How Much Is Enough?: The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth (The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series) [Paperback]

Alan Durning (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series | Publication Date: August 17, 1992

An account of the detrimental effects of consumption and consumer behaviour on the world's natural environment.

It discusses the use of resources, pollution, and the distortions created in the economies of both wealthy industrialized nations and Third World countries.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Durning, a senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute, develops the thesis that of the three issues the global community must address in order to save the world's environment--population growth, technological change, and consumption--the latter is the most neglected and can ill afford to be. He argues that it is easier to focus on technology, which is simpler to replace than the cultural attitudes governing consumption. The conundrum of consumption is that "limiting the consumer life-style to those who have already attained it is not politically possible . . . or ecologically sufficient . . . and extending that life-style to all would hasten the ruin of the biosphere." Durning calls for a "culture of permanence," a society that lives within its means. A potent philosophical as well as practical guide, this is recommended for collections concerned with the growing issue of environmental sustainability.
- Jennifer Scarlott, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, New York
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; First Edition Underling edition (August 17, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039330891X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393308914
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #414,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and informative evaluation of the consumer society, July 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How Much Is Enough?: The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth (The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series) (Paperback)

Has it ever occurred to you that Americans go to shopping malls more often than they attend church or synagogue? Did you know that, directly or indirectly, we consume our own weight in basic resources EVERY DAY? Half a billion people--those who belong to the consumer society--use up almost all of the world's resources and create most of the pollution. This is one of those books that leaves a lasting impression upon the way you perceive the society you live in. This book is not only a smooth read, but is PACKED with carefully researched information in a most wonderful way. Durning backs up all his statements with solid facts. What else would you expect from a senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute? And aside from the conscientious fact-checking, Durning has another Worldwatch habit: he not only presents complex problems in understandable ways, but also presents multi-pronged, workable solutions. Overall, a concise book chock full of careful thinking.

22 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but something was missing, September 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How Much Is Enough?: The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth (The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series) (Paperback)

I read the book. I agreed with all the points. I was properly impressed with his statistics and anecdotes. But overall I felt something was missing, although I can't put my finger on it. After reading this book, rather than feeling charged up to go and do something about it I felt rather ho-hum instead. I don't think the book is polemical enough. It doesn't offer clear cut guides on what needs to change. The threat is always vague, "We can't keep this up or someday we'll run out." His discussion of the necessity of growth left me unconvinced, even though I desperately wanted to be convinced. The book is an interesting read, but it was just lacking something that kept it from being amazing.