Here is my eco footprint. There is nothing surprising here. I think that one of my main contributions would be to give up eating meat - the meat industry causes all kinds of damage to the environment. And perhaps get my house insulated more effectively!
I enjoyed reading the article by Stephen Boyden. It provided some good statistics, and an excellent overview of human ecological history. He also hinted at some of the main reasons for the environmental catastrophe we are facing - namely our consumption and the belief in markets as a panacea for our problems. However, I wonder why he was reluctant to use the 'C' word - Capitalism? Because that is what he is describing. It is capitalist consumer culture and a market based economy that he is criticising - instead he chooses to use a neologism - ever-moreism. It seems to me that the article, good and thorough though it was, lacked the degree of overt politicisation that is required to effect meaningful change. I wonder who he was trying not to upset? I really think that the 'dominant culture' he mentions, and criticises needs to be made more explicit.
One point that I would make about my consumption (and that of others) - there is no 'outside' of capitalism. It is a totality. Therefore we are all ethically compromised within it. We are all forced to consume in order to survive. The best that we can do is to make choices about our consumption, and try to be good people and live good lives. I think that with a few minor exceptions I do that. I don't lose any sleep over my lifestyle.
(Edited by Steph Hay - original submission Saturday, 8 November 2014, 9:45 PM)
