For the Earth to survive we need new patterns of consumption and new manufacturing methods. Our planet cannot sustain current rates of consumption or current methods of production.
We should be considering ways of reducing our consumption and changing what we buy. This is a matter of buying what we need as opposed to what we think we want. It is also a matter of changing what we manufacture and how we manufacture it. Ultimately it is a question of educating consumers and creating more sustainable demand.
To help avert catastrophe we need to see more creative designs and more efficient manufacturing. We are far from where we need to be in terms of the type of demand exerted by consumers and the type of manufacturing provided by companies.
Both industry and governments have a crucial role to play protecting the environment while growing a healthy economy. If manufacturers, retailers, politicians and consumers work together with common purpose we can forge a greener more sustainable economy.
© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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