Parts of the economy are:
Production, Consumption, Investment and Distribution
Problems of the economy are:
Human wants are unlimited, Resources are limited, Resources have alternative uses (eg the heat or eat choice in households in Aotearoa at the moment)
I’m dreaming of our human collaboration efforts to:
Reverse engineer the economy, start a planned reduction of resources to bring us back in harmony with the natural world so it can regenerate
While we are still bickering about the word Degrowth, the window of turning things around is closing. We don’t have time to find a nicer word for something that is so incredibly urgent. It makes me want to scream. But, screaming at people is not helpful so I apply my own tools, I do what I can. My mindset has a lot do to with it. When looking from the outside, people are flogging to the shops, supermarkets, department stores. The amount of consumer goods in shops is staggering.
And then there are the 2nd hand shops who have staggering amounts of unwanted stuff coming in. The food waste is staggering. the waste of time in our daily lives is staggering. Things we feel we have to do but don’t want to do.
Speaking to people individually, lots have the inkling that things are not right, costs of living are high and the belt is tightened. But that’s still living in the old paradigm of “I would consume more if I could afford it”. Living simpler is such a big revelation for many, and it shows me that “less is more” has to be a lived experience. To feel happier with less stuff.
I’m mindful that I’m lucky I could opt out of the housing dilemma by drastically downsizing to 22sqm of space. My next visit to family and friends overseas will be my last flight and I’m carefully planning and saving for the offset. Maybe I hop on a boat sometime in the future.
Personal steps towards Degrowth start with shifts in mindset. To zoom out of the mess that is the economy and how we know it now. To start imagining a new economy that has everyone taken care of and contributing towards natural regeneration. Starting at home. Keep your eye on the 30 days of Degrowth starting in September.
Kia kaha (used to encourage strength or confidence)