Degrowth / Post-Growth | The Simplicity Collective

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Aug 22, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

My Interview with Open Democracy UK on Decoupling and Green Growth

Last week I was interviewed by Ian Sinclair at Open Democracy UK about whether the ‘green growth’ strategy can solve climate change. I’ve posted the interview below and the original interview is here. Ian Sinclair: What is the thinking of those who herald ‘decoupling’ as a promising tool in stopping dangerous levels of climate change? Why do you think it has proven such a popular... read more

Jun 17, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes

Today I am posting a link to my new essay, ‘Prosperous Descent: Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes‘, which was recently published in the Griffith Review, Australia’s most prestigious literary journal. The essay tells the story of Wurruk’an, the ‘simpler way’ demonstration project that formed the basis of the new documentary ‘A Simpler Way: Crisis as... read more

Jun 4, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity (Full Documentary)

Last night 300 people attended the sold-out premiere screening of the new documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity, which I co-produced with Jordan Osmond. After the film, David Holmgren and Helena Norberg-Hodge joined us on stage for a panel discussion which stimulated a great discussion. You can watch the film freely below and information on organising your own screening can be found here.... read more

Apr 24, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Trailer to “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”

We’ve just released the trailer to our forthcoming documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity“. Half the tickets for the Melbourne premiere (3 June) have moved in the last couple of days, so if you’re wanting to attend, get your tickets here. We’re also very happy to announce that David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, will be joining us at the premiere... read more

Apr 22, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Limits to Growth: Policies to Steer the Economy away from Disaster

Yesterday I posted my new MSSI Issues paper, “Policies for a Post-Growth Economy“. Today I share my short summary of that paper which has been published in the Conversation. (Also, a quick reminder for those in Victoria, tickets to the premiere of A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity are moving quickly. If you want to come, please get tickets today from here). LIMITS TO GROWTH: POLICIES TO... read more

Apr 21, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Policies for a Post-Growth Economy

This week I published a new MSSI Issues paper called “Policies for a Post-Growth Economy”. The full article is available here. INTRODUCTION The 1972 publication of Limits to Growth sparked a controversy that has yet to subside. This book argued that if population, resource use, and pollution kept increasing on our finite planet, eventually economies would face environmental ‘limits to... read more

Mar 25, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

The Goldilocks Question: How Much Economic Growth is Just Right?

A week ago I was interviewed on ABC’s Radio National, with several leading Australian economists. They were the pro-growth advocates, I was the sceptic. I’ll let you decide whether they answered the critique of growth I put forward: The debate can be listened to... read more

Nov 2, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

What is Degrowth? Envisioning a Prosperous Descent

This is a transcript of my keynote address presented at the ‘Local Lives, Global Matters’ conference in Castlemaine, Victoria, 16-18 October 2015.Other keynote speakers included Rob Hopkins, David Holmgren, and Helena Norberg-Hodge. Introduction Thank you for that introduction, Jacinta, good morning everyone. I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land and to recognise... read more

Sep 26, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Sustained economic growth: United Nations mistake the poison for the cure

Below is my recent article in The Conversation: On the surface, the Sustainable Development Goals, soon to be confirmed by the United Nations, seem noble and progressive. They seek to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and hunger while creating sustainable and resilient societies. But look beneath the surface of this pleasant rhetoric and one comes face to face with a far more ominous vision... read more

Sep 15, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Earth as a Petri Dish: The Problem of Growth

The 1972 publication of Limits to Growth sparked a controversy that has yet to subside. This book argued that if population, resource use, and pollution kept growing on our finite planet, eventually economies would face environmental ‘limits to growth’ – with potentially dire consequences. Despite the evidence mounting in support of this position, any suggestion that we might have to give up... read more

Invitation / Incitation

The Simplicity Collective is founded upon the idea that a 'simpler life' of reduced resource and energy consumption is a viable and desirable alternative to consumer culture.

Our position is that simple living will improve not only our own lives, but the lives of others, as well as help save our planet from the environmental catastrophe towards which we are so enthusiastically marching.

We must not just fall in line, then, and continue the march ‘business as usual.’ We must explore alternative ways to live. We must experiment creatively, like the artist. We must be the poets of our own lives and of a new generation.