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NEXT STEPS

Conference participants spent the final half day of the conference discussing how to carry this broad agenda forward. Sustainable consumption is a useful rubric for thinking about several inter-connected issues. On a day-to-day basis, however, individuals and organizations need to focus on narrowly defined initiatives that result in some tangible impact.

As a first step, participants agreed to establish a national network which would have modest staffing and which would be initially steered by an expanded Conference Planning Group. The network, still in formation, will have the following functions:

The Planning Group agreed to meet in Autumn 1995 to identify a coordinator for the network and to clarify next steps.

In her closing remarks, Betsy Taylor, Chair and member of the Conference Planning Group, pointed to many challenges. First, she said, the very definition of the problem continues to plague us. Few will dispute that there is a fundamental paradox between a finite planet and global economies and cultures based on the tenet that more is always better. Yet defining consumption in precise terms remains problematic. The second challenge is the transition from problem analysis to a clear platform for change. This task is especially daunting because unsustainable consumption patterns permeate the American culture and economy. She cautioned that the network must now become pragmatic and focused and avoid being perceived as utopian.

Taylor noted several areas of tension that surfaced during the meeting. Opinions differ about the role of corporations in fostering a sustainable economy. Some believe corporations are the primary cause of overconsumption. Others believe corporations must be the chief engines for change. Participants were divided over the centrality of justice to the sustainability debate. For many environmentalists, sustainable consumption simply means getting Americans to change their consumption patterns. For others, sustainable consumption demands that we look anew at those Americans who consume too much and at those being left behind economically with inadequate material resources.

Taylor also recognized friction over the spiritual aspect of the meeting. Some participants believe change is possible only if the network's strategic approach rests on convictions about values and, some suggest, on religious faith. Others are uncomfortable with a conference or network that encourages meditative silence as part of its strategic process. Finally, there is tension between those who want to address the problem by changing the system and those who want to focus on personal change.

These tensions are likely to persist, but they do not necessarily pose a problem. Rather, the conference was enriched by diverse perspectives, an atmosphere of tolerance, flexibility, and a desire to get work done. Any network which carries the work forward will have to create space for debate and exploration of these differences.

The challenge of revamping our consumption patterns requires the energy, vision, and talent of countless Americans who feel that our nation has somehow lost its way. The work is fraught with difficulties and tensions. Yet it also holds great promise. Many Americans want to make a difference but do not know what to do. Many corporate leaders wish they could operate differently but feel trapped by an economic system that often forces them to do the wrong thing. The call of future generations begs us to overcome our inertia.

The Conference Planning Group recognizes that the conference itself was a small step in a transforming process that is likely to take 20 years or longer. (Several people made comparisons with other long-term changes in public consciousness about racial equality, the role of women in society, and problems posed by increases in global population.) The issue of sustainable consumption is as or more complex, and it too faces widespread public apathy and comfort with the "status quo", regardless of the damage that "business as usual' may impart.

Yet despite the obstacles, conference participants left with the conviction that fundamental change is possible. It may require a revolution in the way we live our lives, in the way we understand our role as stewards of the earth, and in the way we produce, trade, distribute and consume goods. It is easy to conclude that the challenge is too daunting. But the problem cries out for the attention of academics, religious leaders, politicians, organizers, scientists, economists, corporate executives, educators, and all who believe we have a fundamental responsibility to preserve resources for future generations.

For more information contact:

The Merck Family Fund
6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 500
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-2970
301-270-2073 (Fax)
merck@igc.apc.org (E-Mail)

Internet users should log on to env.consumption, a conference on Econet that maintains a dialogue on these topics. This electronic conference will post news about the network, staffing, and how to find the World Wide Web page.