A sustainable environment means consuming less, not differently. With retail therapy losing its appeal, that should be easy, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
If you believe there is absolutely nothing we can do as individuals to help, then you’re in the wrong community. This place is dedicated to promoting ways that we can reduce our individual footprints.
I acknowledge that the majority of impact is due to the wealthy and the institutions that uphold them, such as the military. But we cannot change that as individuals, at least not quickly. And taking individual actions in the meantime does not have any downsides.
Theis isn’t about depriving oneself. It’s about consuming more consciously. We don’t need to buy the vast majority of the stuff we do in the global north. When you read about the “top 10%” of the world’s disproportionate impact — that is likely us. Even if we eliminated billionaires instantly, global meat consumption would be unsustainable. Extraction rates would be unsustainable. No snowflake feels that it is part of an avalanche. We all have to do our part.
If you believe there is absolutely nothing we can do as individuals to help, then you’re in the wrong community. This place is dedicated to promoting ways that we can reduce our individual footprints.
I acknowledge that the majority of impact is due to the wealthy and the institutions that uphold them, such as the military. But we cannot change that as individuals, at least not quickly. And taking individual actions in the meantime does not have any downsides.
Theis isn’t about depriving oneself. It’s about consuming more consciously. We don’t need to buy the vast majority of the stuff we do in the global north. When you read about the “top 10%” of the world’s disproportionate impact — that is likely us. Even if we eliminated billionaires instantly, global meat consumption would be unsustainable. Extraction rates would be unsustainable. No snowflake feels that it is part of an avalanche. We all have to do our part.
Oh I am in wrong community, aren’t I? I didn’t realize it was zero waste. Sorry about that.
I’ll meditate on the things you said. I’m sure you are right and I’m being maybe a curmudgeon. Have a good weekend