What is Resourceism and Why is it the Parent Ideology of Veganism ?
Resourceism is the belief or ideology that all of the Earth's resources are the common inheritance of all the world's people and should be shared equally for the benefit of all the Earth's inhabitants. It is the foundational belief and moral underpinning the resource-based socio-economic system.Moreover, resourceism stands as the foundational ideology from which veganism emerges. Resourceism, as an encompassing philosophy, recognizes the intrinsic connection between human societies and the natural world, with the primary objective of establishing an economic framework based on the sustainable management and responsible utilization of Earth's resources. By embracing this ideology, veganism finds its roots in the core belief that forms the bedrock of a resource-based economy.
The central tenet of resourceism is that natural resources are finite and must be managed in a way that ensures their availability for future generations. This requires a shift away from the current economic models, (which are all money-based) and are based on the unsustainable extraction and consumption of resources, and towards a model that promotes sustainability and ecological balance.
In a resourceist system, the focus is on utilizing resources efficiently, minimizing waste and pollution, and promoting sustainable practices that protect and preserve natural resources. The goal is to create a society that is not driven by profit or the pursuit of material wealth, but rather by the pursuit of human well-being and ecological sustainability.
Overall, resourceism is a philosophy that recognizes the fundamental importance of natural resources in human society and seeks to create a moneyless economic system that is in harmony with the earth's natural systems.
According to the research conducted by David Nebert and other scholars, the domestication of animals played a crucial role in shaping the current money-based socio-economic system. The process of domestication, which began thousands of years ago, involved humans selectively breeding and taming wild animals for various purposes, such as food, labor, and companionship.
This transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to animal domestication brought about significant changes in human societies. As humans started to rely on domesticated animals for their needs, a new system of exchange and trade emerged. Animals, particularly livestock, became valuable commodities that could be exchanged for goods and services within communities. This early form of barter laid the foundation for the development of a more sophisticated economic system based on the exchange of goods and, eventually, the introduction of currency.
The domestication of animals provided a reliable and sustainable source of food, raw materials, and labor, leading to the establishment of settled agricultural communities. With the surplus resources generated from animal husbandry and agriculture, specialization and division of labor became possible. People could focus on specific tasks or occupations, such as farming, craftsmanship, or trade, in exchange for goods or currency.
As societies grew more complex and interconnected, the need for a standardized medium of exchange became evident. This led to the emergence of money as a universally accepted unit of value, facilitating trade and commerce across regions and civilizations. Money, whether in the form of precious metals, coins, or modern digital currencies, became a representation of the value of goods and services, enabling efficient economic transactions and the accumulation of wealth.
In summary, the domestication of animals played a pivotal role in the development of the money-based socio-economic system we have today. By providing a consistent supply of resources and enabling specialization, animal domestication set in motion a chain of events that led to the establishment of trade, the emergence of currency, and the evolution of complex economic structures. The insights gleaned from the work of David Nebert and other researchers shed light on the profound impact that animal domestication had on shaping our modern economic systems.
Resourceism, with its emphasis on the sustainable use and management of natural resources, recognizes the finite nature of our planet's resources and the need for responsible stewardship. By adopting resourceism, we acknowledge the importance of preserving ecological balance and ensuring that resources are distributed in a way that benefits all people, both present and future generations. This ideology promotes a shift towards more sustainable and efficient production methods, reducing waste and environmental degradation.
Veganism, on the other hand, extends the principles of resourceism to the realm of animal agriculture and consumption. By choosing a vegan lifestyle, individuals reduce their ecological footprint by eliminating or minimizing their reliance on animal products. This includes not only meat but also dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived products. Veganism promotes compassion towards animals and recognizes their inherent value, advocating for their ethical treatment and the avoidance of unnecessary harm.
When resourceism and veganism work hand in hand, they create a powerful synergy. By adopting a plant-based diet and reducing animal agriculture, we alleviate the strain on natural resources, including land, water, and energy, which are heavily exploited in livestock production. This allows for a more efficient allocation of resources and a greater potential for equitable distribution among humans. Moreover, veganism promotes social justice by addressing issues such as food security, access to nutritious food, and reducing the negative impacts of animal agriculture on marginalized communities.
In combination, resourceism and veganism pave the way for a more sustainable and just civilization. They promote responsible resource management, environmental protection, animal welfare, and social equity. By embracing these ideologies collectively, we can foster a harmonious coexistence between humans, animals, and the planet, building a future that is fair, equitable, and socially just for all.
What is a Resource-Based Economy?
In a Resource-Based Economy, all goods and services are available to all people without the need for means of exchange such as money, credits, barter, or any other means.
The resource-based economy concerns itself with three primary factors, namely the environment, technology, and people.
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