E.F.Schumacher - Small is Beautiful - A Study of Economics as if People Mattered
Limits to Growth - Donella Meadows, Dennis L. Meadows, Jorgen Randers, Willam W. Brehens 111
These two books were the most important of their time for Green appraisal but obviously not world news. 'Small is Beautiful' became a catchphrase, and perhaps if it had been heeded we would not have had Amazon. Things move in mysterious ways. Is it easier to build monolithic supermarket, malls and great warehouses posting out goods (mostly rubbish) to an ever consuming society?
The consequences of growth is beginning to show wear and tear at the edges. Climate change is making itself felt. Little pinpricks at the moment, unusual weather patterns, important world canals that are drying out. The cynics would argue that this is the way of natural happenings, the comings and goings of the Ice Age. But they have no answer to how we might overcome it, they are prepared to go their own sweet way and not worry. I wrote this yesterday, wasn't going to publish it, but it was something I felt at the time.
But I shall lose those thoughts for a while. Yesterday I visited the charity shops looking for backing material for when I start patchwork. Luckily I found an almost new duvet cover for a fiver and have already deconstructed the pillowcases. All I need now is a cheap sewing machine. Lidl in its advance literature is promising one next week, so if they manage to get down to the wilds of Tod will get one.
I have been watching the videos of 'The Last Homely Home' on Y/T. Kate is a pleasant lady so happy with her life in a rented cottage, with her cats, garden and patchwork she has set up a little kingdom on Y/T. I wonder if we would call her an eccentric, or just someone who is still part of the past. It is not often that you find someone so 'green' in her philosophy, but since suburbia has moved into the countryside her skills are well liked and respected. I will try and find a video that explains her more.
WHAT a lovely Youtube link. Just my cup of tea. I am about to start on a crawler quilt for Tam & Jon's baby, and this has given me inspiration again. I haven't quilted since moving here - Keith's health issues have got in the way and I've been feeling rather down. This is just what I needed. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI gave it to Sharon a few days ago, cats and quilts go together Jennie.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would settle for a bit of stability rather than growth.
ReplyDeleteGrowth is the mantra of the business world, stability is equated for the natural world with Lovelock's theory of homeostasis. Humans have to lock horns with less rather than more!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about quilting lately too but I'm a bit too lazy to get started, Thelma!
ReplyDeleteWell Ellen start on something small to get the mood going. I was only thinking of the American Museum in Claverton outside Bath the other day and they displayed beautiful quilts.
DeleteI've been thinking a lot about this post today as I worked at the new build. The damage that is not often talked about is the effect on the human soul. People become cogs in the wheel. We have a minimum wage here of $7.35 for 15 years now. Not only can families not live on one income, people often work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The taxpayers end up subsidizing these low wages. Rent subsidies, childcare subsidies, food stamps, health care assistance. After years of this, we have raised a generation of people who look not to their own hands to make money, but to the available handouts.
ReplyDeleteBut, hey. The businesses are profitable.
Always thinking Debby ;) but would the outcome be any different if everyone had equal shares? And of course the answer comes back to bite you on the backside, no because some people strive more than others. It is a bit like the separate beings in H.G.Wells story in the Time Machine. The Eloi and Morlocks - there is a relationship, but it is dark at its centre.
ReplyDeleteShould businesses be required to provide a living wage? Or should they be permitted to make the government responsible for making up the difference, all the while receiving tax breaks for being a business? There are good business owners out there who see the benefit of having a loyal workforce. There are, unfortunately, bad businesses who will choose to work a person 37 hours a week instead of 40 simply to avoid being considered a full time employer which would require them to provide benefits like healthcare. Their shareholders make profits while the taxpayers pay for statefunded insurance for the people without full time employment.
DeleteThere are no ready answers Debby. This country has lived through austerity measures the last few years, there is never enough money to fix everything. Been watching about how much care for vulnerable old people costs. The cost of care exceeds the amount of money the state pays to the care homes. Money is taken from the affluent in care homes who have to pay for their own care and helps bolster the state's contribution. Is that fair? I would say yes but people hate giving up their money.
Delete"posting out goods (mostly rubbish) to an ever consuming society" absolutely, things we don't need. And households need two incomes to pay for it. I miss strolling down the high street on a Sunday afternoon, looking on shop windows, all taking the day off.
ReplyDeleteTimes have indeed changed Tasker. But was a simpler life of hard graft in the steel industry or even in the boat building of that video you put on - a better way of life? The steel industry through Tata Steel is feeling the death knell for employment as people are replaced by electric arc furnaces. Labour is reduced, in our lifetime printworks, coal mines and now steel, apparently we are lucky to even have this firm in the country.
ReplyDeleteThe simpler pleasures have indeed been lost, but that car in your garage would have been unobtainable earlier on in life.