ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the increasing amount of time that Australian households spend in market work as a result of longer working weeks, the rise of two-income families, and the declining uptake of paid holiday leave. It discusses the link between work, spending and environmental impact. The chapter argues that societies organized around long hours of work and high levels of spending are inherently more wasteful and, in turn, environmentally harmful. While the actions of individuals and community groups will play an important role in shifting the consumption patterns, significant change will require political leadership and sustained policy action. The simplest action for individuals to shift their consumption patterns away from stuff towards leisure is to pursue longer holidays instead of increased pay. To increase consumption of time and reduce consumption of material goods will require significant leadership from governments.
