hurt us, personally and economically.Recently, we see an emergent understanding that a transformation to sustainability is actually not just about hard choices for "saving the planet," but about ways in which human happiness can ...learn more
Something I have been wondering about, and want to put out there for discussion:
With the economic crisis, consumption is declining, the value of thrift and creativity (as in, how to make do) is re-discovered.
It may be a slight reprieve for the environment or may increase pressure to produce even more cheaply, but doesn't really change much in the long term.
Actually, where the economy is concerned, the eroded faith and lowered consumption are said to be the root of the crisis, or at least its continuation; less consumption also means less money for sustainability-oriented products and services (organic agriculture, "green" fashion, private investment in alternative energy).
In its effect on personal atittudes, having thrift be a necessity may make high-consumption lifestyles something we long to return to.
So, my question(s):
What do you see as the main effect?
What could the "green" community do to increase the chances that the lesson we draw from this crisis is a good one for sustainable development?
(A note to the latter: Van Jones' "Green for All", the idea of "green collar jobs" are one obvious, good, effect which comes to mind...)
Something I have been wondering about, and want to put out there for discussion:
With the economic crisis, consumption is declining, the value of thrift and creativity (as in, how to make do) is re-discovered.
It may be a slight reprieve for the environment or may increase pressure to produce even more cheaply, but doesn't really change much in the long term.
Actually, where the economy is concerned, the eroded faith and lowered consumption are said to be the root of the crisis, or at least its continuation; less consumption also means less money for sustainability-oriented products and services (organic agriculture, "green" fashion, private investment in alternative energy).
In its effect on personal atittudes, having thrift be a necessity may make high-consumption lifestyles something we long to return to.
So, my question(s):
(A note to the latter: Van Jones' "Green for All", the idea of "green collar jobs" are one obvious, good, effect which comes to mind...)