Consumerism
From www.globalissues.org:
Global Priority
$U.S. Billions (in 1998)
Basic education for everyone in the world
6
Cosmetics in the United States
8
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world
9
Ice cream in Europe
11
Reproductive health for all women in the world
12
Perfumes in Europe and the United States
12
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world
13
Pet foods in Europe and the United States
17
Business entertainment in Japan
35
Cigarettes in Europe
50
Alcoholic drinks in Europe
105
Narcotics drugs in the world
400
Military spending in the world
780
Cosmetics. I feel sick.
Consumerism is one of my pet peeves. I cannot stand the thought of 'retail therapy'. I hate the idea of buying products to improve our lives. I was watching 60 minutes this evening- they did a piece on gas efficiency in SUV's. One man being interviewed said something along the lines of, 'I'm not going to change my lifestyle for a few extra miles per gallon. SUVs are the american way- why should I change?". These sorts of attitudes are so pervasive- and us rich Americans play into the global power struggles between rich and poor, as well as the raping of the environment, by buying into it- and it doesn't even make us happy.
x-posted to ecofeminism
Global Priority
$U.S. Billions (in 1998)
Basic education for everyone in the world
6
Cosmetics in the United States
8
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world
9
Ice cream in Europe
11
Reproductive health for all women in the world
12
Perfumes in Europe and the United States
12
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world
13
Pet foods in Europe and the United States
17
Business entertainment in Japan
35
Cigarettes in Europe
50
Alcoholic drinks in Europe
105
Narcotics drugs in the world
400
Military spending in the world
780
Cosmetics. I feel sick.
Consumerism is one of my pet peeves. I cannot stand the thought of 'retail therapy'. I hate the idea of buying products to improve our lives. I was watching 60 minutes this evening- they did a piece on gas efficiency in SUV's. One man being interviewed said something along the lines of, 'I'm not going to change my lifestyle for a few extra miles per gallon. SUVs are the american way- why should I change?". These sorts of attitudes are so pervasive- and us rich Americans play into the global power struggles between rich and poor, as well as the raping of the environment, by buying into it- and it doesn't even make us happy.
x-posted to ecofeminism