Pete Chandler Boulder Feb 27, 2007 18:33 pm

I came across a book recently that has much to say about our goal of "fostering sustainable behavior." The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less, by Barry Schwartz, describes in great detail the steep health costs of participating in our frenetic consumer culture. It seems to me that any sustainable behavior has a basis in well-being, and Schwartz explains how greater freedom of choice can paradoxically lead to less satisfaction with our lives. I am a green building and sustainability consultant, and the book has helped me to think about how I frame different courses of action for my clients. The last thing that I want to do is create more anxiety in what is already a stressful process for most (e.g., building or remodeling a home). I'd be interested in other thought-provoking resources similar to this one.

Thanks,
Pete Chandler