Sunset

Solutions to the consumption problem

Please bring an example of conspicuous consumption by Americans at one of the following levels: national, regional (e.g., state or multi-state), family, or individual. Support the example with data (strongly preferred) or an anecdote.

As a group, we will develop specific solutions to a subset of the problems brought to class.

Late additions:

Four noble truths of the Buddha:

  • To live is to suffer
  • Desire is the cause of suffering
  • To end suffering, one must eliminate desire
  • To eliminate desire, one should follow the eight-fold way.

  • Eight-fold way (the Middle Way, or path of moderation) is comprised of right view, right intention, right speech, right discipline, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.


    Socrates believed the perspectives of other people on these six questions would help him live an excellent life:

  • What is justice?
  • What is virtue?
  • What is moderation?
  • What is good?
  • What is courage?
  • What is moderation?


  • Additional Information:

    Collective Good, where you can recycle your mobile telephone

    Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy, from Worldwatch Institute

    Greener Choices, from Consumer Reports

    GreenBiz - Sustainable Business, Cleaner Production, and the Bottom Line

    Organic products

    True-Cost Pricing, from adbusters

    Vivavi, an eco-design boutique