Is the western consumer economy sustainable? Can it be re-imagined in a more sustainable and equitable way?
Capitalist progressivism: is there such a thing or are these two schools of thought mutually exclusive? I posit that social progressiveness and capitalism can and do coexist very well together. In fact, if the global economy is positively effected by the goals of social progressivism there will be a direct benefit to companies and organizations that flourish under capitalist economies.
My personal idea of what social progressives would like to see in the world is an equitable meritocracy, with opportunity for anyone to succeed by taking advantage of opportunities available and not limited by humble origins, geographical origin, race , religion, gender, sexual orientation or other. I envision a world where basic services are available globally. Stable government, food water shelter, political stability, roads and safety infrastructure, electricity and technological infrastructure are all examples of what I would call basic services.
I would also hope that people have opportunities for education and jobs available.
At the same time, many people are concerned with the question of sustainability. Some key features here are energy resource management, waste management, and quality and safety of goods available for consumer purchase. To reduce trash, for example, it is preferable for goods to be durable and repairable if they are intended to last, or easily recyclable or biodegradable if they are a disposable item. At the same time, innovations should be pursued to create goods at lower prices to help bring better quality of life to people globally who otherwise could not afford or have access to needed/desired goods.
Would producing durable goods that do not have to be replaced as often cut into the profits of companies used to selling goods with a shorter life cycle? Yes, I think it does. Companies will have to be prepared to make changes to their production models, for example, by reaching out to new markets. Through technological innovation we should expect to increase food production and distribution, and ensure basic service; further, we will want to apply technological advances to the goods marketplace itself.
Ways companies need to improve to sell in a socially progressive world marketplace:
Consider the clutter issue. Would your product fit in a minimalist environment? Does it come with its own storage method?
Multifunction devices can have benefits in terms of reducing clutter and being more useful, especially for mobile use.
Devices with pleasing and practical design sensibility have more chance of surviving the cut!
Storage solutions are a whole market segment of immense benefit for people living in smaller spaces.
Recycling, refurbing, and repairing items are better for the wallet and environment than disposable items.
Efficiency: good design should create products and methods that use less power and last longer.
Supply chain and distribution efficiencies can help get goods to where they are needed cheaply and quickly.
Consider emphasizing supporting local economies and micro businesses. Create relationships with local partners. Strong local economies create new customers and suppliers for global companies.
Regional companies should use technology to create a global reach - the internet can make everyone our neighbor!
I do believe that capitalism and progressive thinking can be absolutely compatible. In fact, innovation, increased efficiency, and increased global market reach are goals of both capitalism and social progressiveness. Trade thrives in times of peace and prosperity. Corporations see everyone on earth as a potential customer! Corporations want more customers for their products, so the better global economies fare, the more money their potential customers have to purchase goods. Companies may have a monetary incentive to reduce waste in their manufacturing and operations. Generally, companies should have the incentive to produce well designed, durable, safe, quality goods to give their brand names a good reputation. However, commiditized goods will not need a brand reputation and therefore government regulations are absolutely necessary to make sure of the safety of goods in the marketplace. Governments must use their influences to ensure the safety of goods. They may wish to also use influence (such as tax incentives, fines, etc. ) to encourage companies to make goods in a manner consistent with a sustainable economy and meeting goals of efficiency and durability.
And now that I have solved this problem for you, please offer me one of those famous cigars and we can celebrate the beginning of a new era of progressive capitalism.
