Is Our Economy Sustainable?
We’re constantly told “growth is good”. A growing economy means more jobs and thus more wealth for everyone.
But is that correct?
What if that growth really meant growth in roads, shopping malls, and of course growth in “stuff” – the stuff we’re told we need. But what about growth of useful things?
What if that “growth” didn’t make us healthier?
Does growth cause air quality and pollution problems which result in health issues for us and other animals? Â Could growth also mean massive degradation of the natural environment, and more unpredictable weather due to man-made climate change?
What if that “growth” doesn’t make us happier? What if that growth doesn’t make (most of) us wealthier?
Once our basic needs are satisfied, countless studies have shown that buying more “stuff” doesn’t make us happier. Of course that new TV or phone makes us happy for a short while – but before we know it, it’s out of date and others have “better” stuff.
All that new stuff costs us money. We’re encouraged to get into debt with credit cards – payment is painless.
But how many days of each week do you have to work, just to pay for your “stuff”? How much are you able to invest or save for your future?
Wouldn’t it make more sense to have a different type of Growth? Growth that didn’t exploit the planet. Growth that didn’t make us ill and cause pollution. Growth that didn’t have us in an endless rat race. Growth that still provided jobs.
Take 5 minutes and watch this video – as usual, the “Story of Stuff” project team have made another entertaining and well done video.
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I was a business major in college, the idea of economic growth even back then in the late 80s didn’t make sense to me. Growth only benefits the big corporations, not the average person or the planet. I have transitioned to about 90% local only transactions. I buy nothing at the big box stores, but shop the small independent businesses where I can find quality used items and even quirky things I wouldn’t find in the basic retailer. Not only that my interactions with the shop owners have evolved into friendships in some cases. Avoiding the grocery store for the farmer’s market helps the farmer earn more and gives me quality food.
Growth in the local community that is based on reuse and handmade is a much better model as the money stays in the community, supports families, and has a smaller impact on the environment.
You’re right, a growth economy doesn’t benefit the planet. 90% local transactions is very s impressive, wow! And the benefits are clear to see – thanks so much for sharing your views and experience Lois!