Air Quote by Richard J. Foster
“Overpopulation is the problem of the third and fourth World; over-consumption is the problem of the West. The average American child this year will consume as much of the world's resources as twenty children born in India. Deliberate and calculated waste is the central aspect of the American economy. We over-eat, over-buy, and over-built, spewing out our toxic wastes upon the earth and into the air.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Celebration of Discipline, 1978
Overpopulation and over‑consumption are linked to wasteful habits; Western excess strains global resources.
In simple terms: Overconsumption harms global resources.
Key Takeaway
Reduce waste, adopt sustainable habits.
Themes
environment
resource depletion
overconsumption
global equity
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
environmental
educational
When to use this quote
- consumer choices
- energy use
- food waste
- urban planning
Key Concepts
Ecology
economics
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you cut personal waste?
- What policies curb overconsumption?
A Different Perspective
Changing habits is socially challenging.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)