Cradle to Cradle

The most sensible and reoccurring theme at this point in the course seems rather simple: we need change on a larger scale. While this scale may be currently unfathomable in light of our current system, it is clear that reaching for fixes within our system will inevitably have a cap. Instead, then, we must fix environmentally threatening problems systemically. We must part ways with many of our habits that we may not have even found harmful thus far. The answer is as clear as the answer to this sort of problem can be. The varied and multifaceted problems plaguing the environment have one thing in common-- their existence and persistence are most noticeably a function of our severely flawed system. Admittedly, this realization soon grew frustrating. Albeit broad, we now had the closest thing to an answer handy. It then became troublesome, however, to think of how we could actually change this system. Authors repeatedly pointed to systemic problems that need fixing. Not once, however, did an author state any clear way to fix or even approach this largely flawed system.

In an environmental hallelujah moment, Cradle to Cradle came into play. At the risk of singing its praises too adamantly, McDonough and Braungart's book seems to provide the answer I didn't even know I was looking for. They offer a way of addressing this flawed system face on, discussing design and even answers. Just when the environmental rhetoric I had been exposed to seemed to overwhelmingly hold no answers, Cradle to Cradle seemed to offer solutions, and offer them optimistically. He provides design in a way that makes us question why we continue to live the way we do with readily available alternatives. While it would be naive to accept these without the social implications they'd inevitably be attached to, it is at least assuring to know we aren't working at dismissing a system without any idea of what alternative we are seeking. Further, the solutions he offers are generally simple. Things suddenly stopped seeming as stark or hopeless as they had started to.

One of the most effective parts of the book for me--surprisingly enough-- is the symbolism behind the design of the book itself. The completely reusable book seems to qualm any concerns of complexity in both the technologies they discuss and the social and political problems we might assume. In essence, they are practicing what they're preaching. Their widely read book was solely manufactured with these materials, showing that the things he discusses are really that achievable. This was the most subtle but striking showing of optimism for me. I am thoroughly enjoying the book, and while I hardly ever find myself relating to entirely optimistic sentiments, I truly think it is necessary. Iterating and reiterating the problem can only go so far. We need to know that an answer is not so far away in terms of both time and technology. While problems certainly arise in their argument, such as failure to address crucial aspects such as consumerism, environmental debate is already full enough with talk of that sort. Ultimately, I find that what the book foregoes in attention to detail or covering all their bases, it makes up for in the rarity that is its optimistic approach to environmental problems.