WEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM Volume 3, Issue 2

July 2000 By David G. Myers Rich and Famous knows as Even lottery winners and the much. “Whoever said money Forbes’ 100 wealthiest Does money buy happiness? can’t buy happiness isn’t Americans (when surveyed Not! Ah, but would a little spending it right,” proclaimed by University of Illinois psy- more money make us a little a Lexus ad. chologist Ed Diener) have happier? Many of us smirk and expressed only slightly nod. There is, we believe, some Well, are rich people happier? greater happiness than the connection between fiscal fit- Researchers have found that in average American. Making it ness and feeling fantastic. Most poor countries, such as Bangla- big brings temporary joy. But of us tell Gallup that, yes, we desh, being relatively well off in the long run wealth is like would like to be rich. Three in does make for greater well- health: Its utter absence can four entering American colle- being. We need food, rest, breed misery, but having it gians - nearly double the 1970 shelter, social contact. doesn’t guarantee happiness. proportion - now consider it Happiness seems less a mat- “very important” or “essential” But a surprising fact of life is ter of getting what we want that they become “very well that in countries where nearly than of wanting what we off financially.” Money mat- everyone can afford life’s ne- have.

ters. cessities, increasing affluence matters surprisingly little. The Has our happiness, however, It’s the old American dream: correlation between income floated upward with the ris- life, liberty, and the purchase and happiness is “surprisingly ing economic tide? In 1957, of happiness. “Of course weak,” observed University of when economist John money buys happiness,” writes Michigan researcher Ronald Galbraith was about to de- Andrew Tobias. Wouldn’t any- Inglehart in one 16-nation scribe the United States as UT UT UT one be happier with the indul- study of 170,000 people. Once the Affluent Society, Ameri- gences promised by the maga- comfortable, more money pro- cans’ per person income, ex- zine sweepstakes: a 40 foot vides diminishing returns. The pressed in today’s dollars, yacht, deluxe motor home, pri- second piece of pie, or the sec-

vate housekeeper? Anyone ond $100,000, never tastes as (Continued on page 4)

who has seen Lifestyles of the good as the first. O O O Washing Machines To Become More Energy Efficient Joined by executives from the water use by some 10.5 trillion ting greenhouse gas emis- nation’s top appliance makers gallons over a 25-year period. sions by an amount equal to and energy efficiency advo- That translates into a savings of that produced by three mil- cates, U.S. Secretary of Energy as much as 18 gallons of water lion cars every year.” Bill Richardson announced on per wash. The agreement represents the May 23, 2000, that a signifi- “Today's announcement is a latest in a string of agree- cant agreement has been victory for consumers, manu- ments reached with the appli- reached to improve the energy facturers, and for the environ- ance industry to develop and efficiency of residential clothes ment,” said Secretary Richard- manufacture energy-efficient washers. As a result of the new son. “The standards announced and cost-effective consumer agreement, consumers nation- today will save enough electric- products. Last month, Vice wide will save nearly 5 quad- ity to light 16 million U.S. President Al Gore announced A POSITIVE APPROACH TO CHANGE PROJECT LIST rillion Btu (British thermal homes for 25 years, while cut- units) of energy and reduce (Continued on page 3)

Inside this issue: Calendar of Events  September 16– STUDENT CHAPTER INFORMATIONAL MEETING & PICNIC. MIDDLEBURY, VT. ANGING ANGING ANGING The 2  October 18– BENEFIT Volunteer Profile: Kelly Vincent 4 CONCERT AND ANNUAL Summer 2000 Organizational Profile: NCAT 4 MEETING, S. ROYALTON, Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat VT. 1 2 H H H 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Books and Resources 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16  October 29– BOARD OF 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 D IRECTORS MEETING. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BETHEL, VT. 31

The Washboard An Economy That Works

f there is an economy that can work for everyone, it certainly involves BOARD OF ADVISORS an embrace of appropriate technology. After a recent visit to Appala- I chia-Science in the Public Interest, I realized more than ever that we cannot Helen Caldicott, M.D. Matcham, Australia find a solution to economic, ecological, and spiritual problems without a change in our perceived needs and our modus operandi. Sabra Field South Royalton, Vermont This conclusion was again reinforced at an early June conference, put on Barbara James by the Interfaith Economic Justice Coalition, that asked thirty-five people to Exeter, New Hampshire “imagine an economy that works for everyone.” This group of ministers, wel- Ellen Kahler fare recipients, activists, and even a Vermont state representative took a con- Burlington, Vermont

structive look at the inadequacies of the current economic system. Bill McKibben The lead article in this issue of the newsletter (Wealth, Well-Being, and Watertown, Massachusetts

the New American Dream) tackles the question of whether happiness can be Betsy Taylor Washington, D.C. purchased. Do all the machines touted to make our lives more convenient make us more relaxed?

