It isnt hard to see the impact of our abuse of nature; from climate change, to concerns about

the quality of our water, air, and soil, to the loss of biodiversity. We certainly are not living
sustainably. If the trend continues there will not be much left for future generations. But what drives
us to abuse the very earth that sustains our lives? After weeks of study, I would like to suggest that
capitalism, as an economic system, fuels many of the behaviors that torture and torment the earth
and its inhabitants.
Are there alternatives to capitalism? No matter your level of discontent with the status quo, as
a modern person living in a developed and democratic nation it is almost inconceivable to consider
any other economic system besides capitalism. It is all that we know. From our earliest years we
have been taught that democracy and capitalism go hand in hand. Modern history has shown us that
communism and socialism should be feared (Wolff, 2013). But is capitalism really a positive force in
the world? Are the principles and values of capitalism serving the people and the world we live in or
are the people and the environment serving capitalism (Mander, 2013)? Who is benefiting from
capitalism as an economic system and who is paying the price?
The driving force behind capitalism is economic growth. Many politicians and economists
argue that economic growth will solve a myriad of problems. This has not been the case. Poverty and
unemployment persist (Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE), n.d.). The
earths resources are being consumed far faster than they are replenished and waste is produced
faster than natural means can process it. A man cannot grow limitlessly, without great harm to his
body and eventual death (CASSE, n.d.). Neither can an economic system grow endlessly within a
finite planet. But are any other options really viable?
It is surprising how many alternative or hybrid economic models exist. They go by many
different names; participatory economics, democratic economics, steady state economy,
cooperatives, work place democracy, and social democracy, just to name a few. But, theses
alternative economic models have many values in common. They do not value growth for the sake of
growth itself (Green Economist, n.d.), but prioritize meeting the needs of every individual, while living
within the means of what nature can supply. They shift decision making to worker councils instead of
a small number of wealthy executives. They argue that workers should have the right to contribute to
decision making to the extent that the decision impacts their own lives (Dhondt, 2004). Production is
not owned privately but it is instead owned cooperatively by the workers. They decide together what
is best for the business and their local community. When the people make the decisions they will not
choose to reduce their own healthcare to increase company profits and the CEOs salary. They will
not vote for manufacturing practices that pollute their local ecosystem (democracy workplace video).
Together, workers share both profit and risk. Many models also suggest that banking should shift
from private ownership to collective, democratic decision making (Peck, 2013). Alternative models
prioritize quality of life over accumulating an excessive amount of goods (Bliss, 2014). Within
capitalism, discrepancies in income between the rich and the poor encourages discontentment and

fuels consumerism (Green Economist, n.d.). So capitalism encourages greed and an unquenchable
need for more (Mander, 2013). But alternative models foster caring among individuals and a senseof
community (Dhondt, 2004). The focus in no longer on maximizing profits but on meeting current
needs and maintaining a supply of natural resources and a viable environment for future generations.
Now, that sounds like democracy.
The knee jerk reaction of many Americans, who have been brought up in a culture that values
individualism, is to reject cooperation, community, and reliance on others. But I challenge you to take
some time to learn more about the alternatives to capitalism. Are the values and priorities really
contrary to your hopes and dreams for what the future could be? Is the democracy and capitalism we
experience today sustainable? Is it equitable? Is it effective for meeting the needs of all individuals?
Is it even meeting the needs of most? Does capitalism encourage a positive quality of life? Does it
leave any hope for future generations?
References
Bliss, T. (2014) Enough is enough: Full film. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQLYElvtEU
Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy. (n.d.) What is steady state economy?
Retrieved from http://steadystate.org/wp-content/uploads/CASSE_Brief_SSE.pdf
Dhondt, G. (2004). Participatory economics: A theoretical alternative to capitalism. New Formulation
Number two. Retrieved from http://www.newformulation.org/4Dhondt2.htm
Green Economist. (n.d.) Why capitalism is not sustainable. Retrieved from
http://www.greeneconomist.org/page.php?pageid=capitalism
Mander, J. (2013). There are good alternatives to US capitalism, but no way to get there. Alternet.
Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/books/there-are-good-alternatives-us-capitalism-no-wayget-there
Peck, J. (2013). The future of business: What are the alternatives to capitalism? The Guardian.
Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/future-business-alternatives- capitalism
Wolff, R. (feb 11 2013). Alternatives to capitalism. Professor Richard D. Wolff. Retrieved from
http://www.rdwolff.com/content/alternatives-capitalism