This is when you go to an event dedicated to sustainability, and one of the first things you hear is a journalist stating that we cannot consume less!
“During the pandemic, we saw what happened, everything stopped. It’s clear that we cannot consume less.”
We looked at each other perplexed: “Are we in the right place?”
If this is the viewpoint of someone invited as a speaker to discuss sustainability, imagine the thoughts of the average consumer.
We could not engage with those people over there, but we take the opportunity to explain our thoughts here.
In fact, we do believe the opposite is quite evident.
Consuming less is one of the most effective ways to save our planet.
Sustainability, consumption and capitalism
It is necessary to find a new economic model to replace capitalism, which has been revealed to be outdated and unsuccessful. Exponential growth is absolutely inconceivable and even harmful now.
Although a new economic model is a fundamental step, we cannot wait, arms crossed, for something to happen.
Sooner or later, the gods of economics and politics will come out with a brilliant idea, a valid substitute. At least, we hope they will.
But in the meantime, maintaining a sustainable level of consumption is crucial. To become aware of what we consume and how we consume must be at the core of our actions.
When it comes to changing the way we live, eat, travel, or shop, culture plays a central role.
Culture comes through education. In the past, we had the excuse that sources, books, and information weren’t accessible. Now we can find whatever we need.
Knowing more about environmental issues and climate change. Discovering more about ethical work and production modes. Understanding materials, craftsmanship, quality.
Educating ourselves to become conscious consumers is what we can actively do to enhance our lifestyle and change for the better.
It’s about improving our well-being rather than accumulating things and money with the outcome of waste and exploitation.
Learning more is free, and often it just takes a click!