Materials, Sewage, and Costs

Abstract

The public is moving gradually toward recognition that the world is a closed system for most resources, except energy. Suddenly, there is a new set of public responsibilities in protecting the whole, a finite earth, afflicted and collapsing around us with what appear to be infinitely expanding demands on all its resources. Unfortunately, most of the currently vigorous segment of the human population has been taught throughout its formative years that the continued expansion of every aspect of the human undertaking is not only appropriate but essential. And daily news media reinforce that perspective by assuming regular growth in the economy and reporting alarm at any weakness in growth. The corollary of such growth in all facets of human affairs, including especially the human population, is intensified competition for space in the world and resources to live by—greater competition between individuals and greater demand for all resources.