I have always been baffled by the encouragement in our culture to purchase stuff we don’t need in order to boost the economy and provide jobs. It doesn’t seem to take much more than common sense to realize that doesn’t make much sense – especially sustainable sense. Sure, spending money on its own merit might temporarily boost a sagging economy but, long term, it only seems to enslave the masses with debt and increase the size of our homes, storage sheds, and landfills.
If we are serious about sustainability, both economic and environmental, one of the most important issues we all need to consider is our addiction to comfort and convenience. Somehow we must back out of our consumer culture and help to create a new culture based on need and care. If you haven’t seen this already, check out the Story of Stuff for a great reality check.
