Consumption
by
In discussions of environmental conditions or problems, the concept of consumption appears, typically, in two ways. First, consumption is said to be the problem. We are hurting the environment because we consume too much or we consume the wrong kind of things. Second, changing consumption is said to be an important part of the solution. If we wish to have a more sustainable relationship with our planet, we must consume less or, at least, smarter and better. Is consumption the problem? Environmentalist rhetoric asserts that it is. We hear statements such as, “The United States has 4.5 percent of the world’s population but consumes about 25 percent of the world’s resources” and, “If everyone on Earth lived like Americans, that would require four Earths’ worth of natural resources.” Is changing consumption (at least part of) the solution? Important strains of environmentalist rhetoric say it is. Concerned citizens are exhorted to consume less, to choose the green, natural, organic, sustainable alternative, to reduce their carbon footprint. We will live more sustainably, have fewer adverse impacts, if each consumer “walks lighter on the planet,” uses fewer resources, generates less waste. In the longer term, if enough people make the greener choice, that...
This essay may be found on page 44 of the printed volume.