Take Action to Help

Peter Victor, one of the most capable and original thinkers when it comes to combining economic theory and physical/ecological realities, has written:

The dilemma for policy makers is that the scope of change required for managing without growth is so great that no democratically elected government could implement the requisite policies without the broad-based consent of the electorate. Even talking about them could make a politician unelectable.

This state of affairs needs to change.  A leader in government, business, or anywhere else ought to be able to start a dialogue about the desirability of growth.  They certainly should be able to question the logic behind pursuing infinite growth on a finite planet without getting kicked to the curb.  The sooner we can have open discussions about this topic, the sooner we can get to work building economic institutions that provide prosperity without growth, for ourselves and future generations.

With that goal in mind, CASSE has 5 steps you can take to start the transition from unsustainable growth to a steady state economy.

Step 1

If you haven’t already, publicly voice your opinion by signing the CASSE position on economic growth.  Join the list of outstanding sustainability thinkers such as E. O. Wilson, Vandana Shiva, and David Suzuki who have signed.  There are many good reasons to sign it.

Step 2

The next step is to get informed and start discussions with everyone you know.  CASSE has bundled numerous information resources on this website. We invite you to discover the steady state economy, read our briefing papers, and acquire items from our reading list. You can also arrange to have a CASSE speaker deliver a presentation. The public is constantly bombarded with misleading directives to consume as much as possible, to value spending in the marketplace above all else, and to keep the economy growing at all costs.  Following these directives is not the path to happiness and well-being. Only an informed citizenry can get beyond the false rhetoric and move us in the direction of sustainability and real prosperity for everyone. After you get the information, you can tell your family and friends.

Step 3

Leading by example is an effective way to instigate social change and influence others. As more and more of us choose to live life as “steady staters” and demonstrate the possibilities of the good life in a steady state economy, others in society will see the benefits and get on board.

Step 4

We won’t get the changes we’re seeking unless people take an active role in jumpstarting the transition to a better economy. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities.  You can become a CASSE outreach volunteer and join a network of citizens who are promoting the steady state economy.  We encourage you to use our outreach materials to spread the word, and we also invite you to write a letter to the editor, contact a politician, and (if you’re a student) question conventional economists in the classroom.

Step 5

If you like what CASSE does and want to see us keep doing it, or perhaps even do more of it, then please consider becoming a member of CASSE or making a financial contribution.