The readings for this week speculate on waste in futuristic or utopian societies. In doing so, they force us to reflect on current waste practices. Following on this theme, choose some form of waste, and briefly speculate on how, in a more socially just society, it could be organized or managed differently. If that’s too general, here are some more focused prompts to help with brainstorming:
In a utopian society, who would do the (perhaps literal) shit work?
Could specific forms of “waste” be reconceptualized as a positive thing in a utopian society? (Think about what Morris wrote about glassmaking, art, etc.)
Is the idea of a “circular economy” the main goal to strive for? What is left out (or even dystopian) in such visions?
If you’re arguing that a particular material or type of waste shouldn’t exist, what would replace it, or make it no longer needed?