ABSTRACT
To break the ties, we cannot rely on small fixes to our current system to achieve true sustainability. Rather, changes must be large-scale and systemic. The current system of economics, which we refer to as destructive advanced capitalism (DAC), is plainly unsustainable and contains numerous vicious cycles that harm people and the planet. We offer suggestions for a path forward that include such practices as degrowth, alternative measures of economic well-being such as Gross National Happiness (GNH), and alternative structures for corporations such as Worker Self-Directed Enterprises (WSDEs). All of these approaches shift the focus from the top 1% or 0.1% to the majority of workers and especially those suffering the social and environmental effects of poverty. Also discussed are the needs for a stronger labor movement, more critical media, and strong legislation to protect human rights and the environment and create virtuous cycles.
