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Consumerism. In order to survive, we must consume (food, water, services, etc.). Many products improve our lives while providing quality jobs. Gary Cross on Consumerism. The belief that goods give meaning to individuals and their roles in the society;
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In order to survive, we must consume (food, water, services, etc.). • Many products improve our lives while providing quality jobs.
Gary Cross on Consumerism • The belief that goods give meaning to individuals and their roles in the society; • People define themselves and their relationships with others though the exchange and use of goods;
For many: • Consumerism is more powerful worldview than political ideologies, religions or class or ethnic distinctions;
Superdevelopment • Excessive availability of every kind of material goods for the benefit of certain social groups; • Can lead to being addicted and being enslaved to possession.
Underdevelopment • Refers to a situation of inefficiency; • The level of the development is less than that which is needed for human flourishing;
Some statistics • The developed countries of the North like the US and Western Europe, consume 80 % of the world’s recourses; • While many billions of people in “developing countries” such as Africa and South America use 20 %.
Four earths? • Recent scientific estimates indicate: we would need four additional earths – if the planet’s 7 billion inhabitants consumed at the level of the average American.
Characteristics of Consumerism • CHOICE: THE CORE VALUE • ADDICTIVE: Desire as an end in itself. • AROUSING AND MEETING SHORT TERM NEEDS • Self construction
SELF CONSTRUCTION • 'Identities are constructed through consuming - what you buy becomes who you are; • We shape our malleable image by what we buy - our clothing, our kitchens, and our cars tell the story of who we are (becoming).’ David Lyon
SELF CONSTRUCTION • Consuming flatters, enhances and defines people • Spending and consuming calms anxieties; • Spending becomes the chief form of recreation
Patterns of Consumer Society • Low Levels of Savings • High Levels of Consumer Debt • Time Use Patterns – less time with family and friends, more with TV and entertainment
What is throw-away society? • The throw-away society is a human society strongly influenced by consumerism. • The term describes a critical view of over-consumption and excessive production of short-lived or disposable items.
Instill in the buyer a desire to own something a little newer, a little better, a little sooner than is necessary (Brooke Stephens); • Creates a lot of waste.
In a “Throwaway” society,where is “Away”? Of the more than 50 million tons of thermoplastics produced in the U.S. annually, 25%, or 12.5 million tons, is unaccounted for. (California Integrated Waste Management Board, “Plastics White Paper” 2003)
Plastic Bag Debate • Shopping bags are an environmental focus because: – They are symbolic of “throw away society” – Used in high volume and often single use – Not widely recycled
Consumerism and environment • Causes global environmental destruction: overconsumption in developed nations; • Happiness and human health does not depend on material consumption;
Why do we need to care for the environment? • God is present in nature; • The universe is sacramental – disclosing God’s presence by visible and tangible signs; • However a lot of people have grown estranged from nature and the natural rhythms of life.
Respect for nature and respect for human life – related; • Natural world and animals should be treated not just as means to human fulfillment; • But as possessing independent value, worthy of our respect and care
Environmental responsibility • Everyone is affected and responsible; • However, those who are the most responsible are often least affected; • People are accountable for what they do or fail to do to care and preserve the earth and its creatures;
Being a steward of the earth, people: • Help nature to flourish; • Develop alternative visions of good society; • Use economic models with richer standards of well-being than just material productivity;
Being a steward of the earth, people: • Shift their consumption choices toward environmentally friendly goods while resisting excessive consumerism.
Being a steward of the earth, people: Shift away from a throwaway society toward a system that treats wastes as valuable raw materials and energy sources
Sustainability is • to conserve the ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources. (Concise Oxford Dictionary)
Sustainability • It is an ability: • to provide a healthy, satisfying and just life for all people on earth now and for generations to come; • To enhance the health of ecosystems and the ability of other species to survive in their natural environment.
What does it all mean? • To put back into the earth more than we are taking out • What are we taking out? • Coal • Water • Oxygen • Gas • Oil
What difference can I make? A small one at first, it is a thought, a way of living: • Turn off computers when not in use • Turn off TV’s when not in use • Have a shower rather than a bath • Do not use plastic bags from supermarkets Can anyone think of anything else?
