Consumption Quote by Paul R. Ehrlich
“It turns out the population issue is an easier thing to deal with than the consumption issue. Some obvious extremes in consumption we can deal with. The standard cure for a stuttering economy is to go out and buy an SUV and three more refrigerators. That's obviously not the way to go.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Population Bomb, 1968, United States
Ehrlich argues that consumption, not population size, drives ecological strain; solutions must target wasteful consumption patterns rather than merely limiting population growth.
In simple terms: Overconsumption is the main environmental problem, not just population numbers.
Key Takeaway
Focus on reducing wasteful consumption and promoting sustainable habits.
Themes
Environmental sustainability
resource management
consumer behavior
economic policy
Mood
urgent
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
environmental
economic
behavioral
When to use this quote
- Household budgeting
- energy-efficient technologies
- public policy reforms
- educational campaigns
Key Concepts
Ecology
economics
behavioral science
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives can shift consumer behavior?
- How can policy support sustainable consumption?
A Different Perspective
Limitation: Changing consumption habits can be politically and culturally resistant.
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![“In ten years [i.e., 1980] all important animal life in the sea will be extinct. Large areas of coastline will have to be evacuated because of the stench of dead fish.” quote by Paul R. Ehrlich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/552/paul-r-ehrlich-13046_animal_in-ten-years-i-e-1980-all-important-anim_180543.jpg)
