Over the past century, especially in the West, humanity has gained wealth and prosperity at the expense of the Earth. We’ve exceeded planetary boundaries for our own gain. Although this isn’t sustainable in the long run, it’s challenging to let go of the material wealth, luxurious goods, and travels we now enjoy. The majority of people are conservative; they want to maintain their current lifestyle and ensure the same for their children
This realization helped me understand the agonizingly slow pace of behavioral change despite the clear environmental and ecological crises.
On a side note: Besides slow pace of behavioral change, it also helps me understand why many voted against their own best future. Many people are thinking short-term and have a strong aversion to loss. An example, I write this during one of the wettest winters in the Netherlands, and there’s a lot more extreme weather in other countries which makes these environments unlivable, leading to migration. I see a disconnect among my fellow citizens. Many fear migrants impacting the economy and housing but fail to realize that it’s their own lifestyle contributing to environmental and ecological issues which on its turn is partially causing migration.
Happiness Comes from Within
However, possessions don’t bring lasting happiness. True happiness comes from within, and while basic needs must be met, the pursuit of luxurious goods and excessive consumption isn’t the key. Safety, belonging, esteem, and self-realization, as highlighted in Maslow’s pyramid, are more crucial. I would like to add another layer on top: experiencing oneness with all living beings and the Earth.
That’s why I want Healing Grounds to be a sanctuary for fostering this true well-being and finding lasting happiness. To support people on all layers of Maslow’s pyramid, with the ultimate goal of helping them experience oneness. And in this way, I expect to accelerate people to move towards a sustainable, healthy, and happy life.
True Pricing – Aligning Finances with Planetary Boundaries
There’s something else I think will be instrumental in accelerating behavioral change towards a life within the planetary boundaries, which is True Pricing.
Currently, we don’t pay the real price. Industries produce cheap goods, consumers pay a small price, and the real costs, such as environmental cleanup, are shouldered by the government through taxes. This is inherently unfair.
To rectify this, polluting companies should bear the costs of cleaning up the environment. This may lead to increased prices for their goods, and consumers may either stop buying them or reduce their consumption. On the flip side, ethically and ecologically produced fresh food, which aids the Earth’s recovery, should be priced more affordably. This approach can help low-income families adopt healthier lifestyles.