How Much Is Enough?: The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth / Edition 1

by Alan Durning

Overview

An account of the detrimental effects of consumption and consumer behaviour on the world's natural environment.

It discusses the use of resources, pollution, and the distortions created in the economies of both wealthy industrialized nations and Third World countries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393308914
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	08/17/1992
Series:	The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

Editorial Reviews

Durning, a senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute, develops the thesis that of the three issues the global community must address in order to save the world's environment--population growth, technological change, and consumption--the latter is the most neglected and can ill afford to be. He argues that it is easier to focus on technology, which is simpler to replace than the cultural attitudes governing consumption. The conundrum of consumption is that ``limiting the consumer life-style to those who have already attained it is not politically possible . . . or ecologically sufficient . . . and extending that life-style to all would hasten the ruin of the biosphere.'' Durning calls for a ``culture of permanence,'' a society that lives within its means. A potent philosophical as well as practical guide, this is recommended for collections concerned with the growing issue of environmental sustainability.-- Jennifer Scarlott, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, New York

Library Journal

Looks for the balance between poverty that degrades human life, and rampant consumerism that degrades the earth. Argues for nonmaterial sources of fulfillment. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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