PAGBABAGO
By DR. FLORANGEL ROSARIO BRAID
Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
Degrowth, a movement that had been around for quite awhile, is often associated with environment. The argument is that there are limits to growth, that thresholds for climate change, biodiversity are being approached or have been crossed. It is also meeting basic human needs and ensuring a high quality of life while reducing the ecological impact of the global economy.
Thus, proponents say we must slow down and reduce the amount of extraction, e.g. mining of our natural resources, pollution, and waste. The implications are less production, less consumption, less work. In other words, a radical transformation of our economy, and our lifestyle.
While the responsibility falls mainly on the wealthy who enjoy a “disproportionate” share of our resources, even those who have much less must learn to do things differently.
A good life for all is assured as long as we are able to efficiently organize theproduction and distribution of our resources that must be equitably shared.
Degrowth is against excessive accumulation or maximizing consumption and productivity. It is the framing of a minimalist lifestyle, and renouncing full time labor and busyness.
This philosophy is gaining adherents in many parts of the developed world like Japan and some parts of Europe. Fumio Sasaki in Japan and Steve Jobs and Apple as well as Marie Kondo with her “tidying” method are some of the advocates of the minimalist culture that believes in the reduction and re-organization of material possessions by doing away with excess so that we can focus on the things that are truly important. Minimalism is living with less and living life based on experiences rather than worldly possessions. It is focusing on developing a world away from egoism, materialism, corruption, competition, and sharing a world view characterized by a profound connection with nature and the willingness to undertake radical changes in one’s relationship with all living things.
Besides environmentalists, the degrowth philosophy has gained converts among architects, the fashion and cosmetic industry and lifestyle gurus.
Austerity and frugality are mindsets associated withdegrowth. As earlier stated, the rich, being the primary promoters of extraction and pollution, must lead the movement. This, because with degrowth, there would be the expected decline in economic activity, and thus, the threat of creating greater inequality in societies where wide social and economic gaps exist.
My email, florangel.braid@gmail.com
