The Four E's


Economics, Energy, Ethics and (H)ealth.

How to integrate the environment and the economy within the context of sustainable development. Every individual has his/her own definition of the terms in question, but some broad general definitions must be articulated in order to avoid LARGE mistakes. The environment movement is already moving in a misguided direction by the way we use language. We have adopted, almost on a universal level the cliche of the THREE R's. This was done most easily because our minds had already been conditioned with the first three R's, Reading, (w)Riting, and (a)Rithmetic. Most of us have fallen into the trap of accepting the idea of REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE as the answer to all environmental problems. This unfortunately is not the panacea that we would like it to be. The problem is much more complicated and must be dealt with from a broader perspective of language, understanding and consideration. In order to follow this thought through, we have added a fourth R. RETHINK. And rethinking limited to the three R's is not going to satisfy the complexity of the problem unless we bring into the discussion what we have identified as the FOUR E's. Economics, Energy, Ethics and (H)ealth. These relationships must be discussed in the context of environmental issues. We would further suggest that these terms not be taken as limiting the discussion either. Education and Communications for instance must also be included in the analysis in order to avoid political overtones in the decision making process. IF NOT, the results will be slanted to support either politically expedient, or legalistically perverse positions without true regard to the essence of the solution being proposed. To summarize our position we postulate the following: Environmental is everything around us and within us. it includes; it does not exclude. Economics is a social science concerned chiefly with the description and analysis of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Environmental economics is a social science concerned with the description and analysis of all the component parts in the process of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. This analysis includes a global net effect on the component parts of energy required, the health effects, and ethical considerations to be embraced. Sustainable development is "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" or more simply: planning for seven generations. It is not an idea to be discussed but rather a need to be achieved. In order to discuss the relationship between the environment and economics, it is imperative that we RETHINK our understanding using the FOUR E's: ECONOMICS, ENERGY, ETHICS AND (H)EALTH and apply this relationship to the problem being addressed. To us this is fundamental a priori thinking which must take place in order for us to survive as a species.

My Four Circles

"A new way to look at life"

MY FOUR CIRCLES 1991 VISION CHANGERS When I was a young boy I used to ride my bicycle everywhere. To the corner, or just across the road. No matter how short the distance, I took my trusty old bike. When I learned to drive a car, I took it everywhere without a second thought. Things did not change. To-day things are different. When I leave the apartment, I consider MY FOUR CIRCLES. Everyone has their own. And they will vary according to ones own physical location and conditioning. My circles are defined by the following questions when I leave my apartment. Circle One. Am I going a walking distance? Circle Two. Am I going a bicycle distance? Circle Three. Can I take public transit? Circle Four. Should I take the car? What are your circles like? Please consider them for it is an easy way to help make a difference.