Well, Joe, I don't know about you, but are we not all in the western 
world (apart from a minority of have-nots) guilty of waste by 
consumption? If I sip a dry sherry for my apéro while munching a couple 
of macadamia nuts, am I not as guilty, albeit on a lesser scale, as 
these hedonists? A TV could arguably be more wasteful and less 
productive than some good books for entertainment. As an omnivore, could 
I argue that the beef stew I had yesterday evening, followed by a 
stupendously delicious locally-grown mango is wasteful?

My problem is where to draw the line and does the position of that line 
change from person to person. The reductio ad absurdum is if we 
deliberately lower our living style to that of the poorest in the world. 
Then what would we do with our riches?

Finally, I'll ask you another question. I have a hybrid car, motive 
being to reduce my carbon footprint. This car cost 30% more than a more 
polluting cousin of equal size and performance. Is that 30% profligate 
spending?

Brian

Joe Fjelstad wrote:
> Not on topic, but an example of what is arguably waste of a  different sort. 
> (IMHO) 
>  
> The link provides an example of what might be considered "conspicuous  
> consumption" as defined in "Theory of the  Leisure Class". 
>  
> People can spend their money as they please and no doubt some  jobs are 
> provided in the process but it seems a pity they can't find better  uses for it 
> (again IMO).
>  
> I wonder how many EU parliamentarians will attend... ;-)  
>  
> _http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/11/worlds-most-extravagant-party-in-dubai-will-
> be-visible-from-spa/?icid=200100397x1209104387x1200535689_ 
> (http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/11/worlds-most-extravagant-party-in-dubai-will-be-visible-from-spa
> /?icid=200100397x1209104387x1200535689) 
> 
> 
> 
> **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, 
> plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.      
> (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)
>