I found the short movie made by Annie Leonard to be very informative. She has conveyed her message and all the information in a very interesting manner.
In modern age, industrial progress has a marked effect on the country’s economy. In today’s competitive market, companies strive to develop low price products. But as Annie pointed out rightly in her short video that someone somewhere is paying the price for all these low priced goods that we consume. Whether it be the people in the third world countries or the environment or the consumers. The people in the third world countries become the victim of it because they provide the cheap labor required for constricting the price for all these items.
I am very interested in the solution proposed at the end of this clip for avoiding the problems normally associated with the industrialized countries i.e. environmental problems, social injustice with workers. She has put forward the idea of local living economies upon which a sustainable world economy can be based. A local living economy ensures that economic power resides locally, sustaining healthy community life and natural life as well as long-term economic viability. Living economy communities produce and exchange locally as many products needed by their citizens as they can, while reaching out to other communities to trade. Living economy consumer appreciate the benefits of buying from living economy businesses. Living economy investors value businesses that are community stewards and as such accept an average return on their financial investments rather than a maximum return, recognizing the value derived from enjoying a healthy and vibrant community and sustainable global economy. The fancy features of sustainability, equity, green chemistry, zero waste, closed loop production, renewable energy can be made an integral part of local living economies.
Public awareness and education is the key to successful implementation of this solution. Because, in the end it is down to the people to identify the problem and then finally work for its’ cure.
I quite like the way you have reflected on the solutions given by Annie...You have intelligently and adequately explained the concept of living economy...I personally also think that the focus should be on solutions as we all know where the problem lies...We know the problems and their solutions..the real deal is their implementaion and I agree with you that public awareness and education are key to the successful implementation of not only this but any solution....
ReplyDeleteI also liked Annie Leonard’s presentation; the animation gave another view of facts we’ve heard umpteen times before and made the Story of Stuff entertaining and worth considering at the same time.
ReplyDeleteTo dwell on problems and possible solutions make no difference. I agree with you: education, awareness and understanding are the key.
I believe in the solution you point out and I like your reflection; it is interesting and personal:)
I believe as well that the third world is paying the price for our consuming actions. If the production was in Sweden for example we would not afford to consume as much clothes as we do today. Someone has to keep the labor cheep for our welfare. I think the big companies have to take more responsibility of the third part labor and guarantee the working conditions are good.
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