The purpose of this blog is primarily for me to reflect on the lectures and seminars given in my sustainable consumption module. This is part of a collaborative learning process with the rest of my classmates, but also to help facilitate my own learning by forcing me to organise my thoughts on these complex and contested issues.
So what is ‘Sustainable Consumption’ and is it even possible? Academics tend to distinguish between mainstream and alternative sustainable consumption. The mainstream perspective, usually held by policy-makers and businesses, assumes that sustainability – environmental, social and economic – can be achieved through small and incremental changes to the current social and economic order. The alternative perspective holds that far more radical changes are needed to achieve sustainability. In reality this can be conceived of as a spectrum from mainstream to radical, with many competing perspectives. I would place myself towards the more radical end of the spectrum, as I believe that the current ecological, social, economic, psychological… (I could go on) crisis presents more serious challenges than a few green taxes, ethical consumer goods and a bit of carbon off-setting can address. I don’t see problems like climate change as mere setbacks which need to be quickly dealt with in order for us to continue with the status quo; rather such problems are symptoms of a wider crisis that shows that our current system is fundamentally failing. Therefore the mainstream model of sustainable consumption is neither effective nor desirable.
I feel I ought to say that despite my dissatisfaction with the world as it is, I remain optimistic about the future. I believe a positive transformation towards a fairer, greener and happier system is possible, and there are already signs all around - from transition towns, to community housing projects, to local currencies – that this change has already begun.
Over the coming weeks I'll try to get down to the nitty gritty, beyond my utopian ramblings, to consider how sustainable consumption might work in practice. I am conscious already of a disparity between my ideals and the reality of the way I live my life. Although I try to shop ethically and live green, I know I'm still not doing enough. I'm letting my parents take me on holiday to Japan this Easter, despite the fact I know that flying is one of the worst activities possible for the planet. I still buy lots of things I don't really need, and I'm a bit scared of my bike. This is subject that I will probably come back to a lot in this blog.
Thanks for reading. Constructive criticism, interesting links and random comments are always welcome.
This is going to be pretty short. The point of the qoute from my pov is to emphasize what people in the North or West, whatever you want to call us ultimately have to step up to; personnel sacrifices, that are SIGNIFICANT and not half-hearted attempts at so-called green living.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 7:13-14
Narrow and Wide Gates
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
I think environmentalists should chill out a little on the whole self-richeousness and one-upmanship b.s.. There isn't time for environmentalism to become a lifestyle statement, just because its in-vogue
This isn't aimed at anyone at inparticular, but some people I've come across, especially FOE back in Sheffield had this attitude...essentially humility and modesty I think are two values we as a species could do well to rediscover pretty soon
Hi 'The State of...' I really enjoyed your quote from Matthew 7. I agree completely with you; we need big steps towards green living.
ReplyDeleteI don't normally opt for a topdown approach to governance but in this case I think some soft regulations need implementing as incentives to encourage 'The West' to make radical green changes.
They have so much information, points of view etc., normally negative, thrust at them I guess the whole thing can be pretty daunting and ends up with the view of 'I'll leave someone else to do it, how much of a difference can I make?'
We need to focus on the positive steps and encouragement as a collective; right from small individual token steps to working together for a greener planet- within and across boundaries. With government regulations and policies acting as a skeleton framework for guiding this change.
What policies and regulations would help this I'm still thinking about.... any thoughts from you or Helen?
I don't understand your comment on there isn't time for environmental to become a lifestyle statement just because it's in-vogue??
Are you getting at the point of adjusting social norms? We need to act now whether or not it's fashionable to? Please help me understand :)
If it is this point I do think 'fashion' has it's place- we already see people wanting to grow there own vegetables, recycling more, etc.
Thank you to you both I enjoyed reading your comments!
Katie