Problem Statement Consists of the Four Key Elements

Problem Statement Consists of the Four Key Elements
An ideal situation as relates to the problem of resource consumption and within the larger context of creating an ecologically sustainable future is one where America participates in sustainable production, consumption, and population growth. In this scenario, the U.S. creates goods and services using processes that consume the least amount of resources and energy. The production systems used in creating these goods and services are non-polluting, economically expedient, socially and creatively meaningful, as well as safe and wholesome for workers, consumers, and members of the public. Moreover, in this ideal situation, Americans live a sustainable lifestyle by purchasing as few consumer goods and services as necessary to minimize ecological impacts. Since sustainable production and consumption are inextricably linked to population growth, the ideal situation would also include a sustainable population growth where America’s population balances nature’s carrying capacity. The goal of this project is to address the problems of resource consumption in the context of creating an ecologically sustainable future.
Unfortunately, the current situation in the U.S. is far from ideal: America can be largely described as consumeristic in that a large number of people understand and express themselves by consuming goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. The production processes used to satisfy this insatiable demand for goods and services are mostly wasteful and energy inefficient. There is also little regard for sustainable population growth and this has aggravated environmental pollution as well as resource depletion. The problem identified in America is consumerism: the wasteful consumption of resources is a social problem caused by prevailing cultural ideologies and Keynesian policies that encourage consumer spending (Kim, 2022). A majority of Americans are consumeristic not only because they believe that doing so will result in greater well-being and happiness but also because of the country’s economic policies. The capitalistic American society views increasing consumption as an essential component of creating and sustaining a strong economy.
Economists encourage manufacturers to produce more goods and services because it creates more jobs and bolsters the area’s economy. On the other hand, manufacturers are motivated by higher revenues, sales, and profits and therefore opt for the most economical but wasteful production systems, all while encouraging people to consume more through misleading advertisements. The overconsumption of resources in America is therefore a vicious cycle with social and economic origins. Some of the consequences of this problem are environmental degradation, social inequality, depletion of natural res...