An author on the future of society says human activity cannot grow forever on a finite planet and it is critical that we change our cultural and economic goals.
Mike Nickerson is in the area on a speaking tour.
He will talk to the Meaford Chamber of Commerce at 8:30 AM Thursday, and later at the Kiwanis Club Luncheon in Owen Sound.
Nickerson will also speak at the Teeswater Library at 7 PM.
He says we need to develop secure and satisfying ways to live within the limits the planet offers us, rather than pursue continuous economic expansion.
Nickerson tells Bayshore Broadcasting News we have to move away from our “throw-away” society where we produce goods that are designed to fall apart within a few years, so we can produce more goods.
50 years ago, he says basic food, clothes and shelter made up the bulk of our needs but today we consume vast quantities of goods which stretches the Earth’s ability to absorb waste.
He says people need to take more satisfaction in family, friends and knowledge.
The author says we have to reduce the impact we are having on the Earth or there will be nothing left for our childrens, children..
One way to reduce our impact on the planet is to produce and buy locally, whether it is produce or goods.
Nickerson says we have to stop taking advantage of third world countries for their cheap labour and let them develop while reducing our own demands.
