Transitions to Sustainability in Production‐Consumption Systems

ast Asia is the manufacturing belt, garden, and kitchen of the world. It is also the wood- lot and toilet. Many of the natural resources and materials that are required as inputs into the pro- duction of export commodities are extracted at low prices from the developing countries of the region. At the same time the region's oceans, soils, and atmosphere are drains and dumps for waste and pollution. Consumers The relations between nodes in production- consumption systems are shaped not only by eco- nomics and material flows, but also by culture, values, and power. Transitions to sustainability will need to harness all three. Consumers, whether in the gated communities of the capi- tals of East Asia, or the export markets in the United States and European Union, areobliv- ious to the consequences of their consumption decisions for the environment. The environ- mental implications have been made invisible by friendly, hygienic packaging in natural colors. Stretched commodity chains do not need such ruses, because there is no way con- sumers could ever really trace back in a meaning- ful way the story of whatthey are eating, wearing, and throwing away. Clever marketing addresses AQ1 us with endless promises of convenience, com- fort, and pleasure. Firms and government agen- cies are no more sophisticated than household consumers. They may be even less accountable. Marketing tactics to lure contracts differ, but the deceptions, goals, and outcomes are simi-