A progressive vision: Less work, cleaner air.

Compare the difference between the right wing vision for work and the environment and the progressive vision for work and the environment. In the right wing vision, Americans work as hard as they can for as long as they can, and reap economic benefits that outweigh the sacrifice. Progressives want a more balanced approach, so that work can be sustained over a long period of time, with people working a bit less so that they can enjoy aspects of their lives outside of work.

A recent study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows that this difference in attitude has a strong impact on the economy and on the environment. The study looked at the impact of American work habits and European work habits. Europeans, who have a more relaxed, progressive attitude about work than Americans, work 22 percent fewer hours per week. If the Europeans were to change to accomodate the demands of right wingers pushing for maximum labor resource utilization, the energy consumption of Europe would increase by about one third. Because of the increased energy consumption, energy costs would rise for everyone in Europe, for business and personal use alike. Pollution would increase as well.

If America could adopt a more progressive approach to work, then we would have cleaner air and lower energy costs. A good place to start would be to place a progressive in the top job in the country, as President of the United States.

Work less. Breathe more.

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