About
State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability, Worldwatch’s annual report published in over 20 languages, was released in January of 2010. This blog continues the conversation that is at the heart of that report: how do we transform consumer cultures into cultures of sustainability? How do we make it as natural tomorrow to live sustainably as living as a consumer feels today?
The consumer cultural paradigm has spread around the globe and encourages people to define their happiness and success through how much they consume. But on a finite planet, this system is maladaptive and threatens to cause significant disruptions to Earth and subsequently to human societies.
State of the World 2010 includes 26 articles from 60 eminent researchers and experts on consumerism, sustainability and cultural change and will provide information on how we can make the needed shift from consumerism to sustainability. This blog will expand that effort with many more perspective pieces, case studies on how groups are actively working to grow cultures of sustainability, and reflections on current news relevant to this needed cultural shift. For those interested in this topic, visit here for regular updates.
Project Staff
Erik Assadourian, Project Director
Jonathan Abitbol, Project Assistant
Margy Goodman, Project Assistant
Vanessa Damelio, Project Assistant
Contact Us
You can reach Erik Assadourian at eassadourian (at) worldwatch.org or +1 (202) 452-1999 x534 if you have any questions or comments about the project, blog or report.
Past Worldwatch Publications on Consumerism
Worldwatch Institute has been investigating consumerism for many years. With State of the World 2010, the Transforming Cultures project will bring the Institute’s efforts to a new level, looking at how to proactively and intentionally shift human societies away from the consumer culture to a new culture of sustainability.
State of the World 2004: The Consumer Society
How Much Is Enough? The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth
Visit our bookstore to learn about other Worldwatch publications.
