Material Innovations

I have been reading “Deep Economy” by Bill McKibben and am fascinated by his main theory that for all of human existence the basis for society has been either “more” or “better”, that is technology and the foundations of society have required either more resources for communities like farming or better technology to make work easier and maximize efficiency like the cotton gin.   He notes that after the invention of the steam engine in the 18^th century and especially after WWII the western model of economics has become that of more and better.  We are constantly in need of growth of the economy to satiate this demand.  We have arrived at a point where a TV is not good enough but more TVs and better TVs have us convinced that they will improve the quality of our lives.  Unfortunately, what this does is create a Catch-22 cycle where we work harder to keep a economy going that if stalled (like we are experiencing now) means lay offs and a loss of all we have materially.

If I were anyone from a developing country meeting me for the first time and visiting my home I would see the following technology AS SOON as I walked into my house: 11 sources of light including lamps and fixtures, stove, oven, microwave, fridge, electric can opener, 6-pack of coke, jar with dog cookies, electric piano, 2 guitars, 2 violins, a TV, a laptop, printer/scanner/fax, DVD’s, 20 cook books, fish tank, sewing machine, couch, triple-paned windows with krypton gas (no superman in here!), gas fireplace, family pictures, dining table with table cloth, dishwasher, in-sink water filter, cupboard with bread on top, 8 light switches, carpet, forced-air vent, pictures, paintings, CD’s, in-wall speakers, copies of “Vegetarian times” and “Newsweek”, a daily newspaper (crossword finished!), DVD player.  The list could go on, and remember we have just stepped into the house.  Also keep in mind I don’t have that much compared to many US citizens and my house is 60 years old, and half the items above came from Goodwill.  But what does it all mean?  I have more and I have better that most in the world and yet I’m stressed because there is always a work deadline so I can pay the car bill and the mortgage, and the life insurance, and the health insurance, and the new sports car.

I want to provide a safe, happy world for my family.  I recycle everything. I have completely weatherized my house and upgraded to energy efficient appliances.  Am I green-washed? If I sold everything in the house I would probably make $5000. Then what? Do we each keep one bowl to eat from?  This is a fundamental problem because I have a government that will barter away my child’s future to Chinese bond holders so we can keep growing right now, so that my TV can get more and better everything even though it still broadcasts the same shit.

Oh, and don’t forget, Christmas is just around the corner.  Were you naughty or nice this year?  I would love to get you something new.