John De Graaf - Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic

Affluenza is an engagingly conversational, thought-provoking look at where we have perverted the American dream. Though the nature of books like these is to preach to the converted, Affluenza offers enough support to the arguments and enough depth to the solutions to have a good chance of reaching the unconvinced.

DETROIT FREE PRESS

Youll laugh... Youll cry... Youll cheer... Youll growl. But youll be challenged and moved by this book. Affluenza looks at our epidemic of over-consumption and shows how we can live simpler, more meaningful lives. Its a fantastic book, very funny yet deeply serious.

PETER BARNES, COFOUNDER, WORKING ASSETS

If you sometimes suspect that American life has become a nightmare, but you dare not admit the truth to yourself or talk about it to others, take a peek inside Affluenza. The way to end a nightmare is to wake up, and this book is an alarm clock. We have created a world that dishonors all that is honorable, good, and meaningful. There is another possibility.

PAUL HAWKEN, AUTHOR

Ecology of Commerce AND Natural Capitalism

Affluenza brings societys consuming malaise into sharp focus. But rather than dwell only on the illness, it provides suggestions for healing on an international, national, local and individual level. Ive recommended that our community read and discuss its concepts as a first step toward living more carefully and consciously. As we find each other in conversation, good things are happening.

AMY LEVEK, MAYOR, TELLURIDE, COLORADO

... one of the wittiest, most dynamic treatments of the linked problems of our frenetic lives and the destruction of the planet. If you want to feel exhilarated, like jumping up and down and cheering humanity on as we find ways to save the Earth and ourselves, read this book!

CECILE ANDREWS, AUTHOR

The Circle of Simplicity

Using humor, facts, and compelling stories, [Affluenza] exposes the disease of over-consuming that threatens our health, families, budgets, friendships, communities, and the environment. But it doesnt stop there; it offers concrete ideas that can contribute to healthier, happier lives and a more livable planet. You should read it. Youll laugh, youll cry, and you might even change your lifeor extend it!

DAVID R. BROWER, CHAIRMAN, EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE,
AND FOUNDER, FRIENDS OF THE EARTH

The material basis for the American way of life is not sustainable here and is not replicable elsewhere. Our feverish mindset is burning up the natural systems that support us. Affluenza provides a witty, informed roadmap out of this unfulfilling dead end, and describes sustainable alternatives that are stimulating, healthy, diverse, and fun.

DENIS HAYES, CHAIR, EARTH DAY NETWORK

Affluenza lays out the symptoms, the causes, and (gratefully) the cure. With wit, intelligence and pizzazz, this trio of authors has brought together a complete guide to the disease that most ails America. Proof of having read the book should be a requirement for opening a charge account, applying for a boat loan, or running a large corporation.

Yes!

A JOURNAL OF POSITIVE FUTURES

AFFLUENZA

The All-Consuming Epidemic

SECOND EDITION

John de Graaf
David Wann
Thomas H. Naylor

In association with Redefining Progress
With new research by Pamela Rands

Illustrations by David Horsey
New foreword by Vicki Robin

Affluenza

Copyright 2005 by John de Graaf, David Wann, Thomas Naylor
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

Ordering information for print editions
Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the Special Sales Department at the Berrett-Koehler address above.
Individual sales. Berrett-Koehler publications are available through most bookstores. They can also be ordered directly from Berrett-Koehler: Tel: (800) 929-2929; Fax: (802) 864-7626; www.bkconnection.com
Orders for college textbook/course adoption use. Please contact Berrett-Koehler: Tel: (800) 929-2929; Fax: (802) 864-7626.
Orders by U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers. Please contact Ingram Publisher Services, Tel: (800) 509-4887; Fax: (800) 838-1149; E-mail: customer.service@ingrampublisherservices.com; or visit www.ingrampublisherservices.com/Ordering for details about electronic ordering.

Berrett-Koehler and the BK logo are registered trademarks of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.

Second Edition
Paperback print edition ISBN 978-1-57675-357-6
PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-60509-647-6
IDPF e-book ISBN 978-1-60509-648-3

2010-2

Interior design and composition: Seventeenth Street Studios
Copyeditor: Karen Seraguchi
Indexer: Medea Minnich
Cover design: Mark van Bronkhorst, MvB Design

In memory of
DAVID ROSS BROWER
(1912-2000)

a giant of twentieth-century thought and action on behalf of
the earth. He hoped that one day

We may see that progress is not
The accelerating speed with which we multiply
And subdue the Earth, nor the growing number
Of things we possess and cling to.
It is a way along which to search for truth,
To find serenity and love and reverence for life,
To be part of an enduring harmony...

And in memory of
DONELLA MEADOWS
(1941-2001)
Scientist and sheep farmer, she pointed us all
toward a more sustainable society.

When I was first approached to host the television program Affluenza, the idea sounded just about as appealing as a lukewarm cup of boiled root tea. I imagined a stern sort of brew that would make me cringe with every breath and sip, while earnestly pious activists in earth sandals and dun-colored parkas spun from discarded soda pop bottles hectored innocent bystanders strolling into coffee bars and shopping malls: Materialist stooge! Self-gratifying spendthrift! Polluting pirate! I opened their proposal determined to quickly fill my schedule with conflicting activities.

But I had worked with this production group before, had liked and respected them. More: I enjoyed spending time with them. And then, I read. And I was impressed. The program they proposed had wit, feeling, and style. It was pointed without being overbearing. It had character. And it held my interest.

I enlisted. I didnt imagine that Affluenza would become wildly popular. At most, I thought it might present a few significant scenes and ideas to an interested audience. It would impart a warm feeling and then, like most broadcasting, evaporate, leaving only a small, wet spot in its place.