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.