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