The only other substantive article in this short issue is cause for some celebration: washing machines will be universally more efficient by 2007 be- cause of a government, industry, and energy advocate agreement. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Turning to a different topic, there have been an abundance of news sto- Charlotte Chase ries in the last couple of months that have focused on what a New York Middlebury, Vermont Times writer called “self-appointed taste police.” A growing frustration with Tom Elliott the Community Association Institute (CAI), which claims to represent home- Norwich, Vermont

owners in over 205,000 common-interest communities, has appeared in such William Everitt places as the web page of the American Homeowners Resource Center. CAI Portland, Maine

is the organization that sent a Burlington, VT-based lobbyist to help defeat J. Bryan Wentzell Boston, Massachusetts the “Right to Dry” bill, in 1999. The bill did not, by the way, pass during the second half of the Millennium biennium...which carves out more work for Polly Wilson Bristol, Vermont in 2001-2002.

A renewed skepticism of what former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich labeled in the early Nineties as the “secession of the successful” is beginning

to take hold. A healthy examination of the “gated community” is certainly needed after an April rampage in Arizona, where a homeowner disgruntled by the constant pestering of neighbors who did not like the shape of his VOLUNTEER STAFF hedges, opened fire, killing two and injuring three. Alexander Lee Executive Director The issues raised by Project Laundry List are clearly among the most Kelly Vincent Web Editor

pressing in the country. By examining the way Americans do laundry, our Chad Simons Greenmarketing Coordinator work becomes a sort of lens to evaluate major social, environmental, and eco- Tom Elliot Database Management Specialists nomic problems. It is so exciting to be a part of this group that takes a novel

approach to conservation.

We have fun and hope you will join us.

Alexander P. Lee

Executive Director Volume 2, Issue 4, Hanging Out, the newsletter of Project Laundry List, is published four times a year (January, April, July, and October). The newsletter is distributed to members and friends of Project Laundry List. For annual membership, send $10 to P.O. Box 189, S. Royalton, VT 05068. Send address changes to P.O. Box 189, S. Royalton, VT 05068.

The observations and opinions expressed in Hanging Out are those of respective authors and should not be interpreted as representing the Mission official views of Project Laundry List.

Project Laundry List uses words, images, and advocacy to educate Project Laundry List is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax-deductible contribu- people about how simple lifestyle modifications, including air- tions can be made to “Project Laundry List.” drying one’s clothes, reduce our dependence on environmentally Printed on 100% post-consumer content recycled paper with soy-based ink. For more information about eco-friendly and culturally costly energy sources. paper, contact ReThink Paper at The Flood Building, 870 Market St., Suite 1013, San Francisco, CA 94102 or www. rethinkpaper.org.

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 Page 2 Washing Machines

(Continued from page 1) proposed standards to improve the energy efficiency of residential water heaters, which would save consumers more than $23 billion in energy costs over the next 20 years. By the end of the year, the Energy Department expects to issue rules for fluorescent lamp ballasts, residential central air condition- ers, commercial heating, air conditioning and water heating equip- ment. Water heating and clothes washing combined account for about 15 percent of all household energy consumed in the United States Don’t forget, April 19th is and costs consumers approximately $21 billion each year. National Hanging Out Day! Agreement participants include the Association of Home Appli- ance Manufacturers, Alliance Laundry Systems, Amana, Asko, Frigidaire, General Electric Appliances, Maytag, Miele, Fisher & Paykel and Whirlpool. efficiency advocates will be accepted and written into the final standards. Although most manufacturers cur- Other organizations that support this agreement include the Natural rently offer some products which meet the proposed standards, Resources Defense Council, American Council for an Energy- all products would have to meet them by 2007. Efficient Economy, the Alliance to Save Energy, Northwest Power The proposed clothes washer standards are expected to be pub- Planning Council, the City of Austin, Texas, Pacific Gas and Elec- lished in the Federal Register in June and the final rule is ex- tric Company, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project and pected to be issued by December. California Energy Commission. For more information, see http://www.ase.org/e-FFICIENCY/ While the agreement is subject to a final rulemaking by DOE, it is washers.htm or http://www.aceee.org/press/cwstnd.htm.  expected that the joint recommendations by manufacturers and

Putting Yourself On The Line Free Level of Giving I would be willing to: Gift Basic ($10-39) Take part in a phone tree.

