The problem leads to paralysis and denial because the questions it prompts are so overwhelming. Can we have a thriving economy that doesn't require constant expansion and environmental destruction? Can we reduce consumption and increase employment? Can we foster thrift in a culture that promotes indulgence? Can the richest fifth of the world share with the poorest?
Since the American lifestyle is now the global model, it is our responsibility to lead the way in creating a sustainable alternative. Yet the U.S. still consumes more paper, plastic, energy, and chemicals than any country in the world and our forests, fisheries, and native plant and animal species continue to decline. The incessant hunger on the part of individuals for more "stuff" and the pressures on corporations to expand or die are deeply rooted in our society. The truth is, we have barely begun to acknowledge the scope of the over-consumption problem.
Second, those working for sustainability must ground their public outreach, advocacy, and strategies on the values of love, responsibility to others in the human family, and a reverence for the earth. Even in defining this problem, I am searching for language that can be heard. Many of those who speak of a spiritual base or a politics of meaning are immediately dismissed as marginal, "New Age," or naive. But the old politics of rage, (even when rage is appropriate) will not work and the politics of fear will only paralyze. We must embody the values we speak of and live lives that attract others to our cause. We must walk the talk and speak gently but firmly to those who equate new values and spiritual renewal with religious intolerance or dogmatism.
Please send questions or comments to suscon@well.com