ECOUNITS ADDRESS THESE ISSUES WITH CURRENT PRACTICES

Energy intensive food production

Today’s methods of food provision, from field to table, use at least 10 times more energy to produce than they contain. This energy comes mostly from fossil fuels, which are the main component of artificial fertilizers as well.

High dependency on transport

Commuting to and from work and a high transport component in leisure means that the average household spends approximately 17% of their income on transport. Furthermore, food distribution and long supply chains for the majority of goods means, in Sweden for example, transport accounts for a quarter total energy use, 111 Twh, which is the equivalent of 12,3 Mwh for every Swede each year. Again as fossil fuels deplete alternatives must be developed.

Leakage. Linear consumption of resources

In the farming world the addition of phosphorus is a necessity. Through a system of mining, commercial fertilization etc., phosphorus is added to fields and eventually ends up in the surface water. How long this type of linear use can continue depends upon the world’s phosphorus reserves plus energy prices. Mining requires huge amounts of energy. As fossil fuels deplete and prices rise it may become uneconomical to mine phosphor, creating a lack of fertilizer. With today’s energy prices we can continue for a further 130 years.

Growing mistrust of economic growth, associated increased consumer spending and how they effect quality of life

Most political parties prescribe economic growth as the magic pill for maintaining a high standard of living. However, there is evidence to suggest that increased economic growth does not necessarily lead to increased quality of life. The question that arises, that if we are working to improve our quality of life, is society organized in the best way to achieve this?

Increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions

More and more individuals want to take control over their ecological ”footprint” so that the eco-system can take care of future generations.

Negative consequences

The increasing price of energy will challenge our way of life. One serious issue will be that of food production ; without artificial fertilizers productivity decreases and prices increase.

Insecurity will be created when it gets difficult to live on a normal wage, and uncertainty will grow that investments and pensions will loose value.