On July 2nd, I turned 54. Although I’m in ‘mid-midlife’, I still find myself looking for the adult in the room to help me make sense of the world and tell me what to do. When I was a youthful, heart-led romantic, I imagined a much cooler future than the one we currently live in. I thought we’d have more Sesame Street vibes and Free to Be You and Me energy. More Rita Moreno, less greed. More Carol Channing and Lambchop, less golf. Fewer gold gilded picture frames. Less screen time, tax codes and men in ill-fitting slacks telling women what they can do with their bodies. I imagined a world with more picnics and better style. A world filled with joy, swimming, bikes, and time with friends.
In 1992, when James Carville said “it’s the economy stupid,” I was washing dishes at a rebel, all-night coffee shop/used bookstore/performance space paying $150 per month in rent and making $6.50 an hour (spending most of my paycheck on used books and coffee). Carville said this in reference to the American voter during the presidential election between Bill Clinton and incumbent George H.W. Bush. I’m loath to admit it, but Carville was right, it is all about the economy. The economy has no face, no leader, no loyalty. It supplies a demand or demands a supply. The economy runs through every relationship, household, and organization. Like a demigod, the economy is a global force that we are born to serve. I did not know this when I was curled up in front of the TV feeling safe with Mr. Hooper and wishing to god someone would see Snufalufagus.
Our linear economic model of “take-make-use-dispose” is only happy when it’s growing. When growth, quarter after quarter, is the metric for economic success we are marching towards our own depletion. Planned obsolescence is good for business, as is the promotion of scarcity. To sell goods in the marketplace, the consumer is manipulated in a myriad of ways to feel a void that only a product can fill. The economy works hard to convince you that you are not enough; but you could be if only… The economy causes your anxiety and then sells you a ‘cure’ for it.
There are better economic models than the one we currently tolerate.
Circular Economics. A circular economy model is an economic system that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources by reducing, reusing, recycling, repairing and refurbishing materials and products for as long as possible. Is there anything more satisfying than a thrift store score, or repairing something instead of replacing it?
Donut Economics. A visual framework for sustainable development that combines the concept of planetary boundaries with the complementary concept of social boundaries. Donut economics is referred to as a “wake-up call to transform our capitalist worldview.” In this model, an economy is considered prosperous when all twelve social foundations are met without overshooting any of the nine ecological ceilings. Donut Economics strives to create a safe and just space for humanity.
Regenerative Economics. Prioritizes restoring and sustaining ecological and social systems. These practices aim to create circular, inclusive economies that regenerate natural and human resources, reduce waste, and support community well-being. Rather than exploiting people or nature for short-term gain, regenerative economics focuses on long-term resilience, equity, and the health of ecosystems—integrating care, cooperation, and stewardship into how value is created, exchanged, and sustained.
The human economy is a living system. With humility and a principled approach we can begin to influence and change the way we consume resources, and exist more harmoniously with the earth. There is still abundance on the planet. Our challenge today is to steward resources wisely and teach others to do the same. As modern elders, we are the adults in the room. We are responsible to future generations to innovate, practice and guide the economy away from its linear consumption model towards one of cosmic reciprocity.
-Daniel
Daniel ‘DL’ Landes is an author, entrepreneur, facilitator and frequency healing practitioner with experience in guiding individuals and groups towards deeper connections with themselves (including as an MEA facilitator), others, and the natural world. As the co-owner of Off The Bottle Refill Shop (https://offthebottlerefills.com/) in Denver, he is offering ways to reduce our dependence on single use plastics in the home and body. DL brings a spirit of play, and wonder to his work.