Everything in our societal structure requires money to function and enable a livelihood. Devoid of money, an individual cannot flourish or explore the world; it is the prerequisite for a secure living environment. Absent money, your life rests entirely within the grasp of your employer.
In the class hierarchy, limited work options persist for those further down the ladder. The majority lack the financial freedom to pick their employers—they accept what comes their way. If that employer is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, individuals are rendered bystanders with no means to instigate change. They are trapped by the need to survive.
The Pursuit of Profit Over People
The real responsibility falls on businesses, many of which operate in ways I find ethically questionable. From financial institutions exploiting individuals with predatory loans to food producers adding harmful preservatives, the pattern is clear: these businesses prioritise profit over the well-being of consumers.
Capitalism’s very premise allows one party to exploit another due to vulnerabilities, impacting our access to basic necessities. It is a ceaseless pursuit of profit that neglects our planet’s natural resources and treats human lives as secondary to the balance sheet.
Blaming individuals for their consumption patterns is misguided and unjust. The onus should not rest solely on the average person while the larger systems of capitalism remain unchallenged.
The Need for a Caring Society
What can be done collectively to address these issues? Gradual changes in individual behaviour may help, but protests often yield limited impact in a society so deeply divided. Our workplaces often uphold antiquated rules, and the environment continues to take a back seat to the bottom line.
As society distances itself from traditional religion, a void must be filled. To me, spirituality doesn’t necessitate belief in a higher power. Instead, non-religious rituals and a genuine connection to nature can foster a deeper bond with our planet and each other.
A comprehensive moral transformation is imperative. We need a government that fosters a caring society to support those in poverty, and businesses that empower people rather than exploit them. We must move toward a world that values the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants over the pursuit of capital.