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Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. | Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. | ||
The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are | The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy. | ||
Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit. | Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit. | ||
Revision as of 16:48, 31 December 2011
About Sustainable Economy
Our current economic system is becoming more and more disconnected and unsustainable, socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, to others it seems unequal, unfair and unstable. Our goal is to transition toward a society which becomes more fair and economically equal over time, so that it is more stable and sustainable. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.
A "sustainable economy" is an economy which is based upon the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and fiscal, otherwise known as the "triple bottom line". If any one of the pillars isn't sustainable, then none of it is, and the economy collapses. Many businesses are adopting this philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success. See more on triple bottom line philosophy[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line
Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.
Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.
Goals of this working group (draft!)
- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and
- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society
- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.
- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.
- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.
- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.
Ways to make the economy more sustainable
1. Set of ethical business practices to evaluate businesses by.
2. Harmful companies to boycott and divest from.
3. An interactive shopping guide, Responsible Shopper, from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.
4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's National Green Pages to buy from and invest in.
5. Green Business Seal of Approval from Green America.
6. Directories of local businesses to support. (Buy Local)
7. Socially responsible business associations for businesses to join.
8. Ethical economic models to explore.
9. Ethical business legislation ideas to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.
10. Books, articles, and other resources analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.
Possible Projects to Work On
1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.
2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.
3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.
Name Change Notice
The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.
The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.
Contact
SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org Email us if you have questions.
Sign up for our email list to join our working group.