Environment

Scientists tend to agree that an economic system based on exponential growth is unsustainable. Many call for dramatic reductions in economic and population growth in order to forestall ecological collapse. Climate scientists first raised the alarm on global warming and that issue now looms largest.

But biologists, geologists, environmentalists and chemists all have lists of critical tipping point issues. With their eyes fixed on everything from species extinction to resource depletion, from ecosystem destruction to calculations of the earth's finite carrying capacity, scientists say if growth must stop to protect the planet, the trade-off is a no-brainer.

Consumers haven't been deaf to these critiques. Today, Americans are buying more energy-saving light bulbs and hybrid vehicles, and green business is a fast-growing segment of the economy. Perhaps the consumer economy carries the seeds of environmental progress.

What are your ideas for getting more >_____ by using less >_____?

Learn more:

• Sean Cole speaks with a family as they learn about their "footprint"
• Ride along with Tess Vigeland as she follows her trash from the dumpster — to the dump.
• You can also read Tess' blog entries about her intimate relationship with her trash around on Tess' Trash Challenge.
• Speaking of Faith's Krista Tippett speaks with Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai about how planting trees can improve women's lives and conserve the environment.