Hmmm, a tricky question with no easy answer. Undoubtedly, uncontrolled and mass market-driven consumerism isn’t. However, it may be more appropriate to turn the question on its head and ask if sustainability is possible without consumerism. After all, green markets exist because different producers (including fair trade, organic and renewable producers) are able to sell to consumers at a profit. If people don’t buy then the economy stagnates. Clearly the key is to ensure that production is sustainable and fair. That’s where consumer power comes in – if more people can be convinced of the benefits of buying from fair trade and sustainable sources then the larger, more dominant companies have to change their policies otherwise face the consequences. Sustainable consumerism can make an important contribution but we need more people to heed the message.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
September 7th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I totally agree Gary. As consumers we have so much more influence that we know. Showing companies what we want via our buying habits means they’ll have to tailor their service to the market.
I think consumerism is at its most damaging and least sustainable when we buy things we don’t really need or even want. This is not only wasteful but sends out the message to producers and sellers that its worth churning out even more pointless stuff.