The paradox of efficiency
Efficiency is a classic case of a doubled-edged sword. On one side efficiency is crucial for the practice of sustainability because it is about getting more … Read more
Business
At one with the universe
One of the consequences of having self-awareness is the feeling that you are separate, and not at one with the universe. Feeling separate leads to existential … Read more
Pursue wisdom
The most important truth for all humans to face up to is that, in the words of Frederick Nietzsche, we are not finished yet. We are … Read more
Not-to-do list
“To attain knowledge, add things every day.To attain wisdom, remove things every day.”– Lao Tzu Lao Tzu’s advice is an age-old truism. Antoine de Saint-Exupery said … Read more
The two keys to business sustainability
Sustainability and well-being have a lot to do with what people consume. What people consume has a lot to do with what businesses produce. What businesses … Read more
The break-even motive
The profit motive leads to economic growth, whereas a steady-state economy will be built on the foundations of a break-even motive. The overarching purpose of the … Read more
Bad advertising, Good advertising
The 2015 “Are You Beach Body Ready?” campaign highlights the depths bad advertising will plunge to. The UK banned the campaign (but not the US!) for it’s callous … Read more
Craft technology for the future
When we think of technology we usually think of high-tech and big-tech, like robots and automated factories. However, hand tools and craft processes are technologies too. In a … Read more
Handmade for good
My partner Anna is a contemporary jeweller. Everything she makes is handmade. Apart from a few power tools and a gas torch Anna only uses hand tools. What … Read more
Taking the cake
The case for local production In The Transition Handbook the author Rob Hopkins talks about ‘the cake analogy’ which explains the case for local production. In his analogy … Read more