Special Report

State of the World 2004

In the 2004 edition, the Worldwatch Institute examines how we consume, why we consume, and what impact our consumption choices have on the planet and other people. With chapters on food, water, energy, the politics of consumption, and redefining the good life, State of the World 2004 asks whether a less-consumptive society is possible—and then argues that it is essential.

Following are summaries of two of the issues discussed in the report:

1. Warning: Consumerism Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

Consumer goods and services are often sold on the premise that they make life easier and more fulfilling. But too often, beneath the surface of these claims, lay hidden costs.

Take a dream home in the suburbs. A study of more than 200,000 people in 448 U.S. counties found that those living in low-density suburban communities weighed 6 pounds more on average than those living in densely populated areas. Suburbanites were also found to be as likely as cigarette smokers to have high blood pressure.

Or, consider cars. Automobiles are often advertised as bringing freedom to their owners, yet in reality, the average U.S. adult now spends 72 minutes a day behind the wheel.

Fast food or highly processed food is typically marketed as saving time and money. Yet, in the United States, an estimated 65 percent of adults are overweight or obese, leading to an annual loss of 300,000 lives and to at least $117 billion in health care costs in 1999.

As consumers upgrade, store, or maintain possessions, they are also likely to experience time pressures linked to the need to work long hours to support consumption habits. In fact, Americans are some of the most overworked people in the industrial world, putting in 350 hours (nine workweeks) more on the job each year than the average European.

2. Does More Money Make Us Happier?

If a person is very poor, there is no doubt that greater income can improve his or her life. But once the basics are secured, well-being does not necessarily correlate with wealth. Findings from the World Values Survey, an assessment of life satisfaction in more than 65 countries conducted between 1990 and 2000, indicate that income and happiness tend to track well until about $13,000 of annual income per person (in 1995 purchasing power parity). After that, additional income appears to yield only modest additions in self-reported happiness.

Most governments make ongoing growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) a leading priority, under the assumption that wealth secured is well-being delivered. Yet undue emphasis on generating wealth, particularly by encouraging heavy consumption, may be yielding disappointing returns. Overall quality of life is suffering in some of the world's richest countries as people experience greater stress and time pressures and less satisfying social relationships, and as the natural environment shows more and more signs of distress.

By redefining prosperity to emphasize a higher quality of life "rather than the mere accumulation of goods" individuals, communities, and governments can focus on delivering what people most desire. Indeed, a new understanding of "the good life" can be built not around wealth, but around well-being: having basic needs met, along with freedom, health, security, and satisfying social roles.