Isn\u2019t it interesting how hard times help us bring into focus that which is really important?\u00a0 I believe that this is true in our day-to-day lives as well as in the mindset of a nation.\u00a0 True crises sharpen our vision and help us cut through the minutia that often takes precedence in our day to day lives.\u00a0 Or does it?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For so long,\u00a0 rampant consumption, the behavior that typifies the American way of life, has been the rule.\u00a0 The mantras of \u201cthe bigger the better\u201d and \u201che who dies with the most shit wins\u201d capture the mindset that drives this behavior.\u00a0\u00a0 This is particularly true this time of year.\u00a0 Somehow, many of us turn the Holidays into a competitive event\u00a0spurred on by Martha Stewart and Madison Avenue – with massive divestitures of capital, time, sleep, energy, and ultimately health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As Americans we make up 5% of the world\u2019s population, yet we consume 25% of the world\u2019s resources.\u00a0 Our economy is perilously balanced on this mentality of consumption.\u00a0 No longer can we afford this \u2013 economically or environmentally.\u00a0 China and India, whose populations greatly exceed that of the US, have expanding economies, and when their citizens\u2019 develop consumptive appetites like our own, we are in serious trouble.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sustainability, both personally and environmentally,\u00a0 demands that we cut back \u2013 we have to shed those deeply entrenched materialistic ways of old.\u00a0 This is not easy given that we have been programmed to value things over people, to seek happiness through acquisition, and to enhance our status through the clothes we wear and the cars we drive.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Perhaps this sustained economic crisis will help us all refocus on what is really important.\u00a0 I believe that ultimately we will be better off if we share the view that enough is riches<\/em>.\u00a0 Having enough food, shelter, water, and clothing stands one in good position relative to the vast majority of people in the world.\u00a0 Conspicuous consumption to keep up with the Joneses is really a zero sums game.\u00a0 But such a minimalist mentality wont drive our current economic scenario out of the doldrums.\u00a0 This is the rub.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do we move forward as a people and a nation in a sustainable manner?\u00a0 Our economic needs and our planet’s needs are at odds.\u00a0 The solution, I am certain, is complex – yet the need has never been more clear.\u00a0 I believe that we can make choices to cut back in strategic ways and at the same time take steps to engage in sustainable practices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For example, we can take real steps to reduce our consumption of, and dependence on, hydrocarbons.\u00a0 And we can buy our food in ways that reduce the impact and power of large unsustainable factory farms.\u00a0 We also can spend our money in stores that provide a living wage and health care for their workers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do we do this?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n First, get away from the mindset that consumption and material items will raise your status.\u00a0 Then consider driving less and walking or biking more.\u00a0 Look into renewable energy sources like solar or wind generation systems.\u00a0 Turn off the lights, computer, and TV when they are not in use.\u00a0 Turn down the heat or A\/C and dress to compensate.\u00a0 Buy based on need not want.\u00a0 Buy your produce from a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm and grow your own vegetables (learn how to can or freeze fresh produce from these sources).\u00a0 Buy your meat from local farmers who graze their livestock in pastures where they consume what they have evolved to eat.\u00a0 Learn that convenience comes at a cost – and that those costs, in many ways, are hidden and delayed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cost is the second rub.\u00a0 All the things that I have suggested (with the exception of the conservation efforts) cost more.\u00a0 And they all demand more effort.\u00a0 It costs more to shop at Krogers, Wegmans, or Tops than at Walmart.\u00a0 It costs more to buy your food at a CSA farm stand or from a local sustainable farming practitioner. \u00a0 It takes time and effort to grow your own food.\u00a0 And although the tax benefits and governmental subsidies for wind and solar power are huge, one still has to lay out some money to install such a system.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Regardless, if we are more careful and mindful about how we spend our money, I believe we can take strides to reduce the fiscal impact of sustainable buying.\u00a0 At the same time we can grow the economy, by rewarding sustainable and responsible practices over unsustainable and unethical practices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For my family the motivation to take these steps has come from gaining increased insight into the hidden costs of practice as usual.\u00a0 The ethical, economic, social, and environmental implications of business practices like those of Walmart and huge food conglomerates like Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, ADM, AgriBank, Cargill, JBS, etc. are not well known or even all that accessible.\u00a0 If you desire more knowledge or inspiration perhaps a good place to start is with the movie Fresh<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 See the trailer below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n