Sustainability Tax

A grandaunt once told me that Hoarding money is wrong. You must share it with others (through spending). Let it flow like a river, instead of letting it stagnate and become bad. It was interesting because I always considered her a religious person and never expected her to drop financial wisdom.

Years later I found that insight to be true, when I happened to meet vegans and know more about their lifestyle. Earlier, I thought of it as a snobbish practice designed by the rich. However, there seems to some good in it.

From a financial standpoint, it is good for the society. Most of practitioners of veganism are people who can afford it. They are either upper middle class or rich - people with more disposable income. Which makes me think that when you have more (disposable) money, spend more of it. By paying more for a sustainable product or service, you are injecting more money into the economy, creating new markets. This allows for the demand for popular & affordable products to be regulated.

From an environmental standpoint, It is still sustainable and could lower the net-damage caused by humans as a whole, despite having a large group of people continuing the same practices.

The same approach can be applied to other sustainable practices as well. When the purchasing power of a group grows their consumption pattern changes.

Electric cars are directed to people who already have a ICE car (Upper Middle Class and Rich). Theses EVs stand in as a commuter for their day-to-day needs. This eases the demand on regular cars and fuel. Allowing a breathing space for people with only ICE cars.

Another example is about clothing, instead of indulging in cheap fast fashion that comes in and goes out in the matter of a month or so. Start purchasing good quality products that stand the test of time. Trends do change but opting for a sustainable approach towards it should be an aspect to consider.

These approaches of sustainability and non-violence do come at a cost. Consider the extra premium you pay for these products as the tax for a better, sustainable environment. The bottom line is, if you can afford a sustainable product or service, choose it over the regular ones.