The well being of America's economy is dependent on the free flow of money. People are continually encouraged by economists, politicians, and advertisers to spend more and save less. The gears must remain oiled to keep the economy running smoothly. As the nation fills shopping carts with merchandise and slides credit cards through credit card machines, someone must take the time to wonder. At what price to the planet does a successful economy come? Highly industrialized areas such as the United States and Western Europe consume resources at a staggering rate. The average American drains thirty-five times more resources in his or her lifetime than the average native of India. (Hertsgaard 196) The health the atmosphere has been rapidly declining since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Earth's inhabitants are using natural resources faster than they can be replenished. While this pattern of consumption is beneficial to the strength...