The world is drowning with stuff. Our houses are full of useless things, and we seem to have less and less space for everything we own. We buy clothes, tech, and other items that promise us a better life. Eventually, all those things are thrown away in landfills, generating billions of tons of carbon dioxide to spill into the atmosphere every year. 

The worst part is that many things hint at fulfilling a desire, need, or to bring us happiness, but they are not actually necessary. We might receive a small boost of gratification short-term, but eventually, the feeling will wear off and we will fall back into the cycle of finding something new, bigger, and better to pique our interest. The fact of the matter is, we do not need the majority of these items to live. They will continue to disappoint us, and leave our true desire for happiness unfulfilled.

We live in a consumerism society fueled by capitalism and the desire for more and better. 

Degrowth is an idea that critiques the global capitalist system which pursues growth at all costs, causing human exploitation and environmental destruction. Degrowth means transforming societies to ensure environmental justice and a good life for all within planetary boundaries. Degrowth is a social, intellectual, and spiritual movement that questions our consumerist society and capitalistic beliefs. It was first brought up in 1972 by André Gorz during a debate (note the quote below) and has become more widely discussed since the increased discussion of climate change started during the global pandemic.

Is the earth’s balance, for which no-growth – or even degrowth – of material production is a necessary condition, compatible with the survival of the capitalist system?” — André Gorz

What is the meaning of a degrowth economy?

While the capitalist system states that growth must happen despite the human and environmental impact, the degrowth movement accepts the fact that there are limitations of economic growth; and instead, focuses on putting the wellbeing of the environment and all living beings first. Simply put, degrowth discourages greed and consumerism and encourages the reduction of energy and resource use in order to bring balance back to the earth.

What are the main pillars of Degrowth?

1. Nature should be revered

2. There is a limit to economic growth

3. There should be uniformity amongst all nations and people

4. True democracy and public debate should govern supreme

5. The well-being of all living beings is vital

Is Degrowth a socialist movement?

While socialism and the degrowth movement both critique capitalism, the two movements very different. Degrowth focuses on wellbeing and accepts the limitation of economic growth. Socialism, on the other hand, advocates for communal ownership of production, distribution, and exchange.

In theory, the two could coincide should the production, distribution, and exchange of socialism be limited to a level in which the Degrowth movement determines to be beneficial for the earth. However, by definition, their paths are not aligned.

Why is Degrowth good?

Degrowth is a beneficial movement because it challenges our consumeristic society, puts nature first, accepts the limits of economic growth, supports equality amongst nations, and focuses on the long-term wellbeing of humans. Reducing our use of energy and resources as the Degrowth movement intended, would reduce inequality and improve the quality of life for all of humankind.

Why is Degrowth bad?

Degrowth could be seen as negative because it discourages resource and manufacture-based economic growth. Some individuals may believe this societal structure would lead to a mass loss of jobs or loss of income. This checks out, even though the late-stage capitalistic society that we are in now is not sustainable regardless of environmental impact. However, the Degrowth movement does offer opportunities for replacing the current economy-based jobs with sustainable ones that take advantage of green technology and renewable energy. 

How can Degrowth save the world?

At first glance, Degrowth is often seen as a negative idea. Since generally up is good, and down is bad — or in an economic sense, more is better and less is, well, unacceptable. However, unlearning is the only way we will be able to make the significant changes necessary to save the world. The principles of Degrowth encourage unity, accountability, health, and discourage material abundance, capitalism, and greed.

What do you think of this movement?

Do you agree that we should regress our capitalist mentality and shift our focus to caring for our earth and one another?

Or perhaps you are more inclined to side with alternative approaches to solve our environmental and social-economic dilemmas?

I would love to continue progressive, educational conversations around alternative green movements and ideologies. Join in on the conversation and let me know what you want to learn more about next!

— Claudia

Hey, Claudia here

I am a senior graphic designer, a dog mom, an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, climate change, and sustainability. My articles are based on personal experience and well researched to give you the best source of information for all things zero-waste.