Like an abusive relationship with the real world, materialism has become synonymous with consumerism – wasteful, debt-fuelled and ultimately unsatisfying. Yet, inescapably, we are part of the material world. How, then, can we develop a healthy connection to it? This pamphlet argues for a ‘New Materialism,’ in which we grow a more deeply pleasurable, and also respectful relationship with the world of ‘things’.
Not only do we think there is strong evidence to argue that this will significantly enhance our well-being, it is also an essential step forward if we are to thrive whilst living within our environmental means. We believe the New Materialism offers a better solution to key current economic challenges such as the need to generate ample, good-quality jobs – and a way of making daily goods and services available that escapes the consumer debt-trap.