The Effects of Affluenza on Our Fragile Environment Essay Sample

professor at Harvard Business School, the entire corporate system and the push for globalization aim to incorporate every country into the consumer system.

The text underscores the significance of teaching children at a young age that progress should not only be measured by material possessions. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying symptoms of Affluenza, such as excessive shopping, chronic stress, hyper-consumerism, and children being targeted and consuming products.

a series of bankruptcies, broken families, and a loss of community, known as societal cicatrix, along with unsustainable patterns causing a global infection, are examples of the symptoms described by Dennis and Hamilton (175).

Under planetary infection, it is revealed that one-fifth of the world’s population lives in absolute poverty. Furthermore, it has been observed since 1950 that the residents of the United States alone have consumed more resources than all previous inhabitants of Earth combined. On an individual level, each citizen consumes an average of 20 tons of resources per year. Jeremy Rifkin, a social editorialist, argues that in the 19th century, consumption itself was seen as a negative phenomenon.

A quick reassessment of the notion of simplicity in society discusses the fascination with a simple lifestyle at the turn of the 20th century, the forced simplicity during the Great Depression, the consumer boom following World War II supported by government housing and roadway initiatives, and the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Both Jimmy Carter's 1979 address, in which he criticized society's increasing philistinism, and Shi's observation that Carter's failure was due to his lack of recognition of the pervasive consumer civilization, point to a deficiency in acknowledging the extent of affluenza. While there is more attention given

to voluntary simplicity than any other symptom of affluenza.

The text above suggests that Affluenza provides a small glimpse into what a simpler lifestyle entails. The research team acknowledges that Affluenza is only an introduction to voluntary simplicity and is currently working on a follow-up program called Living Better on Less. According to Dennis, it is impossible for everyone to live at our level of wealth, as excessive consumption can deplete global resources within one person's lifetime.

(Dennis and Hamilton. 124) The emphasis on this topic will increase in the future, with a simpler and less wasteful lifestyle being seen as a possible solution to various issues. Simplicity will also become a lifestyle choice and social movement. A national environmental group warns that air pollution poses a significant risk of cancer development later in life for babies and children.

According to Science Magazine, the contamination of children's cereal with toxic chemicals due to air pollution could potentially raise the likelihood of cancer. Unfortunately, addressing this concern has not been given sufficient priority by the government.

29) The decision and recommendations highlight the significance of combatting environmental pollution by embracing Affluenza, which emphasizes treating the Earth as a valuable and irreplaceable entity, akin to an individual. By doing so, we can effectively diminish or eradicate various types of pollution. It is vital to demonstrate equal levels of concern and affection towards the Earth as we do for a child, refraining from any form of mistreatment or exploitation. Neglecting this responsibility will undoubtedly lead to adverse consequences in our future.

Reducing or stopping pollution is a simple task that can save our Earth, potentially in the near future. It is crucial

for individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds and health statuses to actively participate. By increasing participation in current initiatives, there is still hope for making a positive impact. Nevertheless, at some point down the line (even if not within our lifetimes), the Earth will reach its capacity and everything will ultimately conclude.

Recognizing the significance of preserving the Earth is crucial to prevent our own downfall. This requires being conscientious about properly disposing items like negligees or empty cans when a nearby bin is not available, as it demonstrates our commitment to our future. Scott Simon proposes that by modifying our consumption and spending behaviors, we can ensure that Earth can support the world's population while maintaining our standard of living.

Some argue that a sustainable future requires reducing consumption and increasing eco-efficiency, but also decreasing the human population. Others believe that changing our spending and consumption habits as proponents of voluntary simplicity suggest will compromise our current quality of life.

In regards to society's priorities, there is a question of whether stress-inducing measures should be prioritized or if the focus should shift towards enhancing quality of life. The proposed solution advocates for reducing the emphasis on money and placing a higher value on other aspects of life. This statement has important implications for the business landscape in the 21st century.

Plants Mentioned:

1. Graaf. J. D., Wann. D., and Naylor. T. H. . ‘Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic’ Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

2005. 1- 30.

R and Hamilton. C.‘Affluenza: When Too Much is Never Enough’ . Allen ; A ; Unwin. 2006. 120-180.