is sustainability a privilege?

I have spit out a lot of rhetoric and information, on this blog, about sustainability and the progression of climate change. However, something I don’t always mention is the economic considerations of being sustainable. Not everyone can afford package free toothpaste or 100% recycled material clothing. And while there may be a lot of companies that are trying to make sustainability more affordable, not everyone has access to them. Additionally, we live in a society and have a government that turns a blind eye to companies that overlook their effect on climate change, because it’s economically profitable for them. If we want to promote climate change action effectively, then we need to make sure that it’s an option for everyone, and holds everyone accountable.

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what does “privilege mean”? In this post, privilege is going to mean an advantage or luxury that is not given to other groups, creating unequal opportunities and accessibilities. Often, and specifically in the context of this post, that privilege is overlooked and people are unaware of the existence of it.

the inequality. If you think about it, people in poorer communities are creating the least environmental impact, yet they are being affected by climate change the most. When we think about that, it should motivate and instill willpower in us to change our ways so others (and the planet) don’t suffer because of it.

what is “just sustainability”?  Just sustainability recognizes the economic inequality of the advocated sustainability and argues that “if sustainability only includes or is only for the benefit of privileged people, then logically we don’t have any hope of actually achieving it.” (Resilience)

how do big companies play into this? This is a point that is specific to America but can apply to other capitalist countries. Big corporations can afford to take a sustainable, environmental route. However, it’s economically better for them to pursue cheaper paths, even if it means killing the environment. As of now, with a lack of government policies, nothing is incentivizing them to pursue cleaner practices. Similarly, nothing is deterring them from increasing their profit by doing things like using cheap plastics instead of safer materials.

how can WE make sustainability affordable? This is kind of the general rule for the privilege. Recognize that you have the privilege and then use it for good! Like I mentioned, the common economic absurdity of eco-friendly products comes from the lack of demand and the price that it takes to make the actual products. However, if more people, that can afford it, bought more eco-friendly products and similarly used less of popular, harmful products then it would help to make sustainable items affordable in the longterm.

how can the GOVERNMENT make sustainability affordable? I alluded to this before, but the government could have a lot of control in limiting the carbon footprint of major companies and consumer practices. For example, creating tax incentives for companies who take the effort to integrate environmental safe practices appeals to the corporate greed that America is famous for. Conversely, maybe what’s needed is “tough love” deterrents that make it economically harmful for brands to kill the environment.

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I only briefly talked about this topic, but I urge you to read some of the resources below and just keep the main question in mind when you are talking about climate change and sustainability.

Resources:

Forbes

Carbon Credit Capital

https://www.seastainable.co/blogs/seastainable-blog/why-are-eco-friendly-products-so-damn-expensive#:~:text=The%20reason%20why%20eco%2Dfriendly,a%20higher%20degree%20of%20difficulty.&text=In%20terms%20of%20agricultural%20products,friendly%20procedures%20are%20more%20expensive.

Resilience

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