[jtownsend_]

Thanks very much for the ideas. Well, you're right that the demand for resources isn't infinite, but it's certainly been growing exponentially, and it's already big enough to produce a host of negative side effects. All in all it's a very long way from total resource use reducing due to successful decoupling, even as efficiency has increased. Take energy for instance. http://gailtheactuary.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/world-ener... I'm not trying to attack the goal of decoupling or the means of techno-fixes. I'm a fan of technology. I'm saying that on their own, techno-fixes are insufficient to deliver reduction in overall resource use. The sanitation example you mention is interesting. I'm not sure land as a resource works in nearly the same way as resources flowing through the economy like energy, water, metals etc. I'll have to consult an economist.