Monbiot: Consumer Hell: How do we break a system that...

[BobbyG]

"...the problem with gross domestic product is the gross bit(6)."

"as soon as we start discussing alternatives, solidarity is shattered
by possessive individualism. "

http://monbiot.com/archives/2010/01/04/consumer-hell/

George's latest blog seems to have legs. Perhaps because of the use
of the term "break a system?" It kind of appeals to your inner Black
Blocster, no?

In our household, we've already embarked on a "Buy Nothing Year"
program of buying no major new corporate offerings from corporate
stores. This may end up becoming a Buy Nothing Decade. The fact that
it's not a choice doesn't matter so much, I think, as the simple fact
of enough people not consuming big new products (or even cultural
products such as, for instance, the new CD from whoever American Idol
tells us is the next big star to listen to).

Involuntary simplicity will undo the system eventually. Why not
hasten it along?

If the teenagers ever got on board the idea of breaking this system
(by chucking their "possessive individualism", the plutocracy could be
brought to any bargaining table you'd want, in a matter of mere
weeks...

b.g.