Sustainability Principles Online Dialogue - Policy & Operational Implications

Bioeconomics, Buddhist Economics, and Plan B

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:10:21 -0400

Long ago, E.F. Schumacher set out salient principles for a "Buddhist Economics" in a Manas article that became chapter 4 of his book "Small Is Beautiful" (see http://www.schumachersociety.org/buddhist_economics/english.html). I also recall an article from, I believe, "Whole Earth Review" along a similar vein about "Amish Economics" (see http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/pubs/SFNews/archive/93011.htm for an article with a similar title). That's a good starting point for understanding the essence of the economic challenge. The economic principle set out in the Bahai Faith is another useful guide: it identifies the central challenge of economics as spiritual in nature. That works as well with Carlos Casteneda's advice: All paths lead nowhere, so choose a path with heart.

Cosmic accounting

Sun, 13 Aug 2006 17:39:15 -0400

Bucky often remarked, "Nature doesn't use dollars; we need a cosmic accounting system" and I submit that the late great Dr. Howard T. Odum (1987 Crafoord Prize) came closest to creating just such by his "emergy methodology" (that is spelled with an "m" intentionally). Check out this major insight via the website offered by Odum's colleagues at http://www.emergysystems.org.

Distribution of wealth

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 21:32:58 -0400

Should the distribution of wealth should be addressed in the Policy and Operational Implications? Does concentration of wealth and resources lead to non-sustainable practices? Is the reuse of resources, a goal of the First Principle, made easier when resources are allocated to individuals more equally? Is the distribution of wealth related to joshua's comment on decentalized systems?

decentralized systems vs. centralized systems

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:39:29 -0400

It seems to me that that nature operates more along the lines of decentralized redundant/diverse/networked systems but humans often ( often for purposes of maximum control and exploitation)build highly centralized systems that are poorly networked, lack redundancy, and are highly centralized. This results in brittle systems versus resilient ones. Our electical grid and our food supply are cases in point. I wonder if it would make sense to include in the P & OI for the Economic Domain something like this : Where appropriate and feasible strive for decentralized redundant/diverse/networked systems with respect to delivery of basic life support goods and services.

general comments on Policy and Operational Implications

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:07:39 -0400

Are the Policy and Operational Implications inclusive? Could you suggest additional ones? Could you suggest examples of best practices for any?