The transition to green lifestyles based on voluntary simplicity: The difficult road towards enjoyable, graceful and sustainable lifestyles ^☆

This chapter is a thoroughly revised version of my paper presented at the Symposium ‘The Transition to Sustainable Communities: Justice, Resilience and Practices of Sustainable Living’, 29 March 2010; School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, University of Belfast.

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the essential elements of a ‘green art of living’: an enjoyable, elegant, graceful and simultaneously low impact lifestyle.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical analysis is based on a critical reading and literature study of the texts of various prominent ecological utopian thinkers in the history of political philosophy.

Findings

In an ecologically sustainable society first priority must be given to re-examination of the proper ‘ecological limits’ of the current lifestyles and ‘arts of living’ in the Western world. The exact form or shape that people give to their lives is less important than their overall commitment to live within the ecological boundaries set by our earth.

Originality/value

A green, ecologically responsible society cannot do without a certain degree of moderation, self-restraint and simpler and less consumption-oriented lifestyles. However, in this chapter it is shown that such a society will not lead to impoverishment and austerity. An ecological society founded on voluntary simplicity will not be frugal or poor, but creates ample opportunities for its citizens to lead attractive, pleasurable, fulfilling and high-quality lives.

Citation

de Geus, M. (2013), "The transition to green lifestyles based on voluntary simplicity: The difficult road towards enjoyable, graceful and sustainable lifestyles ^☆

This chapter is a thoroughly revised version of my paper presented at the Symposium ‘The Transition to Sustainable Communities: Justice, Resilience and Practices of Sustainable Living’, 29 March 2010; School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, University of Belfast.

", Environmental Philosophy: The Art of Life in a World of Limits (Advances in Sustainability and Environmental Justice, Vol. 13), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 31-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2051-5030(2013)0000013006