Friends of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle ($40-99) Collect or donate artwork.

The Dirty Laundry Society ($100 or more) Plan a National Hanging Out Day Join Today and Get A Clothespin Necklace (April 19th) event in my community. Dollar amount: Write a letter-to-the-editor or an article Become a member and get a free necklace. Every for this newsletter. other organization gives you a mug or a sticker. We $ Hang out my clothes all the time. give you a special clothespin, four issues of Hanging Find _____ new contributors. Out, and, if you join now, a mini-clothespin necklace! Just include a note indicating that you would like to Name Method of Payment receive one of these nifty conversation pieces. Address Check (made payable to “PJC- Project Laundry List”) Visa Everything we do approaches environmental issues in

MasterCard a fun and creative way. We are an organization that Phone Fax American Express strives to lead by example. Our motto is, after all, a Email positive approach to change.

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Yes, by mail. to you. Become a mem- PROJECT LAUNDRY LIST Yes, by email. A POSITIVE APPROACH TO CHANGE No. ber now!

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Page 3 HANGING OUT Organizational Profile Volunteer Profile NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY WEB DESIGNER Kelly Vincent The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), established as a non-profit cor- poration in 1976, works to find solutions that use local resources to address problems that Kelly Vincent has spent face all Americans, especially society's most disadvantaged citizens. Through more than the year in the United 20 years of service, NCAT’s work has grown from addressing the immediate energy needs Kingdom. She comes of low-income people to promoting a wide array of sustainable technologies and technol- from Oklahoma, ogy transfer, including nationally-recognized work in energy and resource efficiency and though, and became our sustainable agriculture. web designer and man- NCAT has helped individuals, communities, government agencies, nonprofits and others ager when another Oklahoma student, in with appropriate technology and sustainable development issues by providing the expertise 1997, passed on the responsibilities. Her for a broad range of programs and projects, including the following: sense of style has given Project Laundry List’s web page a no-frills, efficient, user- • Creating and operating national information clearinghouses on energy effi- ciency and renewables, sustainable agriculture, and low-income energy; friendly, and visually pleasing website that has earned the praise of many of its nearly • Developing Internet websites on sustainable community development; 2000 visitors. • Assisting public housing authorities with energy conservation; • Preparing environmentally safe integrated pest management plans for farms and Kelly has never met the core volunteers of wildlife refuges; Project Laundry List and lives over a thou- • Researching wind and solar development potential on Native Ameri- sand miles from the area in which this or- can lands. ganization has operated. These facts make her dedication especially wonderful. While NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY 3040 CONTINENTAL DRIVE BUTTE, MONTANA 59702 in part a testament to the good work which TELEPHONE (406) 494-4572 we are doing, this altruistic donation of TOLL FREE 1-800-275-6228 (ASK-NCAT) time and energy, we are guessing, could FAX (406) 494-2905 E-MAIL: [email protected] only come from a fantastic person.  WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.NCAT.ORG

THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM ever, we have big houses and broken does not satisfy?” What’s the point of homes, high incomes and low morale, accumulating stacks of unplayed CD’s, secured rights and diminished civility. closets full of seldom worn clothes, was $8,700. Today it is $20,000. Com- We excel at making a living but often fail garages with luxury cars-all purchased pared to 1957, we are now “the doubly at making a life. We celebrate our pros- in a vain quest for an elusive joy? And affluent society” - with double what perity but yearn for purpose. We cherish what’s the point of leaving significant money buys. We have twice as many cars our freedoms but long for connection. In inherited wealth to one’s heirs, as if it per person. We eat out two and a half could buy them happiness, when that times as often. In the late 1950s, few an age of plenty, we feel spiritual hunger. wealth could do so much good in a Americans had dishwashers, clothes dry- hurting world? ers, or air conditioning; today, most do. These facts of life explode a bombshell underneath our society’s materialism: As we enter the new millennium more So, believing that a little more money Economic growth has provided no boost and more people are asking such ques- would make us a little happier and that to human morale. When it comes to psy- tions. A new American dream is taking it’s very important to be very well off, are chological well-being, it is not the econ- shape. Having secured our human we indeed now—after four decades of omy, stupid. rights and achieved affluence, we now rising affluence —happier? We know it, sort of. Princeton sociologist long for connection and purpose. We We are not. Since 1957, the number of Robert Wuthnow reports that 89 percent seek better balance between our needs Americans who say they are “very of people say “our society is much too for independence and attachment, lib- erty and civility, me-thinking and we- happy” has declined from 35 to 32 per- materialistic.” Other people are too mate- rialistic, that is. For 84 percent also thinking. Such transformation in con- cent. Meanwhile, the divorce rate has wished they had more money, and 78 sciousness has happened before, and doubled, the teen suicide rate has nearly percent said is was “very or fairly impor- can happen again. tripled, the violent crime rate has nearly tant” to have “a beautiful home, a new quadrupled (even after the recent de- car and other nice things.” David G. Myers is a psychology professor at cline), and more people than ever Michigan’s Hope College. This article is dis- (especially teens and young adults) are One has to wonder, what’s the point? tributed courtesy the Center for a New Ameri- depressed. “Why,” wondered the prophet Isaiah, “do can Dream's bi-monthly Syndicated Column Service which explores the connections be- you spend your money for that which is I call this soaring wealth and shrinking tween consumption, quality of life, environ- not bread, and your labor for that which spirit “the American paradox.” More than ment, and values.

