File spoon-archives/marxism-intro.archive/marxism-intro_2004/marxism-intro.0409, message 70


From: bobcat-AT-pseud.pseud
Subject: RE: M-INTRO: Capitalism, Consumerism, and Ecological Sustainability
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 14:42:48 -0600


SKITRAM makes some good points.  There are many modern innovations in
capitalist countries that are helping curb environmental destruction.  In
the United States and Western Europe, pollution is way down from its
historic highs in the 80s.  Reforestation is occurring in places like New
England and species are being reintroduced to old habitats all over the
country.

The one point I don't agree with is that this can be attributed to a "market
correction" of any kind.  The capitalist market doesn't have environmental
responsibility built into it anywhere.  What I think is happening is that as
capitalism evolves and becomes what one author calls "Market Democracy" (a
hybrid of socialism and capitalism), the people themselves begin to value
social responsibility in addition to profits.  In this way, capitalist
forces respond to non-market ideals.

This tends to occur frequently in "established" economies such as the United
States and Western Europe, but much less frequently in emerging markets such
as Brazil and Southeast Asia.

Could it be that pollution and environmental devastation are simply side
effects of a stage in human transition, just as they occurred during other
such dynamic periods as the agricultural and industrial revolutions?

There is one excellent book that thinks this is the case.  If you want some
good reading, check out "The Progress Paradox" by Greg Easterbrook.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.Virginia.EDU
[mailto:owner-marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.Virginia.EDU] On Behalf Of
SKITRAMP-AT-pseud.pseud
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 11:17 AM
To: marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.Virginia.EDU
Subject: M-INTRO: Capitalism, Consumerism, and Ecological Sustainability

Capitalism, Consumerism, and Ecological Sustainability

It isn't difficult to notice that Capitalism leads to consumption.  It is
clear
that the U.S. consumes more than twice most nations.  This is seen as good
and
bad.  It is good for the economy as a signal of strong consumer confidence,
but
it is bad because of the strains on the Earth's natural resources. 


I want to propose that it is Capitalism that will destroy the ecosystems,
but it
is also Capitalism that can save it.  Capitalism drives on demand.  When
demand
for cleaner, efficient and sustainable products rises, and they will,
Capitalism will change the negative idea of consumerism to a positive.


Who would complain if we consumed more bicycles and hybrid powered cars?
Who
would complain if we consumed only recycled goods, and did all our work on
small computers, using less paper?  What if all our packing materials are
made
of biodegradable materials instead of plastic?


These are all technologies that are coming about due to a demand, and the
Capitalist nations and corporations of the world are in the forefront.  GE
opened a large facility in Germany just to research and develop sustainable
energy, like wind and solar power.
 

My point is Capitalism will bring this about sooner than any other economic
structure.  I don't see Cuba, Vietnam, or N. Korea in a hurry to protect the
environment and make more sustainable energy.  The U.S. is at an ugly stage
of
Capitalism right now, but the market will correct itself, and soon we can
appear more like Europe or better, in our consumer habits.




     --- from list marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---

---
Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.760 / Virus Database: 509 - Release Date: 9/10/2004
 

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.760 / Virus Database: 509 - Release Date: 9/10/2004
 



     --- from list marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---

   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005