conscious capitalism

In this capitalistic economy, the only way that people are going to make any changes in their destructive practices of production and consumption is if, A, they are personally effected, or B, the sustainable way of doing things is more profitable than the destructive way.  A rancher could care less about oil driling, until the drills come close to his land and ruin the property value.  U.S. companies act like they are on the cutting edge of sustainability only after those practices have been proven profitable in foreign markets.  Then they boast an ad campaign claiming they are pioneers.  We consume more than any other country and sure it drives the economy, but it won't hold out forever.  The truth is, living in the U.S. is so easy for us that we have become lazy and wasteful.  If you live in the United States, more than likely,you are part of the problem whether you like it or noteven if you are environmentally and socially conscious.  Our system is so deeply tangled that you cannot easily escape it. 


Global warming is a real issue.  Those that don't want to admit that we are causing climate change are holdingg on to the old ways of doing things because it has made them wealthy to do so, or they are just lazy and selfish.  The smart people and companies are the ones who are thinking of new ways of doing things that will stimulate the economy and create profit and benefit the environment and the broader world.  Its called conscious capitalism and its the future.  If companies can conserve energy and materials and find more efficient means of production, then they will save money and do good for humanity.  People will appreciate this and give that company more money.  Its a win, win situation.  People and companies that are resistant to change are going to be left in the dust.  Why do think gas companies are so eager to jump on the alternative fuels bandwagon?  Imagine a world in which the most powerful and profitable companies are the ones that build forests instead of cutting them down, the ones that build communites in foreign countries instead of exploiting them and draining their resources.  Imagine a world where U.S. consumption statistics don't make you feel like a gluttonous jerk.  It starts with you and the decisions you make daily.  Its hard and inconvient, but well worth it in the long run.



As individuals, we need more than ever to be aware of how we are having an impact.   Is your impact positive or negative?  Do you leave lights on when you don't need them?  Do you buy things that will end up in a land fill in a matter of days?  Do you drive when you could walk? Are you willing to take an honest look at how you define your needs and wants and align them with reality.  Can you think for yourself and decide what a good life means without input from advertisers? Do you have the will power and the conscience to take a little less for yourself and give a little more for others in need?  Can you bring yourself to realize the small things you do on a daily basis have an enormous impact on the environment and other people in foreign countries?  Do you have enough compassion to care? Do you buy sustainable products.  Many people I've talked to say they don't buy sustainable products because they can't afford them.  Well, we need to create the change.  The more people buy those products, the cheaper they will be.  Think of it as an investment in the future.  I remember only a few years ago when organic food was hard to find and expensive, now supermarkets have extensive organic food sections at reasonable prices, how about that?  

We don't have to keep doing things the way people have done them in the past, in fact we can't afford to.  We are a highly capable species with the ability to manifest what seems impossible.  


We have the potential and the opportunity to live in a world where the economy and the environment work together, not in opposition.  We have the means to create a world in which everyone prospers.   The question is, do we have the will.