The Subsistence Perspective

Bennholdt-Thomsen and Mies are researchers who look closely at the inter-workings of small villages across the world. The focus is primarily on village commons versus the global commons. A section from their book, The Subsistence Perspective, reflects on the adverse effects globalization has and how our society needs to reinvent the commons. Written in the 1990's, the work has relevance today in our increasing global economy.

Internet access and giant media outlets leave everyone connected. A global consciousness has developed among some groups making me wonder whether or not Bennhold-Thomsen and Mies would be surprised. Global Language Monitor has named "sustainability" the third most popular buzz word in 2013 and notes it has been rising every year. If you take a look at the International Institute for Sustainable Development timeline of sustainable movements, you will notice the 2000's produced more sustainable movements than ever before.

Is our world suddenly becoming more moral and appreciative of "Mother Earth" or is this a desperate response in an attempt to reverse the damage that's already been done? Bennholdt-Thomsen and Mies argue that the only solution is the reinvent the commons. We must decentralize the government, eliminate private property, and localize and regionalize. Compared to Bennholdt-Thomsen and Mies' ideas, this sustainability movement is a publicity stunt. Can we make change if we are moving deeper and deeper into a global village?

Personally I think no, we cannot. While I think reinventing the commons seems impossible, Bennholdt-Thomsen and Mies make a convincing point in the idea of "not in my backyard". We have reached a point where we are desensitized to what true cultivation requires and the amount of waste that it produces. We are so used to putting our garbage in bags and watching them get shipped away to some far land. While we may think we're "conscientious", we are probably only 1% of the way there.

An ideal world there needs to be a shift in reinventing the commons in some way that works with the technological society we live in. Regardless some big change needs to take place and having "sustainable" as this year's buzzword isn't going to do it.