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 Page 4

In Memoriam

Justin Brande

1917-2000 Save Energy - Save Water - Save Your Clothes Washing machines with “tumble-action” are gentle on clothes. There is no agitator to tangle clothes and get in the way. They also conserve water and energy. As a result of the energy savings, many models have earned the gov- ernment’s ENERGY STAR certification. These new machines: • Use 40 percent less water and 50 percent less energy per load. • Clothes last longer. Tumble action cleans thoroughly and gently. • Wash large items that won't fit in a top-loader.

The average household does almost 400 loads of laundry per year, using about 40 gallons of water per full load. You could save as much as 7,000 gal- lons of water per year with a full-size ENERGY STAR clothes washer uses

For two years, Project Laundry List has held a only 20-25 gallons. And, you save on hot water bills, too. symposium. This annual conference honors the accomplishments of Justin Brande, a dedi- ENERGY STAR clothes washers are carried by appliance retailers nation- cated member of the Vermont conservation wide. If you can't find one, ask for one by name. A $75 rebate program is in community. In April, Justin passed away. A effect through December 31 for most New England utility customers. beautiful and well-attended memorial service was held at St. Stephens’ Episcopal Church in For more information on the TumbleWash program, call 1-877-TUMBLEW Middlebury, VT. (1-877-886-2539) or visit www.tumblewash.com.

Justin Brande was born in Chicago in 1917 and graduated in philosophy from Williams College in 1940. He took up smallholder farm- Fun Laundry Facts… ing in Cornwall in 1950 with his wife, Susan. Justin, along with Dick Brett, Jim Marvin and Perry Merrill, convened the first meeting of the Laundering By Numbers Vermont Natural Resources Council in 1963. • About 35 billion wash loads are At the annual meeting in 1963, Justin became done in the United States each chair. The VNRC board was formed in 1965. year, totaling 100 million tons of Justin became a board member and the or- clothes. ganization’s first executive director, resigning • If spread out over one year, that in 1969 to return to education. He received an total translates to 1,000 wash loads M.S. in Resource Economics from the Univer- started in the United States every sity of Vermont in 1975 and taught in the Envi- ronmental Studies Department at UVM until second of every day. The average his retirement in 1985. household washes 7.4 loads - about 50 pounds of laundry - per He was co-founder, along with Morris Earle, of week. the Smallholders Association. Justin also • 50 percent of all loads are washed in warm water, 35 percent in cold formed a conservation commission in Corn- wall in the 1970s, modeled on Massachusetts’ and 15 percent in hot. Ninety percent of all wash loads are put in a conservation commissions. It was among the dryer. first in the state. In the 1950s he invited Lady • The average wash load at home contains 16 items. In a typical house- Balfour, the world’s foremost proponent of hold, more than 6,000 articles of are washed in machines organic farming, to speak before an overflow each year. audience at the Middlebury Grange Hall. Thereafter he organized regional organic The Geography of Washing farming conventions that led to formation of • Citizens of the Southwest United States average the most laundry the Northeast Organic Farm Association (NOFA). Justin served on the Otter Creek loads per week; those from the Eastern United States average the Audubon Society (OCAS) Board of Directors least. for ten years, resigning in early 1998. He re- • People living in the Eastern United States are most likely to use ceived the OCAS Silver Feather award for , and consumers in the Northeast United States are most likely exceptional service to the community at the to use liquid laundry detergents. OCAS annual dinner in 1998.  This information can be found at http://www.tide.com/tipsTimeSavers/ttsTrivia.html.

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