Imagining a shared Future

Résumé ou Introduction

Consumption patterns are becoming excessively irresponsible and the waste that is left behind is measurably dramatically increasing. Since these excesses are caused by human behavior, they can all be reversed by changes in human behavior. In order to meet this urgency, people will have to face the challenge of re-imagining their consumption ideals and their attitude towards shared consumption, which if applied to reality will not only benefit the planet but the individual, too.
Humans’ consumption and their acquiring of resources is not a negative force at all. It is part of what makes our lives desirable, diversified and vital. In fact, Economists have known for centuries that the introduction of Property Rights and an intact law system that protects people’s possession of goods is a leading force of economic growth and the incentive for people to work and innovate (Hubbard & O’Brien, 2006). This means that the idea of possessing and acquiring goods is part of what has improved human society as it fueled entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. It would not only be irresponsible but also impossible to ask people to cut down their acquisition of property or possessions because it would directly mean a diminishment of their standard of living and quality of life. As a result we have to find a way to satisfy our consumption desires while at the same time reducing the production of exactly those good. A most promising application is to get people comfortable with the idea of not literally possessing and item anymore if accessing it whenever needed is just as satisfying. However, this may collide with our deep-seated value system.