Will consuming less save the planet?

No. But here’s what you can do.

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

I find that consuming less enhances the pleasure of my life. Things get simpler, life slows down, and each moment feels richer and more delightful.

Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s enough to get us where we need to go on climate.

The prescription to “consume less” isn’t very clear. Here’s an example of a Medium article that makes that prescription. Consume less than what? How much less? If we consume, for example, 10% less gasoline, is that enough on climate? If our reduction causes the businesses that build things we need, like the bed this writer bought, to build less but the bed is built and delivered the same way it is today, is that sufficient on climate? I don’t think so. We need to use our very best talents and skills in concert with other people to radically change how things are made and how we procure things, not just how much we procure and consume.