To Buy or Not to Buy: Consumption, growth and prosperity

There is mounting evidence that ever-increasing consumption in the industrialised world adds little to human happiness - and may even impede it. More urgently, it is now clear that the ecosystems that sustain our economies are collapsing under the impacts of rising consumption. Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey and Director of the Research group on Lifestyles, Values and Environment Tim Jackson’s new book, Prosperity Without Growth, tackles these issues head-on, and has been hugely influential in encouraging a radical re-think of economic growth. Tim is teaching on a course at Schumacher College this autumn titled To Buy or Not To Buy: Consumption, Growth and Prosperity that will present his vision of how human society can flourish within the ecological limits of a finite planet. Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK and previous Chief Executive of the National Consumer Council will also take sessions drawing on research conducted for his recent book, Consumer Kids, which discusses the impact materialism and competitive consumption has on our young people today. The course is intended for those working in community development, local or national government, education, social enterprise and ethical business, economics students/professionals, and individuals who are concerned about the prevalence of consumerism and would like to understand its economic basis and what constructive alternatives are possible. Why not join in and help redefine the economic system? The course is now open for bookings and takes place from 4 – 9 October 2010. For more information please go to the Schumacher College Website www.schumachercollege.org.uk or call 01803 865934.