Consumerism And Why It Can’t Continue
As most of you are probably aware our current economy is driven by constant growth and that the success of any commercial venture is always measured by continued growth of sales, earnings, and market share. Since I have realised this myself quite a few years back I have always wondered how such continued growth can be sustained, not just in an environmental perspective.
I have recently come across this site called “The Story of Stuff” which kind of explained how the current economy works and that we can’t keep on expecting relentless, continuing growth.
The site features a 20 minute movie where Annie Leonard explains how our economy currently works and how this needs to be changed to enable a sustainable economy which in turn even helps the environment.
One scary fact that I always suspected but thought was a bit of a conspiracy theory is that world economies have been deliberately set-up for more and more consumerism in order to keep the earnings of the big corporations growing.
I do highly recomend taking 20 minutes to watch the movie on the “The Story of Stuff” website to anyone interested in sustainabilty.
Also, please share your thoughts on what Annie Leonard presents in the movie in the comments section of this article. I’d also like to hear about any ideas this movie might have inspired.
For ourselves, Rosalba and I are most likely to move our superannuation money into an super account that invests more into sustainable companies. We are currently looking at Australian Ethical Supperannuation as we believe that ethical investment includes investment into companies with sustainable practices.
So again, please share your thoughts in the comments section. Remeber every civilised and intelligent comment until the end of August 2008 goes in the draw to win the Book of House Plans.
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Glad you liked it Mark - and that you were not offended :)...
Mark and Rosalba are building a strawbale house!
August 18th, 2008 at 20:02
Sounds interesting. I’ve heard of it but never actually seen it. Have to admit I have been baaaddd on the consumer side of things lately. Need to get back on track.
Lightenings last blog post..Tupperware Party
August 18th, 2008 at 20:39
@Lightening: I know it’s not easy. I have my baaaddd moments as well. In retrospect I think the one thing that made the biggest difference for Rosalba and myself was that about 13 years ago we decided not to buy a TV set after we found ourselves without one for various reasons. This has cut down a lot of the advertising that we see (and most of the sublime messages hidden within TV ads
August 19th, 2008 at 5:37
Well this is my first encounter with a straw bale house and I will definetly be following your blog very closely!
Can’t wait to follow your progress, great site!
Claire
August 21st, 2008 at 9:47
Hi Mark! Thanks for visiting me. I think its terrific that you’re going to invest in sustainable businesses, and that you’re sharing the idea with others so that they might do the same. Good on ya!
passionategreens last blog post..Kids and Consumerism
August 25th, 2008 at 14:30
Another blog (Freaky Frugalite) mentioned your post about “stuff” and so I came over to check it out - and your site is really interesting. The older I get, the more I’m starting to see that modern technology and modern advances are not always for the better. I’ll be a regular visitor here, I’m thinking I’ll learn a lot.
I’m kinda only at the point of taking baby steps, but it’s the start of change, right?
Caroles last blog post..Random Thoughts on Fair Food, Politics and Our Stupid Refrigerator
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:18
I too refuse to own a TV. I also buy as much as I can at Goodwill or Slavation Army. In doing that it serves several purposes. It recycles perfectly good items. the money I spend goes to helping people in need, and both organizations offer job opportunities to people who would find it difficult to get a job otherwise (for a variety of handicaps). I love the idea of NOT being part of consumerism. I have lived a lot of my life off the grid and without “STUFF”. I thrive in it. Although I am currently living in a small city in the Southwest, USA I still refuse to “consume”. My sweetheart and I share one car by choice and we reuse, recycle and conserve.
I am applaud you for this site and will return and follow this house contraction and whatever else you share. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job on your site here. Good on ya mate!
I’m excited about it. Robin Easton
September 5th, 2008 at 2:29
This is one of my favorite videos, it’s simple enough that every body gets it, yet it does not talk down to you.