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“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”
— Gaylord Nelson, activist, politician and founder of Earth Day
The terms “capital” and “value” typically have one association – money. But to only associate capital with money would be a gross oversimplification of the true marketplace — of our earth. A truer reflection of the market would be the inclusion of natural capital. Natural capital is defined as the “world’s stocks” of natural assets that include geology, soil, air, water, and all living things. The economy relies heavily on natural capital assets, yet all too often the economy is still seen as separate from the environment. Take a few minutes to watch this video, featuring environmentalist and actor, Adrian Grenier (founder of #stopsucking). Natural capital can be a tricky concept and he does a great job simplifying it.
Unfortunately, our current market system subsidizes environmentally-destructive practices and restricts values-driven and conservation efforts in business.
Every choice we make plays a role in the global economy, Nearly everything we buy comes from natural resources; trees, water, coal, minerals, and so on. Our dollar has more power over the fate of our planet than we may believe. But it is true – every choice we make as consumers matters.
So how can we care for our planet and still be consumers? Conscious consumption or making decisions that have a net positive impact on the planet. Conscious consumption takes many forms:
Conservation. First and foremost, buy fewer things. Consuming less means you are conserving natural resources and preserving them for generations to come. Remember, less is always more when supporting our planet…
Vote with your dollar. That means wherever possible purchase ethically and sustainably made products. This likely means buying fewer things and spending a bit more (since many cheaply-made products are at an artificially low price). Too often companies that have poor practices such as depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution, and worker exploitation are able to put cheap products on the shelves precisely because of their shoddy business practices.
Luckily, there are plenty of businesses working not only to do no harm, but to also create a global benefit.Check out the B Corp Declaration for an idea of how business can be used for good or One Percent for the Planet which uses 1% of a businesses’ profit to fund environmental causes. You can see these principles in action with companies, like Everyone, which considers people,planet, and profit – or the “triple bottom line.” Treat every purchase like an investment.
Divest. It’s not only about how you use your dollar, but also where you put your dollar. Banks lend money for various projects. When you put your money in a bank you are indirectly funding those projects. It is important to make sure you supports projects aligned with your values. Bank of America, PNC, Wells Fargo, SunTrust, BNP (Bank of the West), and U.S. Bank are funding pipelines across the country. Divesting your money from banks that support environmental harm and putting it into banks that fund better projects is a great way to use your money to make a change. Our partner Green America talks about the importance of social investing, and how your financial choices today can influence a more equitable world tomorrow.
Problem-solve. As you become more aware of how you use the earth’s resources, you will also become more sensitive to important economic issues like global warming and fair wages. Sometimes the solution to these tricky problems isn’t as obvious — that’s why we need your innovation. Know that as a consumer you hold lots of power, so always be thinking about creative ways to employ it. There are other ways to inspire human-centered problem solving if we all just stop and think with intention. DIY, buying less, volunteering, or making other small shifts are great ways to start.
The discussion of “environmental economics” is a relatively recent phenomenon, and plenty of organizations are working to transform economic systems to fit a more sustainable global framework. Friends of the Earth has developed an entire Economics for the Earth program to help advocate for policies and consumer habits that “fund a brighter future” and cut unjust funding through subsidies.
Living sustainably on a budget is possible; it just requires planning and smart budgeting. By spending less on goods that were designed for the dump, you save more to invest in high-quality products that will last a lifetime. By planning ahead and overcoming the temptations of “use and throw away” convenience, we can create a more conscious consumer community.
By now, you should feel empowered as a consumer. You can transform world markets simply be making smart, informed purchasing decisions. That said, let’s not overlook corporations and businesses who have significant power to make a difference too. Many businesses aspire to use their for-profit enterprises to make a positive impact on the globe. One way that businesses are commiting to making a difference is by becoming a B Corp. B Corps place people and planet before profit, a trio that is commonly referred to as the triple bottom line. B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab. The certification states that the B-Corp meets a certain set of social, environmental, performance, accountability, and transparency standards.
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How can you live sustainably within your budget in a way that allows for the earth and its species to thrive? Consuming less “stuff” and voting with your dollar are good places to start! While actions like stopping for a coffee are seemingly inexpensive on a day-to-day basis, these costs really add up in the long run.
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“Where you put your money can change the world. The way that you bank can ensure that it works for both your future and healthier communities worldwide” excerpted from Green America
With our partner Green America, we invite you to divest. When you bank with mega-banks, your money is going directly to fund fossil fuels, pipelines, sweatshops, factory farms and other destructive industries. Your money has power to create significant, positive change, or contribute to destruction and exploitation of the Earth and people on it.
Click on this link about Andrea Bowers, a prominent advocate for the merging of political activism with artistic practice. Read the content and watch her video. Take a look at the piece of art that she created for the Hammer Museum.
Something as simple as choosing a better bank to save your money can have BIG impact. Investing even $100 in the right place is a great start. Use the articles below as reference.
Use your power as a consumer to change companies from the inside.
Click here to see Green America’s Green Economy Campaigns. Pick one (or more) actions that you want to support and share it on social media. Caption it with why this action is important to you and the planet. Invite your friends to do the same. “Speak up for the planet and the people on it, and make your voice heard.
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Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Pint Cup
Annie’s Homegrown Organic Cheddar Snack Mix
Nutiva Organic O’Coconut Treats
Chipotle Free Burrito Cards (4)
Thrive Market One Year Membership
