Our Consumption Problem
Robert Crocker
Most everyday products and services are now more efficient than they have ever been, but there are many more of them being made and used, and so our greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb.
For instance, a 1% a year reduction in the environmental impact of passenger jets cannot do much for the earth if there are 4% more passengers flying every year. Global consumption is still growing faster than our capacity to ‘green’ the economy. This now contributes 65% of our emissions, and soaks up over half our water, land and materials use. Technology alone cannot fix this problem.
​
In my research I am interested in deepening our understanding this 'consumption problem', and the potential of design to reduce its intensity and destructive impacts. Design, I believe, can transform the habits and routines of everyday life, and the way we use the products, systems and services we need.
​
In these pages you will find essays, blogs and reviews, as well as links to books, talks and webinars, on a range of topics related to this problem, including consumption and waste, design for sustainability, reuse in design, circular economy, sustainable consumption and development.