It seems like there are still people in this world that are not capable of understanding that our resources are as finite as their lives. It is in our best interests to enjoy both in a responsible way. A life based only on consuming goods is not only stupid but also empty. I believe that our systematic misuse of finite resources is turning into extravagant waste, in a race to nowhere.

Do you believe I am exaggerating? Follow my argument and perhaps you will understand our present absurdity where we replaced ethical standards with an out of control cycle of production and consumption.

Consider that 8 out of every 10 products launched in the United States are destined to fail. In fact in 2005, more than 156,000 new products were launched globally-the equivalent of one new product every three minutes. If 52% of all new brands and 75% of individual products fail, then I believe that we have a surreal situation involving a case of human stupidity.

In this cycle, we are simply launching products that nobody really wants and provoking a waste of energy and resources.  If we consider that this planet supports a growing population of 6.5 billion, don’t you think we should think twice before we decide how to use our resources?

Access to natural resources like water, food and energy will be under pressure as a result of our unstoppable growth. I suspect that soon we will have to start questioning how we can use resources in a sustainable way that will will positively affect our lifestyles forever.

Let me give you some questions to ponder:

• Do you believe that it is ethical to waste 350 gallons of Evian in a special spa treatment, when  millions of children are dying because they don’t have access to fresh water?

• Isn’t it sheer stupidity to spend $ 250,000 on a diamond dog collar? I love dogs but don’t you think that this money it could find a better use? I am sure the dog would rather enjoy a nice run in the park over a shiny diamond collar wrapped around its neck?
• Do you really need to give your baby with a $17,000 14 karat white gold pacifier that has 278 diamonds?

In this list of absurd extravagance, I tend to feel better about those that understand how fortunate they are-for example, Bill and Melinda Gates who have made the largest charitable donation ever.  They donated $5 billion to the William H. Gates Foundation, which is committed to promoting greater access in global health and education.

The world is changing for the better and I certainly believe that we are witnessing the establishment of a new frontier-between rational and irrational buyers, between wasters and conservationist. At the end of the day I can live without a $17,000 pacifier. Can you?