We’ve reached a point in our planet’s history when nothing
less than fundamental change is needed. The degree and the direction of the
change that’s required is the topic of an essay in this issue entitled
“Finding Real Wealth” by
David Wann. Many readers will recognize Wann as the co-author of the
book-turned-film Affluenza. In this piece
and in his new book Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle, Wann provides the solution for the
problem identified in Affluenza, which he says requires stepping outside “an
economic box of out-dated assumptions.”
And what better time to step out of that economic box than
right now? Riane Eisler writes in her book The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics that a society’s
economic structures, rules, system of values, and its other social institutions
are in an interactive feedback loop. “During periods of social equilibrium, this
loop remains relatively stable and the guiding system of values is so taken for
granted that it’s largely invisible. But during periods of great instability or
disequilibrium such as ours, it is possible to more clearly see the system’s
underlying organizational structure and operant values. Hence, today,
fundamental changes – changes that transform the system rather than simply
modify it to some degree – are possible.”
Possible, but not easy. We’re talking about major value shifts here. Eisler says
we need to change our fundamental beliefs – and therefore our institutions – to
be more caring, creating new policies that transform the way we use natural,
human, and other resources from exploitive to supportive. Wann suggests moving
away from an emphasis on material wealth to an abundance of time, relationships,
and experiences. This is also the time for governments to encourage the
development of green technologies that could replace lost manufacturing jobs in
the doomed resource-based industries while helping solve the global warming
problem. There are many opportunities to create a better world!
I think most people realize that we can’t continue to exploit and pollute our
environment. They tell pollsters that they are willing to make changes, but that
they don’t know what to do. A study conducted by Insight
Research Group in partnership with HGTV and the Natural Resources Defense
Council found that many people fret that the changes required “may associate them
with extreme political or environmental viewpoints.” Of course, that is
justification for the plethora of greenwash and other environmentally feel-good
but relatively useless activities that are recommended by the likes of HGTV.
So while I’m hopeful that transformative change may come from the current state
of affairs, I wonder if we have the stomach to truly take advantage of the
opportunity. We need to move beyond worrying what the neighbors will think and
get on with it. We also need to continue to pressure governments, corporations,
think tanks, the media, and any other influential bodies we can think of to move
boldly toward the fundamental transformations that are required.
Wendy Priesnitz is the co-founder and editor of Natural Life Magazine,
where an earlier version of this appeared as an editorial in 2008. She is also the author of 13 books and a contributor to many more.
