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Jun 14, 2019 Posted by Samuel Alexander

This Civilisation is Finished: Conversations on the end of Empire – and what lies beyond

I’ve just published a new book, co-authored with philosopher-activist Rupert Read (leading spokesperson of the Extinction Rebellion in the UK). There is also a postscript by Helena Norberg-Hodge, author of Ancient Futures and producer of The Economics of Happiness. Our new book is entitled This Civilisation is Finished: Conversations on the end of Empire – and what lies beyond, but don’t... read more

Oct 23, 2018 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Short Film: Degrowth in the Suburbs

Recently I posted about my new book – Degrowth the in Suburbs: A Radical Urban Imaginary – co-authored with Professor Brendan Gleeson. A couple of days ago Happen Films released a short video on the topic, based on my household – see below.... read more

Dec 29, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Home Biogas Review: Independent Assessment from Australia

Biogas is a renewable energy source with net-zero emissions. In an age of worrying climate change and looming fossil energy decline, wouldn’t it be great if we could produce biogas at our homes and burn it as a cooking fuel? Well, it turns out you can. That’s what I’ve been doing in recent months and it’s helped enable our household to completely disconnect from conventional (fossil) gas and... read more

Mar 21, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Democracy at risk: the terrifying power of ‘big data’

Here is my short article that appeared Tuesday morning in On Line Opinion. Democracy at risk: the terrifying power of ‘big data’ The ‘digital revolution’ continues to change the world in profound ways. Everyday computers and other information technologies reach further into our lives, often in subtle ways, reshaping global society so swiftly that the deepest impacts can easily escape... read more

Feb 10, 2017 Posted by Samuel Alexander

A Critique of the Decoupling Strategy: A ‘Limits to Growth’ Perspective

In late 2015 the CSIRO – Australia’s most prominent scientific organisation – published the ‘Australian National Outlook Report’ which argued that Australia can grow its economy and achieve sustainability without questioning consumerist values. In response to that report, the Simplicity Institute has just published a new paper called ‘A Critique of the Decoupling... read more

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 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

May 4, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Phasing out fossil fuels for renewables may not be a straightforward swap

Here is a fascinating and important article (originally published at The Conversation) written by Josh Floyd and Anthony James, based on the energy transition modelling undertaken by Floyd at his excellent energy blog, Beyond this Brief Anomaly. To have any chance of preventing dangerous climate change, the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero or even negative by mid-century. Many... 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

Aug 28, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

The ‘green tech’ future is a flawed vision of sustainability

Below is my new article published in The Conversation today, co-authored with Josh Floyd. The original article can be viewed here. What does your vision of a sustainable future look like? Some people imagine a scenario whereby technology solves the world’s most pressing environmental problems. In this world we all drive electric cars and have solar panels on our roofs that power our air conditioners and... 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.