Is there a Solution?
| "There are no magic answers, no
miraculous methods to overcome the problems we face, just the familiar ones: honest search
for understanding, education, organization, action that raises the cost of state violence
for its perpetrators or that lays the basis for institutional change - and the kind of
commitment that will persist despite the temptations of disillusionment, despite many
failures and only limited successes, inspired by the hope of a brighter future." -- Noam Chomsky |
Change is never easy. Yet our consumption patterns are degrading our financial health, undermining the earth's resources, and re-enforcing the growing gap between the Haves and the Have-nots. Our American attitudes of consumerism and indifferent individualism have negatively affected our worldview and international policy. As a nation with more global reach and power than ever before, we have a responsibility to change for the good of our country and the world community. We must alter our behavior so that we promote sustainablility and become socially responsible consumers, "so the consumption of some does not compromise the well-being of others" (UNDP). Consumption must also be "shared and strengthened" to build the capabilities of all human beings (UNDP). Our consumption contributes when it is fair to future generations. Some practical ways to begin accomplishing these goals:
It is vital to our security that our nation, the United States of America, holds itself accountable to the international treaties, laws, and commitments that it demands from the rest of the world. I see no way for change to occur unless ordinary citizens feel a greater responsibility towards involving themselves in the actions of their government, the actions of the corporations they support through their consumption, and the actions of their local communities.
Support sustainable environmental patterns of production and consumption. Buy organic and fair-trade products. Discourage overconsumerism which negatively affects the environment and human lives.
Support the passing of laws which will hold multinational corporations to enforcable standards that insure safety for their workers and for the consumers of their products and services. Public Citizen has a lot of thorough information and updates about multinational corporations and their actions. CorpWatch does a good job as well.
Vote, but be an informed voter. Educate yourself about the issues and the views of each candidate involved. Consider not only the rhetoric of the individuals, but also their actions in the past and their propositions for the future.
You've heard it before but...Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. There are many good sites on the internet that offer free, useful information about changing your consumption levels and living a more simple and conscious lifestyle. Check out the Global Recycling Network and The Internet Consumer Recycling Guide.
Educate yourself concerning better, cleaner, and safer alternatives to all aspects of daily life. Think about your reasons for wanting a new car or a particular brand of shoes. Is this a good choice or is there another alternative which serves the same purpose? Would buying a good used car from a friend or local newspaper ad fill that need for transportation? Could you repair your old pair of shoes or purchase a better quality shoe so that you won't have to buy replacements as often? Overcome consumerism.
Be conscious about the power of advertising. Watch less television. Think about the commercials you absorb and how it affects your view of a product. For example, why is Circuit City promoting a huge campaign for Americans to come to their stores and send electronic video messages to service men overseas? Could it have anything to do with the fact that this campaign promotes the very products they are selling? Do they expect Americans will visit their stores for the sole purpose of encouraging others or are they motivated largely by a desire to come up with new, appealing ways to sell their products?
Is change possible?
Will Americans recognize the responsibilities their prosperity and freedom demands of them?
Will they have the commitment to progress towards a better future for all?
| "The key is to create an
enabling environment for sustainable consumption -- where consumers and producers have the
incentives and options to move toward consumption patterns that are less
environmentally damaging and less socially harmful. People care about the
impact of consumption on their own health and safety -- and the broader impact on the
environment and society. But they are caught up in a system of limited choices and
opportunities and perverse incentives." -- UNDP, Human Development Report 1998 |