I’m working on an article about a shorter work week as a way towards a less carbon-intensive, consumption-obsessed society and the research is fascinating. I just wanted to share some of the interesting articles I’ve discovered along the way. All the more reason to ride a bike more, cook food at home and fight to change the false assumptions about work, the earth’s biocapacity while fighting to bring down those nasty corporations that helm the ship as careens closer and closer to the watery abyss.
Here is Richard Heinberg from the Post-Carbon Institute on American complacence:
Beyond Business as Usual by Judith Schor, published online by The Nation, outlines the reasons why we need to break ties with the corporate/market economy to build a new way of approaching work and consumption.
21 hours is the report from the New Economics Foundation that inspired my article.
Data from the Global Footprint Network that will send chills down your spine.
The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard started out as a 20 minute video and was recently expanded into a full-length book. It’s an eye-opening read to say the least. Leonard digs into each and every reason why we must stop consuming now. I will be writing a more in-depth review later, but try to find a copy either at the library or your local indepenent bookstore.
I’m curious what people think about all this. What is your concept of work and consumption? Do you consume more when you work more? Would you be willing to take a cut in hours and consuming less if it meant reducing the chance of environmental catastrophe.
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no matter how much I work or don’t work, I still feel entitled to certain treasures—a unicorn card, a few mason jars, a light rain slicker. I buy them for a few bucks from the thrift store, and feel that giddy excitement that comes with consuming. even though I know that my happiness is not determined by stuff, it’s so tempting to buy.