I believe a carbon tax could enhance our quality of life. There, I said it.
There is a difference between standard of living (the amount of material goods we possess), and quality of life (our sense of overall fulfilment).
As a society, we have spent decades measuring success by our access to and accumulation of material goods. This consuming and acquiring paradigm, encouraged by advertisers and the corporations who hire them, leads us to believe fulfilment is available with the purchase of the latest 'this' or a super-sized 'that', because more is always better. Satisfaction has remained fleeting, however, and we must seem like the donkey chasing that elusive carrot.
Truthfully, this model has left us rather far from fulfilled: landfills worth of outdated clothing, outmoded technology, brittle plastic, and rampant health issues lay in our wake. We have more, but seem too busy and distracted to enjoy it.
According to some, our current rate of consumption would require multiple Earths. Obviously, the brakes need to come on. This realization might trigger a surge of indignant rebellion or ostrich-like behaviour.
Before we pull out our credit cards for some retail therapy, let's consider a fascinating insight from Joe Dominguez and Vicky Robins, authors of Your Money or Your Life (1992). They describe fulfilment in relation to dollars spent. For a time, fulfilment arcs higher as we spend more, but, there comes a point where fulfilment drops off. This is the moment they call “enough.” Beyond that, spending causes “clutter, distress and distraction.” This moment may also be where our quality of life, the economy and the planet find a new normal. Don’t worry, our quality of life, or the feeling of fulfilment can continue to increase. It just won’t come from having more stuff.
Enter the carbon tax. As much as it elicits deep resentment in some, it offers us an opportunity to re-examine our priorities. If it guides us away from overconsumption and towards a more sustainable and gratifying lifestyle, then it's a winning move for all parties.
Two thirds of Alberta’s carbon tax proceeds will help diversify our energy industry including supporting green technologies. This will reduce pollution, create green sector jobs and save us money on energy costs. When we receive our allotment, it would be nice to see solar panels installed on public buildings to offset energy costs and demonstrate our support of sustainable living. Shifting to more sustainable behaviours and systems can offer many quality of life rewards. Next, I’d like to put in my vote for the four-day work week many European countries have implemented!
Big picture perspective: when we are eventually lying on our death beds, it is doubtful we will reminisce about how much stuff we had, but we are likely to be grateful for time and energy invested in treasured relationships, interesting hobbies, and bucket list adventures. In a nutshell, whoever dies with the most stuff loses.
Jill Cunningham grew up in St. Albert, has a Bachelor of Education from University of Alberta and is passionate about nature, the environment, and building community.
