Treading Softly

Paths to Ecological Order

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Science & Nature, Nature, Environment, Environmental Conservation & Protection
Cover of the book Treading Softly by Thomas Princen, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Princen ISBN: 9780262290579
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: February 19, 2010
Imprint: The MIT Press Language: English
Author: Thomas Princen
ISBN: 9780262290579
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: February 19, 2010
Imprint: The MIT Press
Language: English

How to imagine and then realize an ecological order based on living within our biophysical means.

We are living beyond our means, running up debts both economic and ecological, consuming the planet's resources at rates not remotely sustainable. But it's hard to imagine a different way. How can we live without cheap goods and easy credit? How can we consume without consuming the systems that support life? How can we live well and live within our means? In Treading Softly, Thomas Princen helps us imagine an alternative. We need, he says, a new normal, an ecological order that is actually economical with resources, that embraces limits, that sees sustainable living not as a “lifestyle” but as a long-term connection to fresh, free-flowing water, fertile soil, and healthy food.

The goal would be to live well by living well within the capacities of our resources. Princen doesn't offer a quick fix—there's no list of easy ways to save the planet to hang on the refrigerator. He gives us instead a positive, realistic sense of the possible, with an abundance of examples, concepts, and tools for imagining, then realizing, how to live within our biophysical means.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How to imagine and then realize an ecological order based on living within our biophysical means.

We are living beyond our means, running up debts both economic and ecological, consuming the planet's resources at rates not remotely sustainable. But it's hard to imagine a different way. How can we live without cheap goods and easy credit? How can we consume without consuming the systems that support life? How can we live well and live within our means? In Treading Softly, Thomas Princen helps us imagine an alternative. We need, he says, a new normal, an ecological order that is actually economical with resources, that embraces limits, that sees sustainable living not as a “lifestyle” but as a long-term connection to fresh, free-flowing water, fertile soil, and healthy food.

The goal would be to live well by living well within the capacities of our resources. Princen doesn't offer a quick fix—there's no list of easy ways to save the planet to hang on the refrigerator. He gives us instead a positive, realistic sense of the possible, with an abundance of examples, concepts, and tools for imagining, then realizing, how to live within our biophysical means.

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book Voice Leading by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Undone Science by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book The Economics and Political Economy of Energy Subsidies by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book The Heart of the Brain by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book On the Brink of Paradox by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book The Spider's Thread by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Dirty Gold by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book The Human Advantage by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book The Puppet and the Dwarf by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Meaning in the Brain by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Mindmade Politics by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Africa's Turn? by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Feeding the Other by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Rules of Play by Thomas Princen
Cover of the book Ecuador's Environmental Revolutions by Thomas Princen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy