Be the stimulus you want to see in the world

The economic state of the world is nothing if not unsettling these days. But unsettling is not always entirely bad. I don't negate the suffering of those out of work, the anxiety of those who might soon be, and the discomfort of those who's retirement has grown uncomfortable. For many of us our lives go on with minimal change except an awareness of the depth of the situation. But first what is the problem we face.

At it's extreme we could be watching the end of growth capitalism. Peak Oil and other resource limits playing out. The economist Herman Daly talk about steady state economics, what does he mean by this? Certainly steady state doesn't work with capitalism as we know it. Growth is a central element of capitalism. Capitalists get very unhappy when their capital does not grow. But some assume that natural resources like cheep and abundant fossil fuel are what has allowed for growth. What if these resources are no longer so plentiful?

Perhaps we are just in a slow down in capitalism but given time to correct it will start up again. This could be bad like the great depression or another year of recession and we're back on our feet. in this case the key is stimulus by any means.

In the first scenario, solutions might range form in the streets revolution, to relocalization of the economy, to new structures we haven't yet imagined. The second scenario suggests taking what ever actions that best maintain ones personal resources during the crises, but whatever best promotes economic activity at large. This raises a paradox is often observed by economic pundits. At the individual level saving makes sense but saving keeps the economy from moving forward.

So facing various paths before us and various interests and goals what actions can we take as individuals? My answer is be the stimulus you want to see in the world. Let me spell out an example. If you are like me a home owner and have any extra money spending it on weatherization, and if that is done as much as you can, invest in home energy systems, solar hot water systems, photovoltaic arrays, even home wind systems. This approach, like saving will offer financial returns, many weatherization efforts have a payback period of only a couple years or less. Green rehabilitationg will also be an economic stimulus, spurring economic activity in areas we would like to grow. the main clue I get from Herman Daily about what he means by steady state economics is the distinction between economic growth, and economic development. Growth is more development is better. Green energy improvements are clearly a positive development.

On the other hand if your unemployed what might you do? To be the stimulus you want means taking initiative, There are plenty who are unemployed from the building trades such people are well suited for transitioning to green housing work. My own experience from working in a house painting collective is that we made better wages than those who worked for a company. (I did that work during the early 80's the time that present unemployment rates are being compared to.) Another do it yourself employment opportunity that I think a small group of people with just a little capital could start would be a compact florescent canvas. Spend a day knocking on doors in wealthy neighborhoods canvasing for money to provide compact florescent light bulbs to low income people. Then do exactly that with the funds you raise. Helping the poor and the environment at the same time. I can't speak about other communities, but in a liberal town like Ann Arbor I think there is room for another canvas.

These quickly outlined ideas are just to suggest that there are proactive approaches that may be worthwhile is the economy resumes its course or if we start anew. Even under revolutionary situations creating real wealth is beneficial, work collectives and door to door canvases are potential proto revolutionary organizations of work and community organizing. on the other hand if they just move along the material conditions of the moment, and reduce the contribution to global warming that's meaningful as well. I not trying to be prescriptive. My point is that creativity can be directed from individual and grassroots action to stimulate a new direction.