Timing

This weeks reading summarized and reiterated all we have learned about thinking in systems. "How do we change the structure of systems to produce more of what we want and less of that which is undesirable? Meadows references world leaders and companies that two often push the price leverage point in the wrong direction ultimately weakening the feedback loop instead of balancing or strengthening it. The loops and examples are interesting ways of looking at systems however the continuous examples actually start to make the scenario more complicated to me. We learned in Nature's OperatingInstructions that Nature is and endless series of systems. I can not help but reflect back to the way Native Americans worked within the system. They intervened, at the right time and when necessary. In the end, their ways kept the rhythms and increased growth at a slow paced rate. It was for the greater good and survival. We need to look more at the roots to understand the cause.

Monstrous Hybrids---“mountains of waste rising in our landfills are a growing concern.” Seems to be a great concern, but it also seems to be to easy to solve these problems of waste. That maybe why the action is not in effect. Fact: Americans are materialistic, 88 percent of the people in their society stated that they are materialistic and like shopping a bit too much. It is always annoying to hear after the second time, but it’s not that annoying for change. When I read McDonoughs it really feels that I am reading five pages over and over again. It should start to sink in after a while that there can and will problem unless some changes are made. Recycling is as good and its seems to be.....its really just down-cycling….up-cycling is really the way to go.

Biological metabolism and Technical metabolism was the main discussion in the readings this week. McDonough always brings me back to the expression of the cherry tree, and how it has multiple benefits to the ecosystem----the releasing of the blossoms and the delicious cherries for humans. Composting! it seems to be so simple and helpful to the environment, (and our backs from taking out the heavy trash) but it continues to be not in peoples priority. One last thing that was intriguing was the running shoes that give off toxins on the road and into the grass. Healthy living is not getting so healthy anymore. Some technical metabolism that I thought was interesting to bring up was how Henry Ford and his Model A cars used the shipping crates as their floorboards. That’s been about 80 years ago, where did we steer off from that mentality, at least for industrial resources. Of course resources are cheaper, but when looked at the production, transportation, and eliminating cost, its far more harmful.

Growth. Good, bad, or ugly.

At first i had a solid connection to the readings. A balance of raw messages by Thomas Malthus and others, coupled with writers who were inspired by the spirit and beauty of nature. Malthus; appears dark and cynical regarding an exaggerated reality during an exciting time of early industry. He touched on intangible thoughts; yet sowing seed for continuous topics for centuries to come; population and growth. While he is recalled as Scrooge", it astounds me that the could be so far ahead of his time (1798).

Moving along, the readings touch on modern environmentalism eventually stating that growth brings negative consequences. I agree with Fritz Schumacher (1973) raising the concept that "People must make a serious shift in what they concider to be wealth and progress". This week I realized how we overconsume our needs as as a result have become less resourceful. More things = less creative uses = more garbage = more pollution.

While I am grateful for a rising awareness from class and our readings; William McDonough's Cradle to Cradle often leaves me feeling frustrated. His writing is clear and concise, although often invites moments of sadness. It is well understood, but sometimes the unraveling depth of doom is depicted a bit to much. However, the goal is met because his thought provoking detail ultimately evolves our minds and shifts awareness; a huge step to make the world a more healthy, hearty, sustainable place.

Becoming Standard

"The most effective way of dealing with policy resistance is to find a way of aligning the various goals of the subsystems..." ~Meadows (115) Many systems, many goals and somehow...we need to make it work. The development of so many ideas and thoughts over our socio-economic & environmental outcome has led to some confusion and turmoil and we HAVE to make it work.
But how?
In the most positive light...our American capitalist society has led us to believe we need certain things, certain ways, certain paths...I guess in a way that is an agreement in the system but we really need change. The subsystems traditionally allow one voice and I would like to see others become much more powerful and stronger.
Government has a definite hand in our everyday actions and but our voice needs to be stronger.
We are getting there, thought. Just the simple idea of recycling has gone from a meager thought to a social norm and those be shunned to not have a recycling bin. We can do it, we are on the way so let our systems unite for all that should be done, all that is good, all that CAN be.