Material goods take energy to manufacture and transport. They use natural resources like wood, metals, minerals, and petroleum (the source of most plastics). When we discard the goods or their packaging, they require further processing and landfill space.
On average, each American uses 18 tons of natural resources per year and produces even more than that in waste (Harrison). Many of these natural resources are extracted from low-income countries, often degrading or destroying forests, land, and other resources that residents rely on to meet their basic needs (Sierra Club).
In addition, consumption and waste have many indirect consequences. For example, burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide emissions; extracting resources can destroy habitat and deplete topsoil; manufacturing operations can affect water and air quality; and landfills can cause toxic leaching.
The way that Americans live also contributes to consumption. "Sprawl" — low-density residential areas with commercial strips and large retail complexes — is now common in the U.S. Compared to living more densely, sprawl requires more energy, water, and packaging, and generates more waste. It necessitates longer drives between home, work, and school, so more fossil fuels are burned and greenhouse gases emitted. Sprawl is one reason why Americans’ drove over six times more miles in 2004 than in 1950 (Yin).
Current levels of consumption are simply not sustainable. This is particularly true in North America, where 8 percent of the world’s population consumes 33 percent of the world’s resources and produces 50 percent of the world’s nonorganic garbage. But even beyond North America, worldwide consumerism continues to grow. By 2040, global resource consumption is predicted to rise to 170 percent of the Earth’s capacity (World Business Council for Sustainable Development).
To create a sustainable society, we must modify and significantly reduce how much we consume and waste. Changing daily behaviors can be difficult, but making connections between consumption, waste, the environment, and social systems will be crucial if we are to move toward sustainability.
Schools teach by example by the ways they provision themselves, use or conserve resources, and contribute to or reduce pollution and waste. Programs to monitor and decrease consumption and to "reduce, reuse, and recycle" become basic components of schooling for sustainability.
References cited in this article may be found in "References" in the Resources page of this website.
